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I designed and built each of these tools to solve real problems in the field. They were created to close gaps between sales, product, and the end user by simplifying decision-making and improving speed, accuracy, and confidence. Whether it's stocking smarter, training more effectively, or narrowing down hydraulic hose and coupling options faster, these tools help customers choose the right product and help Gates field teams sell with confidence.
eFitting takes a simplified, user-friendly approach to hydraulic coupling identification. Instead of overwhelming users with technical charts, it uses a clear decision tree format that guides them through a series of questions based on each coupling's physical characteristics.
Along the way, users are shown detailed images and straightforward prompts that help narrow down the correct thread type. The end result is more accurate and faster identification — even for users who do not have deep technical experience.
Once a user reaches the result page, they will see not just the thread configuration, but also the available coupling variations including bends, drops, and block styles. The tool also explains how to measure the thread size correctly, with or without a thread ID kit.
eFitting is designed to make coupling ID faster, easier, and more reliable across the counter, in the shop, or in the field.
Hydraulic Planogram Tool
Hydraulic Planogram Tool
Created the first visual bin layout tool for hydraulic hose and coupling inventory, built to manage hundreds of fittings across jobber and branch locations. The tool helps plan cabinet layouts, assign correct bin sizes based on part numbers and quantities, and streamline stocking with field-ready accuracy. It was built in Excel using advanced formulas and custom VBA, and can be tailored by location. The system is still actively used by Gates field and inside teams today.
eHose helps simplify the process of selecting the right hydraulic hose from the wide range of options in the Gates portfolio. Built using the same guided logic as eFitting, eHose uses a process of elimination to help sales teams and customers quickly find the best hose for a specific application.
Instead of flipping through catalogs or searching multiple product pages, users answer a short series of questions about the job, environment, or equipment. Based on those inputs, eHose suggests the most appropriate hose options for that scenario, complete with specs and application notes.
Whether the need is for high impulse, abrasion resistance, tight routing, or extreme temperatures, eHose makes it easier to match the hose to the job with speed and confidence.
ROI Calculator Tool
One of the biggest challenges when quoting new hydraulic crimper installs is the sticker shock. A $20,000 investment can be hard for customers to justify, especially when upper management is involved. What often gets lost in the conversation is the long-term savings of stocking and making hose in-house compared to buying assemblies at list price.
To help make this value clear, I built a custom ROI calculator using Microsoft Power Automate. It allows sales reps and product teams to generate clean, professional cost-savings reports based on each customer’s actual usage.
The calculator shows:
Projected savings over five years as a stocking Blue Sheet dealer
The exact month and year the equipment will pay for itself
Optional labor savings based on what the customer currently pays operators to wait while hoses are being made off-site
The process is simple. Users click the link, answer a few quick questions, and the tool emails back a personalized savings report in just minutes. There is no spreadsheet to download or manage. It works from any device, including mobile, and is completely automated through Power Automate and Office365 tools.
In one recent example, a lead named Strong Concrete was building around eight two-wire hoses per month. Based on that input, the calculator showed:
$25,853 in savings over five years
Equipment paid off in just 2.4 months
This tool helps make the value of a crimper install clear, fast, and easy to present. It is actively used in the field today and can be customized for different dealer scenarios.
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