News, Media Mentions and Videos About Intellitec
It is with great excitement that Intellitec Products LLC, of Deland, Florida, would like to announce its exclusive distribution partnership with WESCO International Inc. As of November 1st, 2015, all orders previously controlled by ABC Marketing will now be handled by WESCO Distribution.
With expansion and new opportunities on the horizon, we believe WESCO will allow us to grow while providing for all of our current and future customer needs. We would like to thank ABC Marketing for their fruitful and professional relationship over the past 8+ years.
For those that are unfamiliar with WESCO International Inc., they are a publicly traded fortune 500 company (NYSE: WCC), headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. With over 9,200 employees, they provide solutions to over 25,000 customers across multiple industries. WESCO services range from electrical, industrial, and communications maintenance, repair and operating ("MRO") and original equipment manufacturers ("OEM") product, construction materials, and advanced supply chain management and logistic services. We are extremely optimistic about our relationship with WESCO and look forward to a long, committed and successful relationship over the years.
From our team to yours, we wish you and your families a very happy and safe holiday season! If you have any questions about this news release, please contact Intellitec at sales@intellitec.com or via phone at (738) 386-7307.
Distributor Name: WESCO International Inc. Website: http://www.wesco.com
In 6 Simple steps, the fleet saving calculator enables you, using easily accessible financial information, to demonstrate the potential savings by specifying the Intellitec Battery Guard system.
This calculator will not include hidden cost savings such as late delivery penalties, customer dissatisfaction, and damage to components from operating at low battery voltage, such as alternators, starters & lift gate power packs.
Please visit http://www.fleetsavingcalculator.com
Road Commander is the latest OEM configurable control system designed and manufactured by Intellitec Products LLC. The initial release sees 7 hardware modules, a Road Commander configuration application tool and the Road Commander smart phone or tablet APP that is available for Android & IOS.
Road Commander is the perfect MULTIPLEX solution for the RV OEM, the system is very simple to configure and requires no special training or complex software, if you can click a box, you can program a Road Commander system, it really is that easy. If the OEM prefers, Intellitec can supply a fully configured system, or, a full assembled solution that would be truly plug & play.
Road Commander is Blue Tooth compatible, however, all the Road Commander hardware modules can function as stand-alone controls, our ICAN communication protocol has been designed to be bi directional, this means the OEM can use regular switches if required, or a touch screen, or the cell phone app to control anything on the RV.
For the RV owner Road Commander is the perfect solution, they need only download the free App to their Apple or Android smart phone or tablet and control is in their hands, no more searching for remotes etc., it’s all in one place. Control of lighting, light dimming, slide outs, awnings, HVAC, Gen set, monitoring of battery condition along with water tank levels is all on one configurable application on their cell phone or tablet or via an optional Command Center LCD touch screen.
View our demo video by clicking the link below.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sy73qoVP2wU&feature=youtu.be
June 1st 2017
Intellitec Products, LLC Appoints Ned Schiff as New President
DeLand, Florida – Intellitec Products, LLC board of directors has appointed Ned Schiff as President of the Company. Schiff had been hired as a consultant to the Company to analyze the business and develop a strategic plan for profitable growth.
“Ned brings a 30 year track record of leading sustainable growth through new technology and products in industrial, commercial, RV and military markets” stated Patrick J. O’Neill, Chairman and CEO. “Intellitec is launching major new products with our Road Commander and Command Center product lines for the RV and specialty vehicle markets making this a natural fit for our aggressive growth strategy.”
Prior to joining Intellitec, Schiff was the President and CEO of Sensor Systems LLC and Motor Magnetics Inc. where he successfully turned around their businesses and restored them to profitability. Schiff was with Technology Research Corporation (TRC) for 11 years as Vice President of Commercial Operations, VP of Marketing and Sales, and VP Business Development. Under his leadership TRC experienced explosive growth in the RV, Retail, and OEM markets.
He is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a degrees in Electrical Engineering and Economics.
About Intellitec
For over 40 years, Intellitec Products has been the leader in electrical controls for the RV, specialty vehicle, and marine markets. Our unique products are used for power distribution, charging, switching and controlling electrical systems in a wide variety of applications including bus, truck, emergency service, leisure vehicles
Corporate Press Release:
Intellitec Introduces 4 New Road Commander Modules
August 29th, 2017 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Intellitec Introduces 4 New Road Commander Modules Deland, Florida – Intellitec Products, LLC launched four new control modules to the Road Commander family of products. Featured are two touch screens, a 7 inch and 4.3 inch, which are pre-loaded with the application ready to install.
