Information Property
Evolution: Are You Participating?
One of the most
interesting aspects of the marketplace is the evolution of how
businesses leverage assets. For most of the history of the
marketplace, business leverage came from the three basic categories
below, listed in order of appearance as well as their historic
market value:
1. Muscle power (whether human or animal);
2. Tangible stuff (raw material, inventory, tools, etc);
3. Information (today we call this intellectual property, or IP for
short).
Historically, the strongest cavemen, the biggest horses, the fastest
ships, the largest factories, all had an advantage over lesser
competitors. And in the world of small business, it sounded like
this: "We have the largest inventory in the area."
But here's the interesting part: as the marketplace has evolved, the
order of importance and the value of assets has inverted. Studies
show that marketplace participants place an increasingly higher
value on IP and the ability to leverage it than on tangible assets.
And what about muscles? In most of the global marketplace, it's
become number four on a list of three.
The good news is small businesses are joining this global trend by
leveraging IP more and tangible assets less. They're using
technology in exciting new ways, doing more virtual business, and
are as likely to develop a strategy for doing business across an
ocean today, as they were across town 20 years ago.
Regarding the power of IP and how essential it is to their business'
ability to be competitive in the 21st century, more and more, small
businesses "get it." The bad news is, there still are far too many
who don't, and in the global marketplace, they're becoming less
competitive.
To see if you "get it," consider these four questions:
1. If I gave you, free of charge, either a truckload of inventory,
or a unique system of delivering your product or service that no one
else had, would you take the inventory or the information?
2. Do you spend more and more time thinking about your products and
services, or finding and employing technology and systems to more
effectively and efficiently deliver your products and services?
3. Do your employees use less technology in the direct performance
of their jobs today compared to ten years ago, or more technology?
4. If you were purchasing a business, which would be more valuable
to your future success: the inventory and the business equipment, or
the electronic customer information the seller has amassed about who
their customers are, how to contact them by mail, email and phone,
what they buy, why they buy it, when they want it, and how they use
it?
If you chose the first option to any of these questions, to
paraphrase Jeff Foxworthy, you might be a caveman. But if you
chose the second options, congratulations „ YOU GET IT!!! Write this on a rock: "In the 21st century, advantage goes to
businesses that leverage intellectual property more and tangible
assets less".
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Comparative Motor Oil
Testing
 AMSOIL
Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil
(ATM) and 10 competing conventional and synthetic10W-30 motor oils were
subjected to a series of ASTM motor oil tests. The competing oils included
petroleum-based Castro GTX Drive Hard, Mobil Drive Clean, Pennzoil with Purebase,
Quaker State Peak Performance and Valvoline, as well as synthetic-based
Valvoline Synpower, Quaker State, Castrol Syntec, Pennzoil and Mobil SuperSyn
Multi-Vehicle.
Seven tests were run on the motor oils. The Thin-Film Oxygen Uptake Test (TFOUT)
measures the oxidation stability of engine oils. The High Temperature/High Shear
Test (HTHS) measures a lubricant's viscosity under severe operating conditions.
The NOACK Volatility Test measures the evaporation loss of oils in high
temperature service. Pour Point indicates the lowest temperature at which a
fluid will flow. Total Base Number (TBN) is the measurement of a lubricant's
reserve alkalinity for combating acids. The Cold Cranking Simulator Test (CCS)
measures a lubricant's viscosity at low temperatures and high shear rates. The
Four-Ball Wear Test measures a lubricant's wear protection properties. The
impressive test results show AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil outperformed the
competitors in each test.
Thin-Film Oxygen Uptake (ASTMD-4742)
 The
Thin-Film Oxygen Uptake Test evaluates the oxidation stability of lubricating
oils. A mixture of the test oil and chemistries found in gasoline engine
operation (oxidized/nitrated fuel, soluble metals and distilled water) are
placed in a test vessel, which is pressurized with oxygen and placed in a heated
bath. Anti-oxidant breakdown is evident when the oxygen pressure in the vessel
rapidly decreases. At this point, the induction time (break point) of the oil is
recorded. As shown in the graph, AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil had the
highest induction time of all the tested oils. In fact, it didn't reach its
break point in over 500 minutes of testing.
