table of contents program enhancements€¦ · airbag(s) should deploy and under what conditions....

Questions, comments or suggestions?

Please call the SparCON Help Line at 517-543-6400 and press 7

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PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS

Auto Data Loading

With this release we have included a huge improvement in the SparCON program! In the past when launching SparCON the newest five databooks were loaded. If you needed to access older solutions you had to select one of the groups of archive databooks from a drop down list. Not anymore!

With this release SparCON will automatically load only the latest databook. This will allow the program to launch much faster. After the program is running you can open any solution created with any databook ‐ SparCON will automatically load the databook needed. SparCON will load a maximum of four databooks. If 4 databooks have already loaded and you open a solution in which the databook is not loaded, the oldest loaded databook will be dropped and the databook you need will load automatically.

On my laptop, with only the minimum suggested 4 GB of RAM, my testing has shown that this has decreased the time it takes SparCON to launch by over 60%*! (*Individual results may vary but you can expect a very noticeable decrease in load time)

Search Feature on Order Manager Screen

SparCON now has a search function when viewing any of the different tabs in the Order Manager screen which will allow you to more easily find quotes or orders. SparCON now has a search box you can enter information into which SparCON will then search any of the visible fields in the Order Manager (Server) screens.

TABLE OF CONTENTS *Click on a description below to view the item*

PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS: Auto Data Loading Order Manager Search

NEW OPTIONS: SparCON Pricing Advanced Protection System

PRODUCT CHANGES: Shifted Lighting, Speakers

etc. Dash Design Change Pump Suction Center Line Engine & Trans Manuals Now

Digital BUG FIXES:

Copy Solution Data Spec Update Report

TIPS AND TRICKS: Paint Confirmation Process Finding Warranty Documents Panel Layout: Locating

Moveable Items DATABOOK RELEASE SCHEDULE

& TIME FENCE CHART FACTORY HAPPENINGS:

MDOT Intern Tour Customer Inspections

CONTACT INFORMATION Quote Processing Order Processing SparCON Help ERC Management/RSMs

DcskidmoText BoxOrder Manager Search Function



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This new feature will help you find a specific quote or order solution on the SparCON server more easily. See the image below.

NEW OPTIONS

SparCON Pricing

You will notice our base price has increased in this new SparCON (201208152013A) data session. The August price increase in lieu of a December version is due to the introduction of our new APS (Advanced Protection System) as a standard item, 2013 Engine Emission changes and raw material increases. Spartan Chassis continues to work very diligently on cost saving initiatives regarding raw material purchasing, labor efficiency and expense control as we understand the price pressure at the bid table is immense and we wish to continue affording you the highest quality product, priced reasonably with reliable product performance and support.

Advanced Protection System

As a result of Spartan’s continuing commitment to firefighter safety, this databook release includes the Spartan Advanced Protection System (APS) as standard on all 2010 emission model chassis.

The system includes:

Up to eight (8) airbags in the cab with four (4) industry‐first airbag positions. Outboard sensors that control airbag deployments from multi‐angle impacts. This protects firefighters

from front and side impact collisions and rollovers – features the competition cannot offer. Side curtain airbags up to 700% larger than the competition to reduce risk of occupant ejection An intelligent seatbelt system that controls the strain of the seat belt on each occupant to reduce seat

belt injuries.

Type your search criteria into the search box and click the search (magnifying glass) icon or press the enter key. To jump to the next item that meets your search criteria click the search icon with the arrow.

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Spartan is the first and only company in the industry whose airbags protect cab occupants from side impacts, unlike the competition whose side airbags only deploy in the case of a rollover. This is achieved by Spartan’s new state‐of‐the‐art outboard sensors that can detect impact and rollover events while reducing the risk of occupant ejection. Each sensor communicates back to the restraint control module that monitors which airbag(s) should deploy and under what conditions. Each of Spartan’s rear side airbags are custom sized for each cab design, with their largest rear side airbag covering 7 times the area of the competition. Spartan’s front‐side airbags are 3 times larger than the competition. The new driver knee airbags lock the lower body in place so upper body movement can be slowed by the seat belts and cushioned by the steering wheel airbag. This reduced the likelihood that the driver will sustain contact injuries caused by the instrument panel, steering column, or other points of contact. The final new element in the Advanced Protection System is the new, industry‐first, intelligent seat belt system which keeps the occupant in the seat in the event of an impact, or rollover. These intelligent seat belts have pyrotechnic pretensioners in the retractors instead of just a buckle. After the occupant is pulled back into the seat, load limiters release some of the webbing to control the occupant’s deceleration into the airbag system. These new seatbelts help control the strain on each occupant while reducing pressure on the chest and torso, reducing seatbelt related injuries. Below are a few photos of some of the elements of the Spartan Advanced protection system.

