How Technology Affects Construction and Cooling, Technology Leaders magazine, June 2019

JUNE 2019

NEWS

Is Intelligent Automation Really Replacing Human Workers?

30

Global Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Software Market 2019-2024: Growing Adoption of Industrial Robots Across Industry Verticals

The global mHealth market size is expected to reach USD 151.57 billion by 2025

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36

EDITOR‘S NOTE

H

VAC systems, in our modern days are enjoying an unprecedented boost in features that only serve to highlight the innovative technological advancements that they are undergoing. Not only have these improved their overall functionalities but they have also proven to cut the costs of utility expenses as well.

Indeed, if there is one factor that stands out in all these improvements, it is the apparent efficacy that these units and systems are now able to run in. Of course, there is also the matter of maintenance, which would always be an integral factor to any owner of an air conditioning unit. Ask any expert in HVAC systems and he would always encourage you to practice preventive maintenance on them.

How Technology Influences Air Cooling System The technology’s influence has extended to air conditioning’s renovation as well, as is evidenced by the following list of advancements as far as it is concerned. Every 18 months data density and subsequent technology is predicted to be double.

Technology is advancing at such a fast rate, by the time you are used to current tech 4

Modern Generation Tech of Cooling System The construction industry has been essentially focused on technology that surges job site competence and output improvements.

there is a newer and more efficient process being put into place.

Construction has always been an industry to stick behind their traditional methods. But, recently we have seen that construction professionals have to keep up with the times or be left behind. So how technology is really changing the commercial landscape of construction industry? Here we outlined a few ways technology is playing an important role in delivering quality service to the consumer. This is the reason air conditioning system was developed and recreated by

advance technology.

Everything is digital now, these modern technologies may rather create than destroy.

Regional Office: LG Electronics Gulf FZE, P.O Box 61445, Dubai. Tel: +971 4 279 9222, UAE, Mr. Amjad Abu Alika, Tel: +971 50 450 9808, email: amjad.abualika@lge.com; Fortune International Trading LLC, Mr. Wail Halbouni, Tel: +971 50 481 3570, email: fortintl@emirates.net.ae; Ghantoot Trading, Mr. Nour Haboush, Tel: +971 50 109 4109, email: nour.h@ghantootgroup.ae; District Cooling Company, Mr. Ahmed Henedi, Tel: +971 50 658 4832, email: ahmed@districtcoolingcompany.com; Al Yousuf Electronics, Mr. Moitra, Tel: +971 50 457 6170, email: pmoitra@alyousuf.com; Bahrain, AJM Kooheji and Sons, Mr. Jayachandran, Tel: +973 36888801, email: v.jayachandran@ajmkooheji.com: Al Babtain Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Co., Mr. Naji Kataya, Tel: +965 5 051 5771, email: nkataya@albabtaingroup.com,kw; BLK, Mr. Imad Rhayel, Tel: +965 5 157 1229, email: irhayel@blk.com.kw; Oman, Oman Gulf Enterprise, Mr. Narender Kumar, Tel: +968 9 747 4505, email: narenderk@otegroup.com; Aspire Projects and Service, Mr. Vivek Wagh, Tel: +968 99357694, email: vivekwagh@aspireoman.com; Azerbaijan, NBC LLC., Mr. Elkhan Sadikhov, Tel: +994 50 216 3363, email: elkhan.sadikhov@nbc.com; Al-Con Maxiwell Group, Mr. Vagif Alexperov, Tel: + 994 50 216 2092, email: maxiwellbaku@inbox.ru; Armenia/Georgia, ARAY Gulf, Mr. Vilson Melikjanyan, Tel: +374 9 307 7755, email: vilson@aray.am; Yemen, Modern House Exhibition, Mr. Khaled Jabr, Tel: +967 71 172 0202, email: mail@mhe-yemen.com; Pakistan, Iceberg Industries (Lucky Goldstar), Mr. Imran Jamil Khan, Tel: +923 21 277 6100, email: ceo@icebergindustries.net

CON TENTS

NEWS

14 Construction Technology That Affects Cooling System

30 Is Intelligent Automation Really Replacing Human Workers?

34 Global Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Software Market 2019-2024: Growing Adoption of Industrial Robots Across Industry Verticals

36 The global mHealth market size is expected to reach USD 151.57 billion by 2025

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F E AT U R E S T O RY

40 Why undertaking an MBA at American University of Sharjah could be the best decision you make for your engineering career

44 Oscillating Axle is a Valuable Feature on Rough Terrain

48 How to Conduct an Open House Day for Access Platforms Clients? Manlift Group Marketing Tips

52 A President and Civil Engineering Board Exam Topnotcher

58 Senior Citizen Engineer?

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S P E C IA L F E AT U R E

This Might Be the Best Wall Mounted Aircon in the Philippines With the growing range of choices for split-type aircon in the market, here are a few justifiable reasons why this might be the best split type aircon yet.

