Jacqueline recalls being amazed when she first saw CFA’s technicians at work, performing tasks such as testing the viscosity of oils, looking at metals through ICP, testing for water in fuel, and observing how fuel behaves at certain temperatures. “It’s like, ‘Whoa!’” Jacqueline says. “Everything about the fuels is so interesting.” Years later, she’s still impressed. Many of CFA’s customers actually make fuel, including that from soybeans, which CFA tests to ensure that it conforms to the necessary quality control of biodiesel.
Because they run the gamut of analyses for so many customers, CFA must optimize and streamline all of their processes to keep pace with demand. This applies to maintaining adequate inventory to minimize lag time in testing and avoid delays for customers. Jacqueline says Quartzy has helped CFA better manage their labs so they can devote time to important analysis rather than sifting through paperwork or frantically trying to track down research supplies. Historically, Jacqueline had to call vendors to see if the many test tubes CFA uses were in stock. She finds the time saving with Quartzy comparatively refreshing. “With Quartzy, I just go in and request it,” Jacqueline says. “And by click of a button, boom boom—we are done. No wait time.”
According to Jacqueline, the tracking information that automatically shows up for Quartzy orders is another convenient time-saver. Quartzy has saved CFA money, too—about $15,000 on items offered at lower prices than CFA would otherwise pay through vendors. Jacqueline says Quartzy is also good about letting her know if a desired item is backordered or no longer available. “Every time I ask them for something, they always respond right away,” Jacqueline says. “They even help by finding matches for items that are not on Quartzy. Jacqueline recalls looking for a mesh that didn’t come with an instrument. She was impressed when Quartzy connected with the manufacturer to find it for her.
Cashman Equipment is one of the top Caterpillar dealerships in North America. As such, Jacqueline has recommended Quartzy to other Caterpillar dealerships throughout the United States and Europe. “I told them how convenient and easy and what a money saver it is,” Jacqueline says. “I told them all the money we save on test tubes and they were so impressed.”
Cashman Equipment and CFA are highly impressive, too. Founded by James “Big Jim” Cashman, Cashman Equipment has been family owned and operated for more than 85 years. It is one of the few Cat dealerships in the world run by a woman—MaryKaye Cashman—and employs more than 700 people. While those hundreds of employees are busy helping Cashman Equipment sell, service, rent, and power the machines needed for big jobs, CFA keeps testing lubricants, monitoring equipment conditions, and enhancing equipment life and reliability—and Quartzy is just one reason why.