Also in this new product release are Generator Interface and HVAC interface modules. As with all the Road Commander family of Modules, they all communicate on the same Bi Directional CANBUS protocol. This means they can be controlled via Touch Screen, Smart Phone, or hard wired conventional switches. “The Road Commander system is user friendly, cost effective and can be easily tailored to the specific vehicle functions.” stated Ned Schiff, President of Intellitec Products.
Features like Pet Care and Auto Generator Start linked to battery voltage along with countless other settings & features are all easily achieved via the Road Commander software suite. Schiff adds “the flexibility and ease of programming make Road Commander the ideal solution for RV market, when you add the fact that we can provide the system as an Assembled Solution (plug and play installation) it really makes sense”.
"Initial installations of Road Commander have been extremely successful, and we very much look forward to exhibiting at RVIA 2017" adds Schiff.
Contact; sales@intellitec.com
About Intellitec For over 40 years, Intellitec Products has been the leader in electrical controls for the RV, specialty vehicle, and marine markets. Our unique products are used for power distribution, charging, switching and controlling electrical systems in a wide variety of applications including bus, truck, emergency service, leisure vehicles
Significant Reduction in Cost, Labor, and Cycle Time for RV Manufacturers
DeLand, Florida – Intellitec Products, LLC announced the introduction of the Assembled Solutions product line in response to RV and Specialty Vehicle manufacturers’ need to reduce costs, labor and cycle time. Intellitec integrates all the control devices onto a single custom pretested panel for easy installation. Custom harnesses are also part of the Assembled Solutions services being offered.
“Our customers have come to us looking for ways to reduce labor and manufacturing cycle time to meet their growing demand. Our ability to design and provide a fully tested integrated system provides a significant cost and cycle time savings while freeing up labor to produce more vehicles.” stated Ned Schiff President of Intellitec.
Intellitec traditionally supplied individual components to the customers who were responsible for the wiring and interfacing. Providing a complete “Plug and Play” tested system dramatically simplifies the OEM manufacturer’s processes. This program includes the new Road CommanderTM multiplexing system, battery management products, energy management, and other control / monitoring devices.
“We have a tremendous amount of available manufacturing capacity, experience in systems integration and harness manufacturing, and ability to provide local stock through our partnership with Wesco. We can provide cost effective solutions for both low and high volume demand” Schiff added.
For more information Contact
sales@intellitec.com or call (386) 738-7307
About Intellitec
For over 40 years, Intellitec Products has been the leader in electrical controls for the RV, specialty vehicle, and marine markets. Our unique products are used for power distribution, charging, switching and controlling electrical systems in a wide variety of applications including bus, truck, emergency service, leisure vehicles and marine.
Sleek New Convenience Panel with Graphic Displays
Deland Florida, Intellitec Products LLC will introduce the Command Center convenience panel at the RVIA show in Louisville.
The Command Center is a cutting edge approach to the convenience panel that has been used in the RV market for many years. Command Center uses the latest in capacitive touch technology to control the lighting, heater, generator, and motorized loads and two OLED displays to communicate the condition of the batteries and tanks. Ned Schiff, President of Intellitec states “Command Center replaces the old unattractive convenience panel, monitoring panels, and auxiliary switches with a high tech “All-in-One console”.
It is easily customizable, and controls up to 6 slide outs or awnings, we designed in a unique scroll through menu that provides the RV owner a user friendly interface. Command Center also has Lock Out functions designed to allow the RV owner to isolate all the motor controls via the panel, foot brake on a towable vehicle, or ignition interlock. Schiff goes on to say “Command Center is the perfect solution for the RV market.
The sleek, modern design adds reliability and functionality to the vehicle. If an RV OEM wants to add a feature to a new model, we simply just change the overlay, that’s it.”
For more information contact: sales@intellitec.com
New Quality System Certified to ISO:9001:2015
Deland Florida, Intellitec Products LLC, a leading manufacturer of electrical controls for the RV, Truck, Emergency Vehicle, Marine, and Specialty Vehicle markets, announced that they have implemented a new QMS and been certified to ISO:9001:2015. The new system focuses on meeting or exceeding customer requirements for performance and delivery, continuous improvement, and management commitment and involvement.