B

uying an air conditioning unit can be a very confusing task.

Considering the handful of types and sizes of aircon available in the market, choosing which one is the most appropriate for your homes and establishments can be quite puzzling. Honestly, there are quite a few factors to keep in mind before purchasing an aircon, so to make the decision more of an ease and less of a hassle, here are a few reasons why TOSOT LOMO A5 Series Inverter might be the perfect wall mounted air-conditioner for you.

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What is a Split-type Aircon?

A split-type aircon is a type of central air-conditioning system.

Split-type air-conditioning units are composed of two major peripherals: a relatively large compressor or condenser typically placed outside the home and an air-handling unit placed inside. The two units are linked via a conduit which keeps the suction tubing, refrigerant tubing, condensate drain, and power cable together. The compressor is ideally placed outdoors since it can be quite noisy and hot when operating.

General Benefits of Wall Mounted (Split-type)

•More Appealing

Compared to a window-type aircon, TOSOT wall mounted aircon is more pleasant to the eyes and adds to the aesthetics of the entire room.

•Well-Insulated Split-type aircons are also well-insulated than the regular window-type AC which has poor insulation. Better insulation means greater energy efficiency.

But among the multitude of aircon types one can see in the nearby appliance store, why choose a split-type?

• Permanent Cooling

While split-type AC requires some minor construction and professional installation that can somewhat be a hassle for the homeowners and the contractors, choosing this kind of air-conditioning unit is more of an advantage rather than a burden. The Philippines is sunny and humid most of the year and requires that homes and establishments are cool and comfortable almost every day. So having permanent cooling equipment available for use is such a great convenience during these times.

• Less Intrusion

The TOSOT LOMO A5 Series Inverter aircon, built to be compact and stylish, is wall mounted and frees your windows. You don’t need to block any openings with window-type ACs so you can enjoy the warm summer sunlight filling your home. The floor area is also not covered with bulky portable air coolers.

Furthermore, it produces more subtle sounds compared to the other types, making it a better choice for a home and establishment aircon.

Features to Look Out For in the Split-type (Wall Mounted) Aircon •Earth-friendly

•Remote and Wired Furnished with an all-new refrig- Control erant called R32, TOSOT LOMO A5 Series Inverter aircon is both energy-efficient and eco-friendly.

•Precise Temperature Control

In buying the perfect aircon for your home, one thing to consider is the capability of the unit to output precise temperature control just like the TOSOT LOMO A5 aircon.

Since the unit is basically installed a few feet up on the wall, it is convenient and flexible for the user to control the aircon from anywhere within the line of sight of the unit. There is also a wired control if ever your remote is out of batteries.

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S P E C IA L F E AT U R E

Features to Look Out For in the Split-type (Wall Mounted) Aircon Before buying a split-type aircon for your homes, it is best to determine the dimensions of the room where you want your aircon to be installed. Ideally, large rooms with more than 40 square meters will require a minimum output capacity of 10,000 BTU/hour, while for medium-sized rooms, about 9,000 BTU/hour is already enough.

Good thing the TOSOT LOMO A5 Series aircons’ output capacity has a wide range from 9000 BTU/hour to 17000 BTU/ hour. The TWC09VRE which has a capacity of 9000 BTU/hour is best for rooms with floor areas from 32 to 37 square meters.

The TWC12VRE, on the other hand, fits rooms up to 51 square meters. The biggest unit in the series, the TWC18VRE can cool rooms with floor areas about 90 square meters.

Another factor to consider is buying an inverter-type aircon, like the TOSOT LOMO A5 Series. In regular ACs, the compressor turns on or off depending on the room’s temperature, but in inverter types, the compressor is always on but consumes varying amounts of power depending on the temperature. This is certain10

ly less energy-consuming since the compressor does not always operate at its maximum capacity.

This also lengthens its life span as the load is lesser compared to the regular ones. The inverter-type may be a bit more expensive, but the investment is sure worth it in the long run. Inverter ACs reduce energy costs by up to 50 percent, cutting back on your monthly electricity bills.

To find out the best wall mounted air conditioner for your home,

office or party event venue, visit TOSOT showroom located at 2162 FB Harrison St., San Jose, Pasay City, Philippines or call +632-8330000 to book an appointment. You may also visit their website (click here) to get more information about the best split type aircon in the Philippines.

S P E C IA L F E AT U R E

AUS’ Fulbright Scholar conducts research in Tianjin, China Sharjah, UAE. May 13, 2019—Associate Professor of Architecture at American University of Sharjah (AUS) Marcus Farr is currently pursuing research in China as a Fulbright Scholar. One of the world’s most prestigious and competitive fellowship programs, the Fulbright Schol12

ar Program has provided funding for qualified recipients to study, conduct research, teach or exercise their talents abroad. Fulbright recipients have included scores of Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize winners.