You can also see videos of the APS on YouTube – for the overview video click here; features video click here.

http://youtu.be/RI9qs2CyX30http://youtu.be/r20vDwv-Ppw



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PRODUCT CHANGES

Interior Lighting, Crew Area Speakers and Roof Vents Shifting Locations

Due to the mounting location and deployment clearances required for the Advanced Protection System (APS) side curtain airbags, any items mounted on the ceiling or side walls near the outer ceiling area needed to be shifted out of the clearance area. This includes the standard interior overhead dome lights, rear wall mounted stereo speakers, and ceiling mounted non‐powered roof vents, etc. These items are shifting inboard to allow approximately 8” of clearance from the side walls of the cab. Each of the items will be using their new standard locations on all chassis solutions created and ordered with the 201208152013A databook being released on Friday, August 17th.

Left Hand Dash Change

With the new Advanced Protection System (APS) there were additional changes required. The left side (driver’s side) dash/instrument panel housing changed to allow us to provide the knee area airbags. The ignition switch/starter button panel is now oriented vertically rather than on an angle. This change provided the proper clearance for the knee airbags to deploy. In addition to the panel being vertically oriented, the parking brake valve has also re‐located to the center dash area for needed knee airbag clearance.

The left side dash is still available in both ABS and Xtreme‐Duty configurations. Photos of the new dash are below.

New LH ABS Dash Design New LH XDuty Dash Design

DcskidmoText BoxDash Design Change

DcskidmoText BoxShifted Lighting, Speakers, Etc.



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Pump Suction Center Line

To reduce issues with the many exhaust options and midship pump installations we have added a new subcategory to SparCON. This new subcategory is 3055 “Midship Pump Location C/L Suction to C/L Front Axle”. This subcat will allow SparCON to detect issues between the mid‐ship pump and the exhaust system.

If the exhaust system configuration selected and mid‐ship pump model selected can have a clearance issue, the 3055 Midship Pump Location C/L Suction to C/L Front Axle option will show an N/A. If this occurs a selection must be made in the 3055 subcat to clear the N/A for the solution to be uploaded to the SparCON server or to “Request Quote”. When a selection has been made in the 3055 subcat, the corresponding selection will be made in the 3010 “Midship Pump Location C/L Suction to C/L Rear Axle” based on the wheelbase selected.

Because the “Reminder Pin” is at the 3010 Midship Pump Location C/L Suction to C/L Rear Axle subcat clearing the N/A using the 3055 option will not remove the reminder pin which is there for the OEM Body Manufacturer to confirm and approve the C/L of suction location.

Engine and Transmission Manuals Gone Digital

Allison and Cummins have informed us that they now offer digital versions of their operation manuals. SparCON has been changed to include option 8031‐009 Engine & Transmission Operation Manual Digital Copy (2) as the no‐cost standard option.

BUG FIXES

Dealership and Sales Person Information During Copy Process

It was noted that when making a copy of a solution the salesperson and dealership information was removed from the newly created copy. With this version of SparCON that issue has been corrected so the dealership and salesperson information is retained on the copy.

Spec Update Report Column Width

It was noted that when updating databooks or changing models, the “Spec Update Report” window would not allow the columns to be re‐sized so that all the text in the description could be read. This problem has been corrected so the columns can be re‐sized so the entire option description can be read.

DcskidmoText BoxSpec Update Report - Column Width

DcskidmoText BoxCopy Solution Data - Dealership and Salesperson Info



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TIPS & TRICKS

Paint Confirmation Process

How much is having the cab paint correct worth to you and your customer? Would it be worth $75.00? If your answer is yes keep reading!

Spartan Chassis offers option 8063‐002 “Paint Confirmation” for a list price of $75.00. When this option is selected and the order is placed, Spartan Chassis will do a paint spray out of the paint color (or colors when a two‐tone) on the cab. The spray outs will be sent to the body manufacturer along with a confirmation letter. The body manufacturer then sends the spray outs and letter to the end user for them to review and sign off as approval of the spray outs provided.