“We have an experienced and skilled work force that has built first class products for decades. The goal of our new system is to ensure we have robust processes to continue to improve our quality and efficiency.” stated Ned Schiff, President of Intellitec.
Schiff adds: “Many companies view their quality system as a necessary evil or a required box that has to be checked. At Intellitec, we believe quality is a strategic asset that brings value to our customers and differentiates us from our competitors.”
For more information contact:
Contact; Intellitec Sales (386) 738-7307 sales@intellitec.com
About Intellitec
For over 40 years, Intellitec Products has been the leader in electrical controls for the RV, specialty vehicle, and marine markets. Our unique products are used for battery management, power distribution, switching, and controlling electrical systems in a wide variety of applications including bus, truck, emergency service, RV and marine.
Intellitec Introduces Low Cost Multiplexing System
Deland, Florida – Intellitec Products, LLC will introduce the Road Commander Mega-Module at the RVX show in Salt Lake City on March 12, 2019. The Mega-Module features 28 inputs, 26 outputs, monitoring of tanks and batteries, generator control, and the new Smart Charge™ circuit in an easy to install package smaller than a stack of paper. It not only interfaces with the touch screen displays and smart apps, but also can be expanded with all the existing Road Commander modules.
“The Mega-Module is targeted for the Class B, Class C, and towable RV markets as well as the Class A RV’s. The compact package is extremely flexible, easy to install, and cost effective”, stated Ned Schiff, President of Intellitec. “Road Commander was originally designed as a distributed system providing redundancy and installation of the specific control at the point of use. The feedback from our customers was to combine the features into a compact package for easy installation and lower first cost” added Schiff.
“Control from the touch screen and smart apps is very straight forward. We leveraged our 20+ years of multiplexing experience to create a user friendly and easy to navigate system. The Road Commander system is easy to configure and customize to the specific vehicle functions as well.” stated Jeff Caudill, Applications Engineering Manager at Intellitec Products.
About Intellitec
For over 40 years, Intellitec Products has been the leader in electrical controls for the RV, specialty vehicle, and marine markets. Our unique products are used for battery management, power distribution, charging, switching and controlling electrical systems in a wide variety of applications including bus, truck, emergency service, recreational vehicles and marine.
Contact; Intellitec Sales (386) 738-7307 sales@intellitec.com
Intellitec Products, LLC Introduces the BG1000 at the RVX Show
Salt Lake City Utah– Intellitec Products, LLC launched the Battery Guard 1000 smart battery disconnect at the RVX show in Salt Lake City on March 12, 2019. The BG1000 alarms when the voltage is low and automatically disconnects power at a preset level to prevent battery rundown. It also communicates the battery status and can be controlled by either a momentary or a maintained contact; all in a compact economical package.
“Intellitec is focused on providing more value to our customers by incorporating intelligence into our products.”, stated Ned Schiff, President of Intellitec. “We have a great history in battery management with over 2 million battery disconnects in operation world-wide. The BG1000 is easy to install and economical. The feedback from our customers has been very positive” added Schiff.
“Preventing dead batteries provides tremendous value to the vehicle owner, dealers, and OEM manufacturers.” stated Jeff Caudill, Applications Engineering Manager at Intellitec Products. “It provides real protection for the customer, avoids dead batteries on the dealers’ lots, reduces warranty costs, and prevents damage to the coil that can be caused by a sticky switch.” added Caudill.
The initial introduction of the BG1000 is for 100 Amps systems in 12 and 24 Volt models. Intellitec is displaying the Battery Guard 1000 in booth 1242 at the RVX show in Salt Lake City along with the new Road Commander™ Mega-Module™ control system.
About Intellitec
For over 40 years, Intellitec Products has been the leader in electrical controls for the RV, specialty vehicle, and marine markets. Our unique products are used for battery management, power distribution, charging, switching, monitoring and controlling electrical systems in a wide variety of applications including bus, truck, emergency service, recreational vehicles and marine.
Contact; Intellitec Sales (386) 738-7307 sales@intellitec.com
RV News interviews Intellitec's President Ned Schiff
August 21, 2019
Nick Collins Joins the Intellitec Management Team
DeLand, Florida – Intellitec Products, LLC has hired Nick Collins to the newly created position of Sales Manager for the RV, Marine and Specialty Vehicle Markets. Collins and his family reside in South Bend and he brings 12 years of electrical controls OEM sales and applications experience in the RV industry to the Intellitec team.