As part of the program, Farr

is undertaking research and teaching at Tianjin University Graduate School of Architecture. Farr is studying ancient Chinese architectural and building traditions, examining how these historical methods could help today’s architects find solutions to China’s unprecedented urban

growth, and creation of what have been termed “mega cities.” Farr’s work is of much relevance in both China and globally, as new approaches to construction and urban planning are necessary for allowing large populations to live comfortably within geographically limited spaces.

As environmental considerations become an increasing concern for governments around the world, Farr’s research into historical techniques could help to foster more environmentally sustainable practices in the present day.

He is currently examining the buildings of foreign concessions in Tianjin dating from the 1600s, exploring how the architecture of these buildings could hold clues for modern buildings in the city, and further afield.

Founded in 1946 by US Senator J. William Fulbright, the Fulbright Program is part of the United States government’s public diplomacy agenda, helping to improve intercultural relations, cultural diplomacy and intercultural competence between the people of the United States and other countries through the exchange of persons, knowledge and skills. Since his arrival in China, Farr has therefore been joining his Fulbright counterparts in gaining an in-depth understanding of Chinese

history and culture, travelling to the southwestern city of Dali to see relics of China’s history first-hand. The group of scholars has also spent time with the United States Ambassador to China, the United States Consul General to China, and other high-ranking diplomats, gaining an appreciation of their role as Fulbright scholars in representing the United States government.

population growth.”

AUS is chronicling Farr’s Fulbright journey through regular posts on the AUS Blog.

The latest installment in this series can be read here: www. aus.edu/fulbright-research.

Under the program, Farr has also begun teaching a group of graduate architecture students at Tianjin University.

He says of the importance of this cross-cultural experience: “Successful architects need to understand their practice from a global perspective and consider how international influences can potentially benefit the form and function of their work. The Fulbright Program allows me to learn from the Chinese experience of urbanization and the solutions created as a result.

It also allows my students to gain new perspectives from my background as an architect and academic in the United States, the Middle East and other parts of Asia. This cultural exchange is valuable in the professional development of architects, and is also hugely important in the creation of architectural solutions that meet current challenges, such as climate change and rapid 13

The construction industry is repeatedly criticized for being inefficient and slow to modernize.

The simple methods of construction, techniques and technologies have altered little since Roman times. But the application of modernization in the construction industry is not straight forward.

Every construction task is different, every site is a singular prototype, and con14

struction works are located in different places and involve the constant movement of personnel and machinery.

In addition to this, the weather and other factors can prevent the application of previous experience effectively.

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COVER STORY

Advanced Construction Technology in relevance to Cooling System The coined term “advanced construction technology�, covers a wide range of modern techniques and practices that encompass the latest developments in materials technology, design procedures, quantity surveying, facilities management, services, structural analysis and design as well as management studies. Incorporating advances construction technology into practice can increase levels of quality, efficiency, safety, sustainability and value for money. How16

ever, there is often a conflict between traditional industry methods and innovative new practices and this is often blamed for the relatively slow rate of technology transfer within the industry.

The adoption of advanced construction technology requires an appropriate design, commitment from the whole project team, suitable procurement strategies, good quality control, appropriate training and careful commissioning.

Advanced technological companies recently designed an air conditioner so efficient, that not only does it provide cooling but it can also generate enough electricity to create potential revenue. The device makes use of some high tech, currently used technology such as a heat/ mass exchange, while also implementing some new techniques that could see it become the most efficient air conditioner yet. The system works by entrapping warm humid air and introducing it into a dehumidifier inside a mass transfer device (HMX).

A liquid desiccant or a high concentration of salt is then added into the HMX. The salt 18

then absorbs the humidity from the air, initiating the water to start an equilibrium process to balance the salt and water concentration. The salt solution, after absorbing moisture, has a slightly reduced concentration of salt due to the water. It is pumped to an evaporation device that removes much of the humidity.

In the process of evaporation, the salt solution heats up, requiring outside air and water to cool it down in an isolated environment. The air is then heated, seemingly contradicting the cooling initiative.

COVER STORY

How Changes in Technology Affect the Cooling System

While changes in modern cooling system technology might not be apparent in day-to-day servicing, the fact is that auto manufacturers are continuing to increase fuel economy and power output by changing how the cooling system operates. But technical change has developed very gradually. In the beginning, a few turn-of-the-century auto manufacturers relied on a thermal-expansion cooling system that was based upon the tendency of hot water to rise out of the engine cylinder head into the top of a vertical-core radiator, where it would condense and re-enter the bottom of the engine block. Although thermal expansion systems 20

worked well on low-output engines, they were insufficient to cool the high-speed engines.