The superior oxidation stability of AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil allows
it to effectively resist the formation of engine deposits and sludge, keeping
engines running clean and efficient and extending oil life. It also resists
thickening, maintaining its superior wear protection and lubricating properties
and maximizing fuel efficiency.
High Temperature/High Shear (ASTM D-4683)
 The
High Temperature/High Shear Test measures a lubricant's viscosity under severe
hightemperature and shear conditions that resemble highly-loaded journal
bearings in fired internal combustion engines. In order to prevent bearing wear,
it is important for a lubricant to maintain its protective viscosity under
severe operating conditions. The minimum High Temperature/High Shear viscosity
for a 30 weight oil is 2.9 cP. As shown in the graph, AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30
Motor Oil surpasses this minimum standard and displayed the highest High
Temperature/High Shear viscosity in the group.
The superior viscosity retention of AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil in the
face of severe temperature and shear conditions allows it to provide continuous,
unsurpassed protection for engine bearings, extending equipment life and
preventing wear.
NOACK Volatility (ASTM D-5800)
 The
NOACK Volatility Test determines the evaporation loss of lubricants in high
temperature service. The more motor oils vaporize, the thicker and heavier they
become, contributing to poor circulation, reduced fuel economy and increased oil
consumption, wear and emissions. A maximum of 15 percent evaporation loss is
allowable to meet API SL and ILSAC GF-3 specifications. As shown in the graph,
AMSOIL 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil outperformed its nearest competitor by over 30
percent.
The extremely low volatility of AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil allows it
to maintain its superior protective and performance qualities throughout
extended drain intervals, even when faced with severe operating temperatures. In
addition, oil consumption and emissions are minimized and fuel efficiency is
maximized.
Pour Point (ASTM D-97)
 The
Pour Point Test determines the lowest temperature at which a lubricant will flow
when cooled under prescribed conditions. The lower a lubricant's pour point, the
better protection it provides in low temperature service. As shown in the graph,
AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil has the lowest pour point of the tested oils.
The low pour point of AMSOIL 10W-30 Synthetic Motor Oil allows it to maintain
its fluidity in extremely low temperatures, reducing drag on moving vehicle
parts, providing critical engine components with quick, essential lubrication
and easing startup in cold temperatures. Wear is greatly reduced and equipment
life is extended.
Total Base Number (ASTM D-2896)
 Total
Base Number (TBN) is the measurement of a lubricant's reserve alkalinity, which
aids in the control of acids formed during the combustion process. The higher a
motor oil's TBN, the more effective it is in suspending wear-causing
contaminants and reducing the corrosive effects of acids over an extended period
of time. As shown in the graph, AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil has the
highest TBN of the tested oils.
The high TBN of AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil allows it to effectively
combat wear-causing contaminants and acids, providing superior protection and
performance over extended drain intervals.
Cold Crank Simulator (ASTM D-5293)
 The
Cold Crank Simulator Test determines the apparent viscosity of lubricants at low
temperatures and high shear rates. Viscosity of lubricants under these
conditions is directly related to engine cranking and startability. The lower a
lubricant's cold crank viscosity, the easier an engine will turn over in cold
temperatures. 10W motor oils are tested at -25°C and must have a viscosity below
7000 cP to pass. As shown in the graph, AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil is
well below the maximum requirement, while many of the competing oils barely
pass.
The low cold crank viscosity of AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil reduces
drag on moving engine parts and allows engines to achieve critical cranking
speed in extremely frigid temperatures. Engines turn over quickly and dependably
in the coldest winter temperatures.
Four Ball Wear (ASTM D-4172)
 The
Four Ball Wear Test determines the wear protection properties of a lubricant.
Three metal balls are clamped together and covered with the test lubricant,
while a rotating fourth ball is pressed against them in sliding contact. This
contact typically produces a wear scar, which is measured and recorded. The
smaller the average wear scar, the better the wear protection provided by the
lubricant. As shown in the graph, AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil produced the
smallest wear scar of the tested lubricants.