“Nick has a great track record of working with the OEM customers on electrical components and systems and will be a strong addition to our management team” stated Ned Schiff, President of Intellitec. “Teamed with Jeff Caudill, our Applications Engineering Manager, and Wesco, our OEM distributor partner, Intellitec is well positioned to support our OEM customers with both our existing products as well as our new Battery Guard®1000 smart battery disconnects and our Road Commander Mega-ModuleTM multiplexing system. It is critical that we have a strong local presence to support our growth with our OEM customers.”
“It is an exciting time to join the Intellitec team” added Collins. “The new products that have been launched as well as those being developed will provide great value to our OEM customers”
Prior to joining Intellitec, Nick spent 12 years as the Regional Sales Manager with American Technology Components, Inc. and five years with Finish Master Inc. He received his Vocational Teachers Certificate from Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.
About Intellitec
For over 40 years, Intellitec Products has been the leader in the development electrical controls and systems for the RV, specialty vehicle, and marine markets. Our unique products are used for power distribution, battery management and electrical control and monitoring systems in a wide variety of applications including RV, bus, truck, emergency service, and marine markets. Intellitec’s products are proudly manufactured in the USA.
RV News interviews Intellitec's President Ned Schiff
Intellitec Recapitalizes for Explosive Growth
July 29, 2020
DeLand, Florida – Intellitec Products, LLC announced the successful recapitalization of the Company. The new financing provides for the purchase of the 34,000 square feet of manufacturing facilities on a 9 acre campus, new capital equipment for manufacturing, elimination of expensive debt, and working capital to expand engineering and marketing to aggressively grow the business.
Patrick O’Neill, Chairman and CEO stated “Our team has worked very hard to put the Company in a great position to meet and exceed our customers’ current and future needs. We have a strong business plan to aggressively grow our business in the RV, truck, bus, specialty vehicle, emergency vehicle, marine and contract manufacturing markets.”
“The new financing allows us to invest and expand our capabilities in engineering, marketing, manufacturing, and quality while improving cash flow. We are increasing our capability to support the needs of our customers for domestic supply of innovative electronic products, assemblies, and harnessing by expanding our vertical integration.”
Intellitec President Ned Schiff added “Our focus is to provide increased value to our customers. We have launched four new products over the past year that meet this objective. The financing will enable us to expand and increase the velocity of our new product development. We will continue to provide smarter products with more communications capabilities.”
Schiff continued “The investment in manufacturing equipment is very exciting. This will expand our capabilities, capacity, and quality while reducing lead times and costs. We will have expanded capabilities in printed circuit board manufacturing, harnessing, and testing for our products and for contract manufacturing services.”
“It is a very exciting time to be part of Intellitec and our industries.” added Schiff. “The additional intelligence and functionality we are adding to our products, combined with higher quality, lower costs, and reduced lead-times, provides tremendous value to our customers.”
For more information contact:
Contact; Intellitec Sales (386) 738-7307 sales@intellitec.com
About Intellitec
For over 40 years, Intellitec Products has been the leader in the development of electrical and electro-mechanical controls and monitoring systems. Our unique products are used for power distribution, battery management and electrical control and monitoring systems in a wide variety of applications, including: RV, bus, truck, emergency service, and marine markets. Intellitec also provides quick turn, high quality, cost effective contract manufacturing services. Intellitec proudly manufactures its products in the USA.
August 29, 2019
Carmen Jimenez Joins the Intellitec Management Team
DeLand, Florida – Intellitec Products, LLC has hired Carmen Jimenez to the newly created position of Manager of Quality and Continuous Improvement. Jimenez brings over 25 years of electronics manufacturing and quality management experience to the Intellitec team.
“Intellitec is committed to providing world class quality products that bring value to our customers” stated Ned Schiff, President of Intellitec. “This investment in continuous improvement of all of our processes from design to delivery is a critical element of our growth strategy.”
“Carmen’s experience and knowledge of electronics manufacturing and project management are great additions to our team.” Added Austin Ciambriello, Engineering Manager at Intellitec products. “Her enthusiasm for continuous improvement utilizing the tools of Six Sigma and LEAN Manufacturing will provide tremendous benefits for our customers.”
Prior to joining Intellitec, Carmen held quality engineering and management positions with Zodiac Pool Systems, Mach Technology, Presidio and Conelec. Jimenez has an MBA from Florida Metropolitan University and is a certified JSTD solder trainer and quality auditor.
