As useful as training seminars can be, technicians often struggle to find the time to attend. In response, IMS Limited is providing high value, technical resources online to support its customers.
For over 30 years IMS asserts that it has been supplying products that provide customers with meaningful cost savings, leading operational efficiency, low maintenance and outstanding service life. The brands that the business has selected to meet these criteria include SAF-Holland, VSE, SEM & Alex Rims – all of which are fully represented on the company’s rapidly- evolving website. Far from being merely a shop window for these products, however, the website aims to deliver ever higher value and more engaging content for users.
The best and latest example of this content comes in the form of a series of online SAF-Holland service training videos. In direct response to demands from customers and service engineers, IMS has created a comprehensive library of manufacturer-approved training videos, making these freely available via its website – www.imslimited.com.
Ben McEvoy, IMS Limited Sales & Marketing Manager, explained: “We made the commitment to produce a series of videos following a growing number of requests from our service partners. Typically, service outlets are extremely busy and technicians can find it very difficult to find time to jointly attend training sessions. They want quick and easy access to specialist instructional assets for specific tasks as and when they come into the workshop. So far, we’ve published eight videos focusing on the SAF INTRADRUM integrated suspension system, and two covering INTRADISC. “We’re filming more INTRADISC videos right now and these will be uploaded to the library in the coming months.”
Ben added: “The video resources are not intended to replace our one-to-one on-site training provision, which is a core part of our overall customer service support package, but to supplement it. This initiative was prompted by our customers and service partners. We’re keen for them to keep talking to us and letting us know what additional training resources they need, and we’ll do our best to satisfy them.”
IMS is also in the midst of producing a separate video, delivered by its own Customer Service Manager, Mark Kohrs, explaining the SAF-Holland warranty process in ‘layman’s’ terms.
Offline support
IMS carries an impressive stock of genuine SAF parts, which are available for immediate dispatch from its warehouse, located at its HQ in Shepshed. The aftermarket department is ably supported by a national network of approved parts distributors, and the in-house team is made up of trained specialists, ready to answer any parts-related technical queries. The message to customers is simple, says IMS: ‘to keep SAF axles operating safely and at peak efficiency over extended periods, fit the same components that they do in the factory – SAF-Holland OE parts.’
The other end of the process (new product sales) is looked after by the IMS Fleet and OE sales teams. All involved are well aware of the challenges that face workshops, like increased pressure on margins and tightening legislation. Consequently, they seek out, evaluate and select the most effective product solutions for each customer’s specific needs. The product line-up is now joined by SEM Transport Solutions.
An on-site team of commercial transport professionals means IMS is also able to provide expert technical advice across the full range of products, ensuring that customers can confidently specify and fit components. The sales department is supported by a dedicated, in-house logistics team for order placement and processing, while the customer service team manages the company’s programme of warranties and guarantees, as well as delivering one-to-one product installation and maintenance training.
As well as SAF-Holland, IMS also distributes the following brands:
VSE
VSE is a manufacturer of intelligent steering systems for trailers. With the VSE system, operators have easy access to urban locations previously unreachable with conventional trailers. A VSE-equipped trailer can replace rigid prime movers and ‘urban trailers’, and the steering system allows use of a 13.6m trailer in operations where 12.6, or occasionally 10.5m trailers would typically be deployed.
ALEX RIMS
ALEX RIMS’ forged aluminum wheels are said to be produced using a combination of the best alloys available. The wheels come in a range of sizes and are typically 50% lighter than steel wheels, release heat faster and extend tyre and brake life, thereby reducing fuel costs.
SEM Transport Solutions
SEM has a complete portfolio of trailer steering solutions including mechanical, hydraulic and electronic systems. SEM has also developed a new independent suspension system specifically to meet the needs of operators requiring higher load capacity within permitted trailer dimensions.
