TOOLS & MACHINERY THE NAMING GAME
When it comes to naming machinery, clarity matters more than creativity, explains the Preparation Group.
In the world of surface preparation, words matter. The names we give to machines define how they’re understood, sold, and used. But here’s the problem – ask five different people in our flooring industry what a planer is, and you might get five different answers. Some call it a scarifier, others a scabbler. And that’s before we even get started on grinders, polishers, or shot blasters. Confusing? Absolutely. But it doesn’t have to be.
THE REAL-WORLD CONSEQUENCES OF A NAME GAME
Picture this: a contractor needs to remove a thick, textured coating from a concrete floor to create a smooth, even surface for the next stage of installation. They call a supplier and ask for a scarifier, only to be sold something that isn’t quite right. Cue frustration, lost time, and, worst case scenario, expensive rework. Sound familiar? We hear these stories all the time. And it’s not just contractors who struggle: architects, specifiers, and sales teams are caught in the same web of mixed-up terminology.
This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about efficiency. When we can’t agree on what a machine is called, or what it does, we waste time going round in circles, explaining, clarifying, and sometimes even ordering the wrong equipment.
HOW DID WE GET HERE?
With so many players in the industry using different terminology, it’s no surprise that confusion arises. Over time, various names have emerged for machines that perform the same function, making it harder for professionals to navigate product choices with confidence. While branding and differentiation are important to showcase our USPs, clarity is essential. By fostering better education and shared terminology, we can ensure that contractors, suppliers, and specifiers all speak the same language, reducing miscommunication and improving efficiency across the board.
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TIME FOR SOME STRAIGHT TALKING
Let’s call a spade a spade, or in this case, a planer a planer. Industry-wide standardisation in machine terminology would make life easier for everyone. Suppliers could sell with confidence, contractors would know exactly what they’re getting, and project managers wouldn’t be left scratching their heads.
At The Preparation Group, we believe that standardising terminology isn’t just about clarity – it empowers professionals in our industry with the knowledge they need to make informed choices. We’ve spent over 32 years in this industry, leading the way in mechanical surface preparation solutions. Education and open discussion will help to bridge the growing terminology gap and ensure that everyone – from contractors to specifiers – can really understand what they’re getting, and what they need to get the job done.
WHAT DO YOU CALL THIS MACHINE?
We’ve featured an image of a planer: one of the worst offenders when it comes to mixed-up terminology.
What do you call it? A scarifier? A scabbler? Something else entirely?
We want to hear from you. What’s your experience with the industry’s machine naming confusion? Tag The Preparation Group in your images on LinkedIn, or email hello@ppcgroup.
co.uk with your thoughts. By coming together – as contractors, manufacturers and supplies – to start this conversation, we hope that we can create a shared language that will benefit the whole industry.
www.ppcgroup.co.uk www.tomorrowscontractfloors.co.uk https://www.ppcgroup.co.uk/
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