About Intellitec
For over 40 years, Intellitec Products has been the leader in the development electrical controls and systems for the RV, specialty vehicle, and marine markets. Our unique products are used for power distribution, battery management and electrical control and monitoring systems in a wide variety of applications including RV, bus, truck, emergency service, and marine markets. Intellitec’s products are proudly manufactured in the USA.
September 18, 2019
Proven Innovative Engineer to Lead Product Development
DeLand, Florida – Intellitec Products, LLC has promoted Austin Ciambriello to Engineering Manager. Ciambriello has been with Intellitec for over seven years starting as a college intern and working his way up to Senior Design Engineer.
“Austin has done an outstanding job leading the development of the Road Commander Mega-Module, Battery Guard®1000, smart apps, and touch screen controls to name a few” stated Ned Schiff, President of Intellitec. “He possesses the unique skills to work with our customers, fully understand their needs, and develop practical solutions.”
“We have and will continue to add additional resources and talent to our technical team” add Schiff. “Austin processes the technical acumen and management skills to lead this effort.”
“It is a very exciting time to be part of Intellitec and our industry.” added Austin Ciambriello. “The additional intelligence and functionality we can add to our products provides tremendous value to our customers.”
Austin holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Central Florida. He is also a member of the RVIA RV-C Technical Committee.
About Intellitec
For over 40 years, Intellitec Products has been the leader in the development electrical controls and systems for the RV, specialty vehicle, and marine markets. Our unique products are used for power distribution, battery management and electrical control and monitoring systems in a wide variety of applications including RV, bus, truck, emergency service, and marine markets. Intellitec proudly manufactures its products in the USA.
Intellitec Launches Integrated B.I.R.D. Battery Disconnect with RV-C Communications
June 10, 2020
Smart Disconnect Provides Superior Battery Management
DeLand, Florida – Intellitec Products, LLC introduced the Integrated RV-C based Bi-directional Isolation Relay Disconnect (B.I.R.D.) today. The new product monitors the voltage of two battery sources and automatically links them when charging is available and required. Based on the new Battery Guard® 1000 platform, Intellitec can provide a complete Battery Management System with RV-C communications.
Ned Schiff, President of Intellitec Products stated “The B.I.R.D. RV-C provides the most complete solution to linking batteries for charging or additional starting power. It is very economical and easy to install. Utilizing our proven latching relay, the B.I.R.D. only draws power when changing state making it a “Green” product as compared to the continuous duty solenoids frequently used in this application which drain unnecessary power from the batteries and generate excessive heat.”
Austin Ciambriello, Engineering Manager at Intellitec added “Other battery isolator products charge for a fixed time before disconnecting, not knowing if they have fully charged the second battery. We’ve designed an algorithm that utilizes current monitoring and voltage which enable us to fully charge the second battery”
“The B.I.R.D. allows the OEM the ability to set several thresholds including automatic connect and disconnect voltages making it ideal of any battery configuration.” continued Ciambriello.
“There is a vast amount of information that can be provided to our Road Commander™ or other multiplexing systems including voltage, current, warnings, status and fault indication. It can also be manually controlled by a pushbutton or selector switch.”
“It is a very exciting time to be part of Intellitec and our industry.” added Schiff. “The additional intelligence and functionality we are adding to our products provides tremendous value to our customers.”
For more information contact:
Contact; Intellitec Sales (386) 738-7307 sales@intellitec.com
About Intellitec
For over 40 years, Intellitec Products has been the leader in the development electrical controls and systems for the RV, specialty vehicle, and marine markets. Our unique products are used for power distribution, battery management and electrical control and monitoring systems in a wide variety of applications including RV, bus, truck, emergency service, and marine markets. Intellitec proudly manufactures its products in the USA.
Intellitec built a reputation producing power control systems. With new tools in place, the company is heralding a new era of technical innovation, market expansion and streamlined productivity.
By Luke Schmaltz
Schiff has been working with electrical systems and power control applications for more than 30 years.
Yet the Intellitec president readily admits he is not driving company success.
Intellitec is an "engineering solutions-driven company," Schiff said, citing its founding by retired Zenith engineer Bill Slavic.
Those engineers are driving success and change, Schiff said. Sometimes, they even make competitors’ products better.
"We continue to ask a lot of questions as technology changes," he said. "Frequently, we are solving problems that don't involve our products. We truly view ourselves as a partner and resource for our customers.