Using option 8063‐002 Paint Confirmation would eliminate unwanted surprises when the end customer sees the cab paint color and insists that the cab (and maybe the apparatus body) be repainted. Remember to eliminate the surprise and add 8063‐002 Paint Confirmation to your order!

Finding Warranty Documents Made Easy

Your customer wants copies of the warranty documents for the chassis so you load the SparCON solution and start searching…..

The easy way to find all the warranty documents is to let SparCON search for you! Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1: In the description search box above the option list enter “warranty”

Step 2: Click on the “filter” icon and choose “Search Results Only”

STEP 1: type “warranty” into the description

search box.

Step 2: Set filter to “Search Results Only”.



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Your solution now shows only the warranty options. Right click each option to choose and print the PDF warranty documents for your customer

Locating Moveable Items on the Panel Layout

The Panel Layout screen is used by our suppliers to locate items exactly where they are positioned in the layout. There is functionality within the layout screen that will let you know for certain that the items you have positioned are aligned properly so you don’t end up with a moveable item out of line with another item such as two power points side by side with one higher than the other. Here’s how it works:

In this example I have selected option 5040‐003 Pwr Pnt Dash Mnt Mstr Sw (2) Sw Pnl. By boing to option 5020‐001 Panel Layout and clicking on the icon next to the description the panel layout screen appears. By clicking and dragging the left section of the layout screen you can raise the bottom and the width of the information area of the window. Click the arrow icon to expand the “Location” section. (See image on next page)

When you click one of the two power points on the layout the dimensions of the power point location will appear. The following images show the location information for the left power point.

Right click the option and chose “PDF” to view, print or save the

warranty document.

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When you move a power point the location dimensions shown will change. If you want the power points to be in‐line left to right the “Y Position” dimension should match for the two power points. If you want the power points to be in‐line one above the other, the “X Position” dimension should match. See the following images.

Click and drag to expand the location area for the

layout window

Click the arrow icon to expand the “Location”

The two power points shown have a Y Position of

22 so they are in‐line horizontally.



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By checking the locations of each item you can insure they will be in‐line when the panels are manufactured and assembled by our supplier.

DATABOOK RELEASE SCHEDULE & TIME FENCE CHART

SparCON’s price protection and build date requirements are tied to the databook that a quote solution is created with. From the day a databook is released there is a set length of time in which the quote must be uploaded to the SparCON server, when the quote must be purchased, and in which the chassis must be built. The total length of time from the release of the databook to when a chassis quoted with the databook is to be completed is 16 months. This SparCON update includes the release of a new databook 201208152013A. SparCON solutions created with this databook must be uploaded to the server by December 15, 2012, ordered by April 15, 2013, and built by December 15, 2013. SparCON solutions created with the last databook (201204152013A), which was released in April 2012, must be uploaded prior to this release (scheduled for Friday, August 17th). If your solutions have not been uploaded to the server by that time they must be updated to the new databook before they can be uploaded.

The two power points shown have an X Position of 23 so they are in‐line

vertically.



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The time windows for SparCON databooks are shown on the chart below.

FACTORY HAPPENINGS

Michigan Department of Transportation Interns Visit Spartan Chassis

A group of over sixty Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) Interns from the Jackson, MI area visited Spartan Chassis as a part of the University Region Workforce Training Program. The program provides occupational training and tours of different organizations which allows participants to experience real‐world employment opportunities which in turn will help form goals and tailor their education towards meeting those goals. The young adults who were from 17 to 21 years of age were taken on a tour of the Emergency Response Chassis production line. The interns were very impressed by the production facilities and had many questions about fire truck chassis, the options available, and the process in which municipalities purchase a new fire truck.

A B C

Data Session Quote Uploaded by:

Quote Ordered by:

Order Built by:

(201012152012A) 04/15/2011 08/15/2011 04/15/2012Issued: 12/17/2010 expired on expired on expired on (201104152012A) 08/15/2011 12/15/2011 08/15/2012Issued: 04/15/2011 expired on expired on expires on (201108152012A) 12/15/2011 04/15/2012 12/15/2012Issued: 08/19/2011 expired on expired on expires on (2011012152013A) 04/15/2012 0815/2012 04/15/2013Issued: 12/16/2011 expired on expires on expires on (201204152013A) 08/15/2012 12/15/2012 08/15/2013Issued: 04/20/2012 expires on expires on expires on (201208152013A) 12/15/2012 04/15/2013 12/15/2013Issued: 08/17/2012 expires on expires on expires on Indicates an expired session or part of one Indicates a valid data session or part of one.