Many market forecasters confidently predict that the global heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) market will grow rapidly and dramatically due to construction projections and urbanization in developing nations. Sustaining growth using current vapor-compression technology is due to developing commercial applications during the first half of the 20th century.

Modern vapor compression refrigeration systems power the air conditioning in

our homes, office buildings, and cars, as well as satisfy our residential and commercial refrigeration needs. While vapor compression is a very mature and relatively inexpensive technology, it is nearing the limits of potential energy efficiency improvements, and yet its use still represents a substantial proportion of our energy consumption, second only to lighting in the U.S. alone. Liquid refrigerants in common use today often escape into the environment, accumulate in the atmosphere when initially closed systems develop leaks with time, and cannot be recaptured.

“Auto manufacturers are continuing to increase fuel economy and power output by changing how the cooling system operates.�

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COVER STORY

Application of Technology to Cooling System to Sustain Demands Alternative technology has actually been with us for quite some time. Caloric materials and compounds that can generate strong cooling effects when cyclically acted upon by magnetic, electric, or mechanical forces can be incorporated into refrigeration systems that are dramatically more energy efficient than current vapor compression models.

Automotive engineers are

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currently faced with increasing the efficiency of the cooling system while reducing cooling system weight. Project and construction information was difficult to share back in the day.

With today’s construction project management software and automated signature applications we are able to more efficiently process documents for approval to keep the job moving along

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and avoid delays.

Leveraging technology make things easy for our clients is what makes us stand out from the rest. Believing that the potential generation gains in energy efficiency, productivity and new features that the emerging solid-state, caloric cooling technologies have to offer are too significant to ignore and overlook.

Efficiency gains are available with each cooling system design.

New systems have the most potential for optimization using the latest technology, although existing systems have potential as well but will generally be limited by layout and construction issues.

The type of cooling system selected requires extensive evaluation at the design stage of a project using many design inputs including costs, layout and size, water availability, energy consumption, energy efficiency, ambient conditions, seasons and weather, and many others depending on the project.

Annual variations in local water and air temperatures have the largest influence on the efficiency of the cooling system. System efficiency is a function of the costs of the energy and resource input needed to operate the system vs. the amount of cooling achieved. Technology is significantly used to operate machines and other costs incurred include energy sources costs as well as regulatory costs and penalties -end-.

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NEWS

Is Intelligent Automation Really Replacing Human Workers?

When intelligent automation first hit the market, some thought it was too far-fetched to ever become a reality. But as more and more organizations began recognizing the many benefits – from increased productivity and efficiency to lower costs and fewer errors – people started worrying, wondering whether this technology would spell the end of the human workforce as we knew it. Would artificial intelligence really start taking over jobs? To answer that question, those asking it must look inward.

In reality, the impact automation has on the workforce will depend largely on how humans themselves respond. When faced with the rising adoption of AI, workers will likely take one of two paths. The first group will continue to focus on the type of work they’ve always done, but do so more efficiently thanks to the assistance of machine learning. The second will take this as a golden opportunity to pursue their ambitions, further their education to broaden their skill sets, put their creativity and innovation to work and move on to more value-added, meaningful work. In either case, the organization will benefit, as will 30

most of the employees.

In particular, roles that have a primary focus on people, such as customer support and HR, have the potential to benefit greatly from intelligent automation. Instead of being bogged down by repetitive, menial tasks that can easily (and more quickly) be handled by software, agents will be freed up to tackle more complex issues requiring a human touch. Furthermore, the improved allocation of resources afforded by AI will enable agents to prevent issues from occurring in the first place. This can dramatically improve both customer and employee satisfaction rating.

This concept can also be applied to the IT help desk. Rather than waiting until system problems arise and scrambling to fix them in a timely and effective manner, help desk agents can use the extra time automation provides them with to monitor and proactively address technical issues before they occur. Imagine how impressed the CEO will be when he gets a call from IT letting him know his hard drive was about to fail, but it’s been taken care of.

In both of these scenarios, the human worker is enhancing their interactions with their colleagues and/or customers. And since intelligent automation is there to take on the routine, manual tasks, the

31

human agents themselves are also able to improve.

The reality is, very few organizations are focusing on using AI to eliminate jobs. Instead, they are focused on automating tasks, which in turn will improve productivity, streamline how work is completed, eliminate errors and cut costs. In other words, companies implementing automation are not doing so to replace human workers, but rather to augment and make their lives easier. As a result, everyone benefits – from employees and management to clientele and ultimately the organization’s bottom line.

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33

NEWS

Global Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Software Market 2019-2024: Growing Adoption of Industrial Robots Across Industry Verticals

T

he “Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV) Software Market - Forecasts from 2019 to 2024� report

The global automated guided vehicle (AGV) software market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.82% to reach US$932.810 million by 2024, from US$503.632 million in 2018.