"These relationships lead our customers to come to us first when they identify a need," he said, "Our ability to quickly develop a reliable, cost-effective solution truly sets us apart from our competition."
Schiff recently provided his team with new tools he said will be key to helping Intellitec create a tech-savvy user experience and further forge a market identity based on quality, efficiency and affordability.
Upgraded Capabilities
Schiff joined the RV industry nearly 25 years ago as vice president at Technology Resources Corp. (now Southwire), where he helped introduce the Surge Guard power protection line (undervoltage, overvoltage, open neutral and surge protection) to the RV industry. He went on to incorporate the surge protection advances into the automatic transfer switch.
Eventually, Intellitec hired Schiff to be the company president. Four years later, he led a recapitalization effort. Intellitec used the funding to buy its 34,000-square foot, 9-acre industrial campus headquarters in DeLand, Florida, giving the company greater control of overhead costs.
Other portions of the recapitalization funding were directed to purchase state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment and to make significant investments in marketing and engineering.
Intellitec has plans for "a number of new products" in 2021, Schiff said, and the company is expanding its engineering department, both in-house and through its network of engineering partners.
Growing the engineering department will help the company broaden its product development capabilities. Schiff said. Additionally, Intellitec's ability to partner with other outside engineers addresses issues with limited engineering resources, which Schiff said every manufacturer contends with.
"When we are developing a new product that requires new expertise, it greatly shortens the development time and reduces risks of contracting that expertise, as opposed to learning it or hiring another engineer," he said. "Using outside engineers allows us to expand our efforts and develop more products in parallel with internal expansion."
Schiff said the new equipment is having a huge impact on the ability to develop a wide variety of products at a faster pace. For example, printed circuit board manufacturing equipment has expanded Intellitec's capacity to produce, improve product quality and create redundancy.
"We also have the ability to use smaller components, allowing us to shrink future products," he said. "We now have a dedicated, lead-free line for boards, which are required for certain industries, thus expanding our markets."
Schiff noted Intellitec's new opportunity to produce harnesses, for one. He said OEMs increasingly outsource harness work, and investments made in the new equipment enable Intellitec to fill the OEMs' needs.
"Our high-speed wire cutter/ stripper and additional presses and dyes for terminals vastly expand our harness capability while reducing costs," Schiff said. "We have also invested in quality, with better ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection and improved inspection equipment."
Adding the plant equipment required Intellitec to create a new manufacturing layout. Schiff used lean principles, which he said has greatly reduced labor and cycle time to manufacture printed circuit boards and harnesses to complete products.
The equipment investment went beyond the printed circuit boards and additional presses, though.
"The tools we invested in for (Engineering Manager) Austin Ciambriello and his team include new software, specialty power supplies, test equipment, a laser cutter/engraver, a UV printer and 3-D printing," Schiff said, adding that the team uses the new equipment to develop prototypes, without outsourcing to a third party. "The new equipment increases our vertical integration and improves our quality, which reduces cost and cycle time."
As a result, the engineering and manufacturing teams are achieving tight new product turnaround times, Schiff said, providing customized solutions to customers in weeks.
Changes Throughout
Investing in new equipment is not the only change happening at Intellitec.
Schiff considers adding quality personnel to the company crucial to the overall business plan. Intellitec's latest hire is Vince Pesce, a marketing specialist tasked with improving marketing efforts and creating product/service demand, including contract manufacturing of boards, harnesses and control panels.
In the first quarter of 2021, the company will launch a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, an additional recapitalization investment. The system will provide real-time information on materials, production, shipping, finance and customer activity.
The result will be faster, more accurate data for customers, Schiff said. The upgrade will also lower company costs and drive efficiency, as ERP impacts every aspect of the business, from initial inquiry to invoicing to field support.
"The availability of business information from real-time data, trends and forecasts will allow us to better manage our business," he said. "This will result in identifying problems with first pass yields, scrap material, etc. ... improved material and production planning and reducing lead-times."
Talking About Productivity
Communication is another major factor Schiff cited in Intellitec's potential to grow. The management team fosters a company-wide culture that values clear, frequent communication between departments and within each team, an approach rarely seen in the industry, Schiff said.
"We do not have fiefdoms or silos, which are prevalent in other organizations," he said. "I have seen where sales say 'yes' to whatever the customer asks, throws it over the fence to engineering, who then designs what they think the customer needs and subsequently throws it over the wall to manufacturing to figure out how to get the materials and build the product. The result is always a disaster."
