Shop in a Box is a turnkey solution that transforms a regular assembly setup into a hydraulic and hose crimping cell for shops – and jobs – of all sizes. How did it come to be? What benefits does it provide? What are customers saying about it?
Continental’s Shop in a Box was born from a customer challenge that was looking to sell hydraulic solutions more efficiently. Without specialized expertise in-house, they needed a simpler way to get the right parts to customers.
In 2019, Continental employees from product management and hydraulics teamed up with Continental-owned crimper manufacturer Custom Crimp® to brainstorm solutions. Using just a white board and their own ingenuity, a game-changing solution emerged — one that would revolutionize the market.
The result? A fully assembled, turnkey hydraulic package in a box ordered under one single part number. With Shop in a Box, users can create a hydraulic and industrial hose crimp shop right inside their current location. The easy-to-use set up contains a crimper – with six crimper options to choose from based on the shop’s needs – and all the accessories needed to produce premium Continental assemblies.
“I believe this is one of the best hydraulic solutions we’ve ever launched,” said Chad Peters, product manager for Continental’s equipment fluid handling solutions and a member of the idea team. “From the initial market disruption to the buzz it continues to create, the entire industry is trying to create a similar product. It has everything the customer would need; it’s so easy for the customer because it’s all ordered under one part number.”
What started with a small group of Continental employees seeking solutions for a customer has turned into one of the most successful ideas in the hydraulics industry.
Components of Shop in a Box
Shop in a Box includes one of six Continental crimpers, CrimpIQTM tablet, hose saw, hose reel rack, die shelf, insertion block assembly, Continental calipers, four drawer cabinet with small and large bins, hose helper, 10’ Continental air hose with nozzle, 6’ Continental sign, 6’ LED light kit, attached tape measure, 5’ 110V power strip, tooling mat and a work table with adjustable feet.
Continental offers six different crimpers to choose from, including PC125, PC150, PC150HD, PC200i, PC440i and the new PC160i. Each model has unique features that cater to different requirements, from small occasional uses in the PC125RCD, to moderate and commercial purposes with the PC150, PC150HD, and new smart-service crimper PC160i, to a full-blown industry-ready shop with the PC200i and PC440i. All Shop in a Box kits come with CrimpIQ technology and a CrimpIQ tablet that offers technical support to help the user 24-7.
One single part number proves to be an industry disruptor
No other competitor in the market offers a Shop in a Box like Continental. Continental was the first to create and market this turnkey solution. The complete hose assembly cell arrives neatly packed in a box, ready for installation in mere minutes of unpacking. Not only does it incorporate proper flow and ergonomics, but storage, hose cleaning with Ultra Clean, LED lighting and key items that make the assembly process easy. It also includes digital solutions with CrimpIQ technology and C-IQ Mobile.
“Shop in a Box takes the guesswork out of how to make an assembly, because it includes everything you need. It’s very intuitive,” said Peters. “Additionally, it’s an economical and cost-effective way to enter the business. It also shows well because every component has its place within the setup. No matter where it goes in a shop, it generates buzz.”
Coupling solution for the digital age using CrimpIQ and CrimpCloud
Shop in a Box continues to evolve as technology evolves. Shop in a Box includes Continental’s CrimpIQ, a smart, cloud-based coupling solution, available with smart crimpers PC200i, PC160i, PC440i. The simple operation of the touchscreen interface helps the user navigate through specifications, notes and relevant crimping instructions. Traceability is also a key function of the application. The unique hose identification label allows you to track both assembly and operations-related information so the user can record, manage, and retrieve information that is important.
Continental’s CrimpCloud connectivity platform provides latest specifications and updates and enables remote maintenance. Preferences, favorites and user settings are saved and securely stored in the cloud and technical support is provided from within the application. Machine performance and maintenance plans can be easily monitored – even from afar. This technology enables the crimper to be remotely maintained and have updates loaded, saving customers a great deal of time and money. The whole crimping process can be monitored via a securely protected website.
Continental’s PC160i Crimper technology hit the market in spring 2024 and is Continental’s newest crimper, which is available with Shop in a Box. It takes the guesswork out of hose crimping, ensuring a reliable connection with every new hose application. The PC160i is designed with the daily operator in mind. It features automatic, semi-automatic, and manual modes, with tooling capable of handling true 1 ¼” specifications and extending to some 2” applications. The simple “three taps” to crimp approach is a true game changer.
Customers sing Shop in a Box’s praises
Customer feedback is one of the best gauges to know how a new product is performing, and hearing positive feedback about the Shop in a Box helps to solidify its place as an industry disruptor.
Jason Paradis, president of Complete Hydraulics Inc. shared, “I purchased two “Shop in a Box” systems, a PC125 and a PC150. As soon as we unboxed the first unit it was obvious that this system is well thought out and well-constructed. The workbench is solid and sturdy, and the saw being inset into the bench is a great feature. The work light over the bench is a wonderful addition and the Continental sign really attracts customers’ attention.”
“I was immediately impressed with how well they were crated,” said Don Graham, manager, Bangor Division Portland Rubber Company. “The design of the Shop in a Box is well thought out with regards to the strongly built bench and all of the included components. It is an ideal set-up for anyone wishing to set up a hydraulic hose shop for resale or an equipment maintenance shop.”
Shop in a Box continues to be the easiest, most efficient way to bring hydraulic solutions to market.
Ready to make a Continental shift?
Let’s power your hydraulics forward – Contact us today!