Growing adoption of industrial robots across industry verticals along with its long-term cost-effectiveness is the major factors boosting the demand for AGV soft34

ware. In addition, increasing expenditure on research and development in AGVs along with high demand for the high demand for effective software will further boost the demand for AGV software.

North America and Europe will hold a significant market share on account of the presence of major market players and early adoption of technology. The trend towards industrial automation will act as a catalyst towards the booming demand for AGV software in the Asia Pacific region over the forecast period.

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NEWS them in person.

Adoption of smartphones with subscription to mHealth apps among adult population in the U.S. is rising in order to maintain routine check. For instance, according to a paper published in NCBI in February 2016, around 91.0% of adult population in the U.S. own a mobile phone, with 61.0% of them possessing smartphones.

Further Key Findings From the Report Suggest: • In 2017, monitoring services held the largest revenue share owing to growing adoption of mhealth solutions for monitoring health conditions such as diabetes

The global mHealth market size is expected to reach USD 151.57 billion by 2025 The global mHealth market size is expected to reach USD 151.57 billion by 2025, progressing at a CAGR 25.7% over the forecast period, according to a new report

by Grand View Research, Inc. The market is majorly driven by growing geriatric population, rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and increasing penetration of smartphones and internet connections.

Technological advancements are leading to product innovations in the area of mHealth, which in turn will bode well for the market.

36

Growing inclination towards preventive healthcare and subsequently rising subscription to mHealth apps have been working in favor of the market. mHealth apps exhibit several features that offer healthcare benefits to healthcare providers as well as patients. mHealth apps provide accessibility to health related information. mHealth apps also ensure continuous communication between patients and providers, thereby allowing providers to diagnose, recommend, and monitor patients without even seeing

• The healthcare system strengthening services segment is likely to register the highest CAGR of 27.7% over the forecast period • Healthcare providers will be the most promising participant segment during the forecast period, mainly due to adoption of digital technology by healthcare facilities in order to optimize care management process • In 2017, Europe accounted for the largest revenue share in the market owing to rising research initiatives in the area of mHealth • Key players in this space include Apple Inc.; AT&T; Airstrip Technologies; Allscripts Healthcare Solutions; Google Inc; Orange; Soft Serve; mQure; and Samsung Electronics.

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NEWS

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MIDDLE EAST NEWS

Why undertaking an MBA at American University of Sharjah could be the best decision you make for your engineering career

Are you an engineer with aspirations to secure a management position, or start your own business? Have you considered how a Master of Business Administration (MBA) might help you realize these goals?

An undergraduate engineering degree provides essential technical knowledge for entry-level engineering positions, and for the first few years in an engineer’s career. However, as engineers ascend in their orga40

nization, their time is often less focused on technical problems, and more toward solving business challenges. As engineers are promoted, they often encounter the challenge of managing people and teams, and are required to oversee budgets and timelines.

For many engineers, undertaking an MBA allows them to navigate these challenges with confidence, and prove to their peers and leaders that they have not only excellent technical skills, but also

the capacity to strategically evaluate business problems and lead change. The MBA offered by the School of Business Administration (SBA) at American University of Sharjah (AUS) has long been a popular choice for ambitious engineers in the region, helping them to scale the heights of their profession, and, in some cases, successfully launch their own businesses and achieve financial success.

The AUS MBA is one of the region’s most highly regarded.

SBA has been ranked by U.S. News as being the region’s number one business school. It is also one of the region’s few

business schools to have achieved accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).

Of the 15,000 business schools worldwide, only 760 have been accredited by AACSB, demonstrating the standard of learning provided at SBA. Such accolades give engineers undertaking an MBA through AUS confidence that their degree will be recognized and respected throughout their future careers, whether in the Middle East or further afield.

The structure and flexibility of AUS’ MBA allows engineers to 41

MIDDLE EAST NEWS

undertake the program while also successfully meeting the demands of their employers.

The program has been designed to permit professionals who are busy with their career and family obligations to balance their commitments. The program’s courses are taught during weekday evenings, and students can take as little as 15 months or as long as five years to complete the MBA. A wide selection of course electives also allows MBA students to tailor the program to their career or industry needs.

For many of AUS’ MBA students, 42

it is the experience and real-world understanding of SBA’s faculty that makes their experience so valuable. They represent 34 countries of origin, and have earned PhDs in their respective business disciplines from AACSB-accredited, predominantly North American, universities. Their understanding of the regional and global business environment offers SBA students precious insight, and prepares them well for the challenges and opportunities that await them as they advance through their careers.