Intellitec's approach requires the involvement of all departments at the conversation's start - engineering, manufacturing, purchasing and quality control. By including each department in customer discussions from the beginning, Schiff said the team ensures that they can meet customer requirements, have materials available, and complete the projects on time and within a budget.
Communication between departments is frequent and sometimes constant, he said, continuing into nights and weekends as needed. Schiff also credited work from Applications Engineering Manager Jeff Caudill and Sales Manager Nick Collins, whose RV electrical system knowledge and contacts enabled Collins to identify current and future market needs to drive product development.
Empowering Users
Before the plant expansion, Intellitec launched two new products earlier in 2020, the Battery Guard 1000 RV-C and Smart B.I.R.D RV-C. The battery management products are the first to include electric current monitoring, status and fault indication, and RV-C communications, Schiff said.
"The information they provide allows the RV OEM to prevent dead batteries and to extend the batteries' lives," he said, "resulting in much happier customers."
The new battery management systems are indicative of technology required to meet present-day OEM and consumer needs. Multiplex interfaces must be intuitive and attractive, Schiff said, be it a switch panel, LCD display or smart app. Multiple power sources, including lithium ion batteries and solar, present interfacing and control challenges as well.
"The complexity of the DC systems and the need for all the devices to communicate seamlessly is important," Schiff said.
Other complexities arise because consumers more often choose to use smart devices to operate their power systems. Accessing internal power systems via the internet of things (IoT) presents a new level of convenience, but Schiff said that approach poses security concerns.
"This is a popular subject in the RV-C technical committee," Schiff said. "The RV is considered a home, (and) we should treat it in the same fashion we treat our homes. Since an RV is mobile, there are additional risks and safety-critical features (leveling, generators, etc.) that need to be protected. Encryption and security are critical for dealing with IoT."
Moving Forward
Schiff's plan for the company's future starts by understanding the marketplace. He said working closely with customers is a bigger challenge today because of newer technologies being developed.
With new tool in the company toolbox and a staff focused on solutions derived from its engineers, Schiff said he has Intellitec prepared for an explosive growth stage.
"We have to have knowledge and a level of expertise in a wide variety of technologies," he said. "We work differently, clearly defining the customer’s needs from performance, cost and time-frame standpoints. This is the key to our future success."
For more information contact:
Contact: Intellitec Sales: (386) 738-7307
About Intellitec
For over 40 years, Intellitec Products has been the leader in the development of electrical and electro-mechanical controls and monitoring systems. Our unique products are used for power distribution, battery management and electrical control and monitoring systems in a wide variety of applications, including: RV, bus, truck, emergency service, and marine markets. Intellitec also provides quick turn, high quality, cost effective contract manufacturing services. Intellitec proudly manufactures its products in the USA.
New Position Created to Lead Growth
DeLand, Florida – Intellitec Products, LLC has hired Craig Floyd to the newly created position of Vice President of Business Development. Floyd brings over 30 years of Management and Leadership experience in OEM and aftermarket marketing, sales, and applications.
“Craig has a great track record of working with customers in multiple business segments including the RV, Marine, and Electrical industries” stated Ned Schiff, President of Intellitec. “Intellitec has made a major investment in our facilities, new product development, and experienced strong growth over the past two years. Craig’s ability to identify customer needs and bring new products to market is a perfect match for our growth strategy and a strong addition to our team”.
“It is an exciting time to join the Intellitec team” added Floyd. “The new products that have been launched as well as those being developed will provide great value to our OEM and aftermarket customers. Intellitec has a talented leadership team, strong brand recognition, and a world class vertically integrated manufacturing facility in Deland, FL.”
Prior to joining Intellitec, Craig was the General Manager at Industrial Finishes and Systems for six years, the Sr. Director of Sales for Southwire Company for 13 years and held sales positions at Partner Supply and Carriage Carpets. Craig is a former Board Member and current active member in RVIA and is well respected throughout the industry. He is a native of Elkhart and now resides in Clearwater, FL.
About Intellitec
For over 40 years, Intellitec Products has been the leader in the development electrical controls and systems for the RV, specialty vehicle, and marine markets. Our unique products are used for power distribution, battery management and electrical control and monitoring systems in a wide variety of applications including RV, bus, truck, emergency service, and marine markets. Intellitec’s products are proudly manufactured in the USA.