A CAN Bridge is Just the Beginning

A CAN Bridge is just the beginning

We meet a lot of new customers through their initial search/request for a CAN Bridge– our small, inexpensive solution that connects two different CAN bus networks. When a body-bus only needs a few messages from a busy chassis bus, a bridge does a great job filtering those messages and keeping bus loads lower. Or typically there are two different CAN bus speeds that need to be sorted out– one at 250k and one at 500k baud rates for example.

However, OEM’s may discover additional needs that turn their initial interest into a broader solution. So, what triggers this expansion– and why is this often great for the OEM?

Deepening the Conversation

In response to an inquiry, our knowledgeable team of problem solvers asks follow-up questions to learn more about the application: “What messages are you looking for?” This is where things start to get interesting. We’re not only gathering important technical details to choose the correct CAN Bridge but also providing an opportunity for the OEM to think about their application in more depth. The discussion may reveal new challenges or requirements that hadn’t initially been considered, which opens the door for additional solutions from a trusted partner.

When our team asks questions, we listen carefully. This is where the magic happens. By understanding the full scope of the OEM’s application, we can identify opportunities that may have been overlooked. The solution can come from off-the-shelf-control products in our M-Flex line, or custom solutions that provide just the right capability, often for lower volumes than many OEM’s think. The goal is a cost-effective, simplified solution that improves system performance.

Exploring Other Aspects of the System

The conversation might also expand to include questions about how OEM’s control these systems. For example, we might ask, “Do you use CAN keypads to control the process, or do you have a display?” Marlin’s history of providing just the right solution means we help customers choose from our standard options or a solution that has the right custom look and feel and function. Whether it’s displays or keypads, we likely have done something similar before.

Conclusion: The Hidden Value of a Simple Inquiry

A simple inquiry about a CAN bridge can open a conversation that leads to a broader solution. Through thoughtful questioning, active listening, and presenting additional solutions that can be added seamlessly based on OEM’s needs, we help customers realize the full potential of their system. By doing so, we not only solve the initial problem but also enhance the entire operation, turning a basic purchase into a comprehensive and custom solution.

Your needs might evolve, and with the right questions, we can turn that initial inquiry into a valuable partnership that goes well beyond the original sale.