In addition, the learning and sharing of ideas and experiences among the MBA student body is invaluable. Our students come from a wide range of academic and ethnic backgrounds, as well as industry experiences, providing valuable insights and connections within the AUS MBA student and alumni network.

Kevin Rose Dias, who completed a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering at AUS and who is now undertaking his MBA at AUS, says:

“During my time as a candidate for the Master in Business Administration (MBA) at the American University of Sharjah, I have been involved in extensive academic and research work contributing to the program and my profession. My professional journey as a data analyst in business intelligence and marketing analytics is complemented by my MBA studies and academic research paths I have undertaken. The leadership, decision-making and innovation attitude fostered through the MBA program has also enabled me to contribute

back to the community, reflected by my being a guest speaker at various university/public events and my various published research work. The MBA studies have definitely complemented my engineering undergraduate degree, building on my design-thinking mentality and giving me considerably more scope for accelerated growth in my chosen career path.�

To learn more about the AUS MBA, visit: www.aus.edu/sba.

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MIDDLE EAST NEWS

Oscillating Axle is a Valuable Feature on Rough Terrain Aerial Work Platforms (AWPs) often integrated into scissor lifts and boom lifts

When using an oscillating axle system, the two sides of the axle can pivot in response to flooring surface on which they operate so that all wheels remain on the ground when the equipment is on the move, but lock into place when the boom is elevated, to ensure stability. This means greater safety when operating the boom, and a smoother ride

44

and greater operator control (and confidence) when moving the equipment. The system also reduces the risk that the AWP will get stuck, because the wheels are always in contact with the ground so they can always be used to propel the equipment over the terrain.

MIDDLE EAST NEWS

Not all AWPs are fitted with the feature, as it requires a more complex mechanical system with more hydraulics and more electronics. Nonetheless over the years, oscillating axles have been offered as a standard feature on more and more AWPs produced by most of the leading manufacturers.

Normally, if the platform is in the air, the oscillating axle feature is disabled. The reason is that the stability is reduced. Indeed, if ever there is any sort of equipment malfunction, one of the checks that we at Manlift run is to ensure that the oscillating axle system does automatically lock during operation and is only functional when the platform is in transport position.

However, an interesting variation is the active oscillating axle offer

by Genie. This system has the additional benefit of being able to drive the AWP even when the boom is elevated and while the axle is oscillating. This brings with it improved maneuverability over slightly uneven ground even when the access platform is elevated.

The various usages and benefits of oscillating axle were discussed during IPAF trainings to give operators a full understanding of how this important feature works and how to use it to best advantage.

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A S I A PA C I F I C N E W S

How to Conduct an Open House Day for Access Platforms Clients? Manlift Group Marketing Tips The key focus of Manlift’s open house day is the demonstration of the Manlift Way Having an open house day will allow us to build a foundation of trust with new and existing customers who are working in any industry that utilizes aerial work platforms. This delivery of the best customer experience is an important part of our mission and vision at Manlift as well as give our customers the chance to learn about our new value solutions that help them achieve the highest level of safety and efficiency.

The key focus of Manlift’s open house day is the demonstration of the Manlift Way. As the heartbeat of our company, the Manlift Way aims to showcase the latest improvements and advancements in our processes and services 48

while giving added values to our (potential) customers.

Additionally, such an event is a great reason for everyone to have look around, chat with our key account managers, or other stakeholders and experience the culture of Manlift.

360 degree Task Force Team Preparation is the key!

As with any event, organizing an open house day requires COOPERATION. It works only if everyone is willingly giving time and effort to the project and bringing their differing skills to the table.

Being systematic and having a proper agenda and action reg-

ister will help to not only gain an overview on all the steps that need to be taken, but also to not forget any important aspects: Defining next the project owner who drives and leads the project, coordinates with different team members and supports the team when needed is crucial.

Defining next the project owner who drives and leads the project, coordinates with different team members and supports the team when needed is crucial.

At Manlift, “The Manlift Way champion” makes sure to grant the best yard layout, promoting great visual experience, and an excellent flow to facilitate a “walk

A S I A PA C I F I C N E W S through� the depot rental cycle, incl. the explanation of our depot bays. In fact, for each depot cell, we allocate a team member to share key criterias of the respective bay station.

Prior to the event, the workshop manager, yard controller and safety representative conduct the 6S internally and externally.

They prepare the visual signages, re-paint mark cell boundaries if necessary and carry out a depot risk assessment. We also suggest barricading off the area of the tour.

On a final note, the safety measures also need to be checked and made available such as PPE, high visibility vest and workshop layout displays.

From the communication point of view, the marketing team is responsible for sending out the invitations and promoting the Manlift Open House Day. This will be conducted through landing pages,press releases, and across all social media channels with a special attraction to come to the event with something that’s new and beneficial for customers.