AMSOIL Synthetic 10W-30 Motor Oil provides unsurpassed protection against
engine wear. Equipment life is extended, and repairs, downtime and expenses are
reduced.
  AMSOIL
INC.has been the leader in synthetic motor oil formulation since its
introduction of the world's first API rated synthetic motor oil in 1972. By
specializing exclusively in the synthetic lubricant technology, AMSOIL is able
to optimize the most advanced chemistries available. The "Genuine Synthetic PAO
Formulated" designation displayed on AMSOIL packaging indicates that the oils
are formulated with Polyalphaolefin (PAO) synthetic base stocks. This chemistry
is the industry's premier base stock technology. Unlike conventional
mineral-based chemistries, AMSOIL PAO base stocks contain fully saturated,
hydrogenated molecules and are free of wax and other impurities. Combined with
an exact balance of premium additives, itdelivers superior hot and cold
temperature performance, resists oxidation and acid formation and provides
long-term wear protection. AMSOIL "Genuine Synthetic PAO Formulated" oils have
shattered the parameters of the most rigorous industry testing and set the
standard for all other motor oils.
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Here are three marketing basics to drive your
sales success.
They're so simple and so powerful, you should memorize them, using them for the
rest of your lives.
They
are:
1. Get more
customers.
2.
Sell each customer MORE PRODUCTS.
3. And
sell each customer more products, MORE OFTEN.
Just
because AMSOIL oils and filters last for a year or more doesn't mean that you
wait 11 to 12 months to contact the buyer again.
Rather, stay in touch with the customer, making contact at least quarterly or
even monthly if you wish. You want to build a long term business (and maybe
personal) relationship with the customer.
Here's
my idea of how to sell more products and sell them more often, using an
automobile customer as an example.
1. The
initial sale should include engine oil and an Ea filter. Hang tough on selling
both, since they work better together.
2.
Within three months or less, contact them and let them know they could
experience even better results by converting the back end of the vehicle to
AMSOIL products as well--transmission fluid, gear lube, etc.
They
should experience even more miles per gallon improvement with the entire car
fully "amsoilized." With fuel soon to be $5.00 to $6.00 per gallon, I believe,
fuel efficiency is more important than ever.
3. Up
to three months later, it's time to introduce ALTRUM products. People need
excellent nutritional supplements.
Everyone needs a powerful daily multiple. ALTRUM has great multis. I know, I
take them myself. I can't find any comparable product that's better than ALTRUM.
If the
buyer is a man over 40, he's likely to experience prostate problems (enlargement
or PSA blood test numbers that are too high). If so, he needs the ALTRUM
Prostate Formula. I take Prostate Formula. It has caused my PSA numbers to drop
like a rock to the low end of the normal range. My doctor is thrilled.
And
all too many folks over 50 have some manifestation of cardiovascular disease,
including hypertension (high blood pressure).
ALTRUM
has an excellent C-Q-10 product. C-Q-10 can reduce high blood pressure. And
CO-Q-10 is usually low in a person taking statin drugs--so these folks need lots
and lots of Co-Q-10.
Here
again, I have had experience with mild hypertension around 140-145/76. Using
Co-Q-10, my blood pressure today is 125/67.
The
ALTRUM Division also sells AGGRAND organic fertilizer and numerous, excellent
cleaning products. Learn this product line and how to sell it, too.
By
doing these things, you'll have not only a satisfied customer, but you'll make a
friend for life--a person who will refer you to his/her friends.
If he
or she doesn't give referrals, take the initiative to ask for them, anyway.
Every successful insurance agent I know built his/her business by systematically
asking clients for referrals.
4. By
this time, nine months have elapsed--and it's time to introduce Bosch spark
plugs and wiper blades. By now, you're a sales pro. Selling Bosch products will
be a piece of cake.
