AR Crystal tech-Solutions is formed by experienced people from port, marine and logistics sector. From a humble beginning, we are supporting more than 100 customers related to port industry. ?Our Objective is to support the OEM activities of the customers by providing them genuine spares with cost effective way. AR Crystal is a ?reliable sourcing partner? to the customers from the port industry,? says Arvind Gadge, Director, AR Crystal-tech Solutions. Excerpts from the interview...

What are the systems and solution AR Crystal offers?
We focus on filtration systems and filters, hydraulics, electromechanical products like drives and systems, fluid connectors. These are the key parts which plays the important role in the performance/life of machines. We have fuel, lube oil, air and hydraulic filters. Also hydraulic components like pumps, motors, calves, hoses, connectors etc. We can offer drives and its components (AC/DC). AR Crystal is specialized to give customized solutions in filtration systems, hydraulic systems for optimum utilization equipment and machinery.

Brief us on the services offered?
It is very challenging to fulfill requirements of customers as this industry is 24x7 working with tremendous pressure. Machine maintenance is very critical. We are committed to providing quality products to meet customers? requirements. We have good association with OE partners especially Parker, Racor, Hydac, Faster Hydraulics etc. These are the major OEs in the port equipment like quay cranes, gantry cranes, reach-stacker, forklifts, etc.

As far as machine performance is concerned, maintenance of engine and hydraulic system is important. For better performance, we have condition monitoring equipment for fuel, lube, and hydraulic oils. This will help one reduce breakdowns and hence the maintenance cost. For fuels, we have offline filters/filtration systems which will polish fuel for better performance. For hydraulic oil, we have offline filtration carts to increase the life of oil. We can do dynamic particle/contamination analysis from the hydraulic oil, further it helps to increase the life of seals, pumps, valves etc.

We have ?faster hydraulic? connectors for best option for leak-proof connections. We also have Parker, and Semens make advanced drives for variable speed options. We not only supply the components but also provide site based expertise to cater customer requirements.

What is the lead time for spares?
We have two authorized Parker stores near port, where Parker-make components are stocked. In current scenario, customers are always demand interchangeability of products to maintain cost-effectiveness. Due to our strong bonding with OE partners, we are able to fulfill the customer requirement quality as well as cost effectively.

What was the impact of the slowdown on your business performance?
We are facing problems to maintain the effective inventory control to fulfill demand and supply ratio. However, we are coming with customized solutions to cater effective trouble shootings and condition monitoring solutions to the customers.

When do you expect demand to pick up?
Since first quarter of this year, the demand has been picking up slowly. We hope this pace will continue. Overall, the industrial growth in all sectors like steel, construction, and power will improve import-export activities. Hope ?Make in India? drive will have its positive impact.

What are the challenges as a service provider AR Crystal faces?
In order to maintain quality service, we have to keep skilled manpower and effective delivery schedules. We are proud to mention here that AR Crystal has ISO 9001:2008, DNV certified quality system. By maintaining quality procedures we will ensure our commitments to the customer. We implemented ERP system where sales coordination, warehouse management done effectively.

What are your future plans?
We will initiate a ?Project Division? to cater project activities like equipment erection, Commissioning, third party inspection services, training activities for port equipments.

We have ?faster hydraulic? connectors as best option for leak-proof connections.