Furthermore, the marketing team is responsible for creating a professional ambiance with proper, consistent branding in the yard. Manlift’s value propositions will be displayed through banners or pop ups and marketing materials such as leaflets and brochures. We will also create a nice give away for our customers, to make an impact on how we are perceived by them in return.

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The Commercial Team will be responsible for the tour guides, carrying out personal tours, and sending personal invites to customers across all industries.

Our Stores Controller ensures proper parts Kanban (signboard in Japanese).

and time at the beginning of your team meeting.

Training Department conducts a live IPAF training during the Open House Day.

At least two weeks prior to the event, set a deadline for registration once the date of the Open House Day is confirmed and announced accordingly.

Rental Desk Team / Hire Desk Team prepares KPI visual display, KPI explanation, hire process, sales app, etc.

In any case, the best way to learn is to visit us and experience Manlift for yourself!

At least one representative from all departments should be involved.

Make sure to agree on a proper budget to avoid facing any financial burdens in the end.

Also, make sure to define the day

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A S I A PA C I F I C N E W S Filipinos recognize Fidel V. Ramos, or FVR, as the 12th President of the Philippine Republic who served from 1992 to 1998. The non-Roman Catholic leader was confronted with key national issues like the communist insurgencies and the Islamic separatist movement in Mindanao, but managed to forward the rapid economic growth early in his term. This fell apart later when a financial crisis hit Asia in 1997.

A President and Civil Engineering Board Exam Topnotcher FVR may not be a lawyer like many of the Philippine Presidents, but he is a licensed civil engineer who was a topnotcher.

Before he became the country’s commander-in-chief prior to Corazon Aquino, he was head of the Philippine Constabulary during Ferdinand Marcos’ regime. He was a key implementer of the martial law, but later defected from the government during the 1986 People Power Revolution. FVR led civilian demonstrations putting Marcos into exile.

That is what is mostly written in history books about him.

But there is also one thing that people should know about FVR which makes him unique among the Philippine presidents: FVR may not be a lawyer, but he is a licensed civil engineer who was a topnotcher.

Prior to this achievement, FVR joined the Philippine Military Academy as a cadet but didn’t finish as the 18-year-old won a government scholarship to the United States Military Academy in West Point. This was after he passed a series of qualifying examinations which he aced.

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A year after graduating in 1950, he grabbed the opportunity to take an engineering course in the US and applied for a government scholarship. He was accepted.

FVR received a one-and-a-halfyear grant for his Masters of Civil Engineering degree in one of the leading science and technology universities in the US, the University of Illinois.

FVR came back home with his master’s degree and reported to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). He was assigned

to the southern military area in Canlubang, Calamba, Laguna where the Hukbalahap movement was active. It wasn’t long that the Korean War intervened and his battalion combat team was sent to the war zone in Korea in 1952.

His tour of duty was successful, so he came to the country only to be assigned to a star position in General Headquarters, AFP. Realizing that he wants to be board-certified about his being a

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A S I A PA C I F I C N E W S

civil engineer, FVR reviewed for the board examination. At the time, he was working at Camp Aguinaldo (then Camp Murphy) and had to find all the means to rush to school.

felt the need to help in rebuilding the structures of his beloved country.

He revealed in a Business Mirror interview that his decision to become an engineer came a little late at 17 years old.

“I saw the massive damage when we came back to Manila after liberation sometime in February 1945,” FVR recalls. “And when I was crossing the Pasig River on a pontoon bridge, put up by the American liberation forces because the old Nagtahan Bridge had been blown up, I decided right then and there to become an engineer, in order to help in the reconstruction of the Philippines.”

That was after World War II, where many of the Philippines’ buildings were destroyed including the Post Office Building, the Manila Metropolitan Theater, and the Manila City Hall. FVR saw the wreckage and

After he topped the board exam and just as he felt the need to settle down and get married, FVR met a former schoolmate named Amelita Martinez. They got married after six months of courtship.

The 25-year-old FVR took the 1953 Civil Engineering Board Examination at the National University in Sampaloc, Manila, only to place 8th overall.

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In the early days of their marriage, FVR decided to enroll at the University of the Philippines College of Law to follow the footsteps of his father, former Ambassador Narciso Ramos, who was a successful lawyer and diplomat. However, this became difficult for the couple that his wife had made him choose.

“But it turned out that going to UP Law in the Ermita district was too much of my newly married status, and so my wife gave me an ultimatum: It’s either me or that law degree that you want so badly,” he says. “So I said, ‘of course I want you,’ and I gave up the law degree.”

Note that six of the Philippine Presidents were bar topnotchers.

FVR is one of the non-lawyers,

A S I A PA C I F I C N E W S

and the only one to receive a distinction of being a board topnotcher.