If you
take this systematic approach, both the buyer and his/her auto will live longer
and better. You wouldn't want the buyer's car to outlive him or her because you
sold great products for the cars but not for the owner.
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Why Motor Oil Deteriorates
Amsoil Action News April
2006 It is common knowledge that, at some point, engine oil
must be changed. It's something that is preached quick lubes and oil
companies. But consumers are quick lubes and oil companies. But
consumers are widely unaware of what exactly makes oil changes necessary.
Many factors contribute to a motor oil's demise, but it is essentially the
accumulation of contaminants in the oil and chemical changes in the oil itself
that make a motor oil unfit for further service. With time, it is a motor
oil unfit for further service. With time, it is a motor oil unfit for
further service. With time, it is inevitable that the oil will be
contaminated by dirt or inevitable that the oil will be contaminated by dirt or
sludge, or succumb to the extreme pressures or temperatures found inside an
engine. AMSOIL Motor Oils are formulated with the industry's most advanced
synthetic base stocks and additive packages to combat the forces that
deteriorate conventional oils.
EXTREME HEAT
Today's engines are running hotter than ever. More horsepower, turbo
chargers and aerodynamic styling have created extremely hot environments that
receive less cooling from outside air. High heat leads to oil oxidation,
deposits and thickening in conventional oils. Because they are made form
impure, irregular molecules, conventional motor oils are more susceptible to the
effects of heat. The small, light molecules in conventional oil tend to
evaporate as the oil is heated, leaving large, heavy molecules behind and
leading to oil consumption and an increase in the oil's viscosity. If
those large, heavy molecules are chemically unstable, they may also break-down
and form deposits on component surfaces, further inhabiting the release of heat
into the oil stream.
Even in relatively mild temperatu8res, oxygen works to break down some of the
chemicals in conventional lubricants. The extreme heat in engines actually
promotes oxidation. When conventional oil contaminants break down, they
coat components with varnish, deposits and sludge and leave the lubricant thick,
hard to pump and with very poor heat transfer ability.
EXTREME COLD
Cold temperatures cause oil to thicken. Conventional lubricants contain
paraffins which cause them to thicken in cold temperatures as the paraffin gels.
At startup, this can leave working parts unprotected for as long as five minutes
while the oil warms to a temperature that allow it to flow.
COMMON CONTAMINANTS
Dust and dirt from the air enter the engine through faulty air cleaners, some
oil fill caps and crankcase ventilation systems. Normal engine wear
produces small metal particles that are picked up and circulated by the oil.
The abrasive particles of road dust and dirt increase the rate of wear and
generate larger metal particles. Those particles are equally abrasive and the
rate of wear accelerates with a snowball effect. While filtration removes
most of these contaminants, some remain and are left to circulate with the oil.
COMBUSTION BYPRODUCTS
Combustion produces several byproducts that also act as contaminants.
Water and acids lead to sludge, rust and corrosion. Soot and carbon create
sludge and varnish and can clog filters. Unburned fuel in liquid form is
deposited on cylinder walls where it leaks past the rings into the crankcase.
Sludge deposits collect on oil pump screens, limiting the flow of oil to vital
engine parts and resulting in rapid and destructive wear. When oil becomes
contaminated, its viscosity changes. With soot, dirt, oxidation or sludge,
viscosity increases; with fuel dilution it decreases.
INTERNAL FORCES
Engines create a great deal of internal pressure. Extreme pressure can
result in boundary lubrication which breaks the oil film between moving parts.
Movement inside the engine agitates the fluid, trapping air and forming bubbles
or foam. Because air is compressible, the ability of the fluid film to
prevent contact is reduced. And because the mixed air contains oxygen, it
promotes oil oxidation.
ADDITIVES
Careful research and experimentation led lubricant manufacturers to specific
chemicals that combat various problems faced by motor oils. These chemical
additives are added to base oils as a package. Typical Additive packages
can include rust and corrosion inhibitors, extreme pressure additives and
viscosity index improvers. Each additive is designed to aid the base oil
in the protection of components, but additives have their limitations.