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The tour lasted approximately 2 hours and followed the fire truck chassis production line from the receipt of the cab shell, through the body finish and paint process, cab trim and wiring department, frame assembly and plumbing, axle set, engine set, cab set, bumper assembly and final inspection.

Factory Inspections

In the past two months Spartan Chassis has hosted numerous pre‐delivery chassis inspections. While at Spartan the fire department representatives, as well as representatives from the dealerships and OEMs, are given a factory tour along with the time to thoroughly inspect their new chassis. Having the end customer at the factory allows them to see what we do and how Spartan Chassis produces such a high quality product to meet their specifications. Visitors are always impressed by our production facilities, our production associates, their attention to detail, and our commitment to build a quality chassis.

In the past two months we have welcomed the following fire departments:

Saginaw Twp., MI

Toronto, ON

Henderson, NV

Richmond Hill, ON

Black Hawk, CO

Calgary, BC

Barrie, ON

Eaton, CO

Buckley, MI

League City, TX

Medford, NY

Maybrook, NY

Madison Twp., OH

You can bring your customers to the factory for a pre‐delivery inspection by including option 8034‐002 Customer Inspection on your quote or order solution. Andy Torrence, our Fire Truck Auditor/Inspection Coordinator will make all the arrangements at Spartan Chassis for the inspection.

CONTACT INFORMATION

SparCON/Spartan Chassis Questions?? Having a problem? Can’t find an option? Don’t know who to call?

If you need help with a quote, an order, or SparCON please call:

QUOTE PROCESSING:

Steve Potter – ERC Quote Processing Lead Business Hours: 517‐543‐6400 Ext. 3220 After Hours (mobile): 517‐231‐2683 Email: [email protected]

Becky Bruce – ERC Quote Processing Specialist Business Hours: 517‐543‐6400 Ext 3285 Email: [email protected]

DcskidmoText BoxCustomer Inspections



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ORDER PROCESSING:

Chris Hice – Inside ERC Sales Team Lead Business Hours: 517‐543‐6400 Ext. 3230 Email: [email protected]

Thad Briggs – Inside ERC Sales Specialist Business Hours: 517‐543‐6400 Ext. 3217 Email: [email protected]

SPARCON SUPPORT: SparCON Help Line – 517‐543‐6400 and press option 7

Darren Bartel – CMT Lead Software – Sales Business Hours: 517.543.6400 Ext. 3312 After Hours (Mobile): 517‐667‐8074 Email: [email protected]

David Skidmore – SparCON Application Consultant Business Hours: 517‐543‐6400 Ext. 3211 After Hours (Mobile): 517‐231‐1285 Email: [email protected]

ERC SALES MANAGEMENT:

Zac Soderberg ‐ Director ERC Inside Sales/Business Dev. Business Hours: 517‐541‐3820 After Hours (Mobile): 517‐927‐2256 Email: [email protected]

Josh Fullerton – ERC Sales Supervisor Business Hours: 517‐543‐6400 Ext. 3229 After Hours (Mobile): 517‐231‐9609 Email: [email protected]

ERC REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS:

Don Armstrong – Western Region Phone: 253‐804‐9660 Mobile: 425‐503‐5050 Email: [email protected]

Territory: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming, Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Northwest Territories, Nunavet, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Yukon

Pat Patton – Mid‐Atlantic Region Phone: 614‐360‐3761 Mobile: 614‐519‐7193 Email: [email protected]

Territory: Kentucky, Maryland, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington DC, West Virginia

Mike Sims – Southern Region Phone: 888‐384‐3874 Mobile: 205‐612‐6306 Email: [email protected]

Territory: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Texas

DcskidmoText BoxSPARCON HELP:



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Jeff Seal – North Central Region Phone: 517‐674‐6705 Mobile: 517‐231‐8019 Email: [email protected]

Territory: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin

Joe Sullivan – Northeast Region Phone: 607‐732‐5603 Mobile: 607‐229‐0935 Email: [email protected]

Territory: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Brunswick, New Foundland, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Quebec

Edward Hendler – Director of Global Business Development Phone: 517‐541‐3821 Mobile: 517‐231‐0812 Email: [email protected]

Thank you for your business and continued support!

www.spartanchassis.com