FVR went on to take two more master’s degree: one in National Security Administration at the National Defense College of the Philippines in 1969, and the other is in Business Administration at the Ateneo de Manila University in 1980. He holds five degrees as doctor of laws honoris causa. To add to that is the books he wrote counting close to 30 while in retirement.

Politics didn’t end for FVR after his term as President, as he was still involved in several 56

influential political organizations.

A little less than two years before the 2010 national elections, he urged voters to elect an engineer for President, if there were any. He hinted during a keynote speech in a Cebu conference that an engineer can better lead the Philippines compared to an economist. He said this without naming names.

“Let’s just say that we need someone who can visualize the whole picture, start and actualize,” FVR shares, referring to the skills inherent to an engineer.

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F E AT U R E S T O RY

Senior Citizen Engineer? Nobody is Ever Too Old Age is just a number in Engineering!

I browse engineers’ forums regularly. In Quora and in Reddit, I always come across posts about users, sometimes in late 20s and more often in mid-30s, asking for public opinion whether or not they should pursue an engineering course at that age. And the answers, which come from the younger ones to people of their batch, unanimously express one thing: age is just a number.

It must be taboo for them that once you are no longer in the ideal age to be a college student, you are less likely to succeed or not at all. Last time I checked, there is no standard age to enroll in engineering. Hence, nobody is ever too old to become an engineer, or to become any professional for that matter.

From the forums, I have gathered that many brave – and old – souls have made the jump; however, they are not too many to be common. A lot of them come from different industries, regardless if related to engineering, but realized that they want to become an engineer later in life.

Which is completely all right.

I agree with the answers because age is just a number indeed – it is immaterial to reach one’s dreams.

‘Age doesn’t matter’ is usually 58

applied in other contexts but it fits so well in this situation.

One cannot rule out though that there may be to varying circumstances that affect the decision of the elderly to be involved in engineering. But I can say that they can only be ruled out as excuses – unless they are planning to take engineering half-heartedly – once they know the story of Colonel Sanders who went through an awful lot in life before he became an icon of Finger Lickin’ Good.

Long before he was known to be the founder of the famous fastfood chain KFC, Colonel Sanders had worked different odd jobs like a farmer, streetcar conductor, soldier, railroad fireman, lawyer, insurance salesman, steamboat operator, secretary, and lighting manufacturer, among others. This was after he quit school in seventh grade realizing that he would rather work all day than go to school. In the first half of his life, he also had a stint in Cuba with the Army.

Until in 1930, he acquired a ser-

F E AT U R E S T O RY

vice station in Corbin, Kentucky and served Southern dishes to travelers. Over time, his little restaurant became famous which forced him to get rid of the service station’s gas pump.

It took him 9 years to discover the signature “11 herbs and spices” that KFC is well-known for, a recipe that was developed in a pressure cooker now considered obsolete. It had the ideal consistency that Sanders had been looking for.

Undoubtedly, his chicken gained 60

wide popularity. Later, he was conferred by the governor of Kentucky in 1950 with a title of colonel, the highest honor the state can give. From then on, Colonel Sanders dressed in white suit and Kentucky colonel tie which is now used as the KFC icon.

But a new interstate had bypassed Sanders’ restaurant, forcing him to sell the location in 1956. He was left with a $105 Social Security check for income, but the 65-yearold did not leave the business and went door to door

with his chicken.

Together with his wife and a car, Colonel Sanders entered restaurants, offered to cook his chicken, and made a deal with the owners in case they liked the recipe. By 1963, he already had 600 restaurants across the US and Canada selling the signature Kentucky Fried Chicken.

In October of the same year, Colonel Sanders met lawyer John Y. Brown Jr. and venture capitalist Jack C. Massey who wanted to buy the franchise rights. In 1965 and at 73 years

F E AT U R E S T O RY

old, he finally agreed to sell the rights for $2 million (valued at $15.1 million in 2015), but under certain conditions: KFC keeps the chicken recipe, and Colonel Sanders gets a lifetime salary of $40,000 (which became $75,000 later) and remains as the brand ambassador, among others.

In October of the same year, Colonel Sanders met lawyer John Y. Brown Jr. and venture capitalist Jack C. Massey who wanted to buy the franchise rights. In 1965 and at 73 years old, he finally agreed to sell the rights for $2 million (valued at $15.1 million in 2015), but under certain conditions: KFC keeps the chicken recipe, and Colonel Sanders gets a lifetime salary of 62

$40,000 (which became $75,000 later) and remains as the brand ambassador, among others.

Colonel Sanders may not be an engineer, but there are valuable lessons to learn about his journey that should be picked up by those who think that it’s too late to achieve success in life.

Nobody is ever too old to become an engineer. It doesn’t matter if you are 36 or 43, one only needs hardwork, patience and determination to succeed in life because again, age is just a number.