While these additives are created to perform specific talks, they are also
subjected to the same extreme environment experienced by the base oil, and each
additive is affected by different variables in different ways. For
example, viscosity index improvers are used to reduce the thinning effects
cased by operation at elevated temperatures. They are the key components
that allow for the production of multigrade oils. However, the long
molecules in viscosity index improvers are subject to shearing in service, which
reduces their ability to minimize fluid viscosity loss. Permanent shearing
of viscosity index improvers can result in piston ring sticking due to deposit
formation, increased oil. consumption and accelerated equipment wear.
High quality additives perform best and last linger when paired with high
quality synthetic base oils.
ITS ALL IN THE MOLECULES
Conventional lubricants are made from refined petroleum, a naturally occurring
and impure substance. The varied and non-uniform size and shape of the
molecules that make up conventional oils lend themselves to contamination.
They cannot withstand extreme heat or cold, and they burn off and succumb to
oxidation, leading to the development of deposits and component wear.
AMSOIL SYNTHETIC MOTOR OILS ARE SUPERIOR
AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils provide extended equipment life, reduced maintenance
costs, better performance, improved fuel economy and extended drain intervals
through the use of high-quality synthetic base stocks and superior additive
packages.
Because they are derived from pure chemicals, synthetic lubricants contain no
unnecessary molecules. Their smooth lubricating molecules slip easily
across one another, improving the lube's ability to reduce friction, which in
turn improves wear control, heat control and fuel efficiency. In addition,
uniformly sized synthetic lubricant molecules resist thinning in heat and
thickening in cold, decreasing the need for viscosity index improvers and
increasing the lube's ability to maintain its viscosity.
Because AMSOIL synthetic lubricants contain only strong, uniform molecules,
they are much more resistant to thermal and oxidative breakdown. AMSOIL
synthetics are virtually impervious to breakdown at normal operating
temperatures and can be used in higher temperatures than conventional oils
without breaking down. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils keep components free of
varnish, deposits and sludge.
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NOACK Volatility Chart
| 10% |
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9.5% |
9.57% |
| 8% |
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8.84% |
9.12% |
9.13% |
9.18% |
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| 6% |
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6.58% |
6.77% |
6.97% |
7.49% |
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| 4% |
5.44% |
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| 2% |
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| 0% |
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Amsoil
ATM |
Pennzoil
Platinum |
Castrol
GTX |
Quaker
advanced |
Mobil 1 |
Motorcraft
synthetic |
Chevron
Supreme |
Havoline
|
Formula
Shell |
Pennzoil |
Trop Artic
Synthetic |
June 2005 test results
The NOACK Volatility Test determines the
evaporation loss of lubricants in high temperature service.
The more motor oils vaporize, the thicker and heavier they become,
contributing to poor circulation, reduced fuel economy and increased
oil consumption, wear and emissions. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor
Oil resists high temperature volatilization better than other motor
oils. AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils to operate with less
friction and better heat control than conventional lubricants.
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EXTENDED DRAIN INTERVALS
Not only do AMSOIL Synthetic Motor Oils provide protection that is superior to
conventional oils, but they remain fit for serviced many times longer as well.
Heat and oxidation are the main enemies of lubricant base stocks. The
excellent resistance of synthetic lubricants to thermal and oxidative breakdown
allows them to be safely used for much longer drain intervals then conventional
lubricants. Their uniform and smooth molecular structure allows AMSOIL
Synthetic Motor Oils to operate with less friction and better heat control than
conventional lubricants
THE CHOICE IS CLEAR
When AMSOIL motor oil was introduced in 1972 it was ahead of its time.
Today, engine designers have goals of increased fuel economy, reduced exhaust
emissions, more performance out of smaller engines and greater durability,
increasing the demands placed on motor oils and requiring continuous upgrades.
AMSOIL remains at the forefront of the engine oil market by continuing to
provide oils that are ahead of their time. No other motor oil is
guaranteed for 25,000 miles or one year in normal service, and no other motor
oil can match the performance and protection provided by AMSOIL Synthetic Motor
Oils..
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