Thursday 29 November 2012

Did you know Routeco offer Atex solutions?

Whether you operate within the hazardous area environment every day or only occasionally…Whether your concern is from a plant management, safety or engineering perspective…or simply looking for an Atex solution…

…Were you aware that Routeco can offer this and much more?

By understanding concepts such as Intrinsic Safety, Explosion Proof, Flameproof, Increased Safety, Purged / Pressurised, Non sparking, Restricted Breathing and Energy Limitation; we are able to offer the best commercial and technical solutions for both gas and dust applications.

Working with Global and Local product Partners, we aim to provide the best technical and commercial solutions to meet your needs.

By utilising our national franchises such as CEAG, MTL, MEDC and Weidmuller, along with many other specialist suppliers, we are able to offer and support everything from standard products to bespoke engineered solutions. Also, if you are unsure of the certification requirements or what protection concept can be used, we are on hand to advise.

Please be assured that as part of Routeco’s overall package of Value-Add support services, we are committed to work alongside you, understanding the exact requirements of the project and advising on the best solution.

For more information, email: sales@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000

Tuesday 27 November 2012

Find out more about the Rockwell Automation Encompass Partners

To be the best in your industry, you need to align yourself with companies that are the best in their industries. Through the Rockwell Automation Encompass Partner program, Rockwell’s third-party product referencing program, you can quickly locate the products that best solve your application challenges. Each partner offers enhancement to the performance of the Rockwell Automation solutions for customers. Products referenced in the program provide functionality & solutions not already delivered by Rockwell Automation and enhance and extend the capability of the Rockwell Automation platform.

The encompass partners include:

ProSoft Technology - specialises in the development of communication solutions compatible with the large automation suppliers' controllers
eWON - manufacturer of products that offer secure industrial connectivity across the Internet
Hardy Process Solutions - industry leader in the weighing automation world
Panduit - world-class developer and provider of leading-edge solutions that help customers optimise their physical infrastructure through simplification, agility, an operational efficiency
Spectrum Controls - premier provider of hardware and relate software products for the industrial controls marketplace
HMS - world's number 1 choice for industrial communication

More information about each of these encompass partners will follow, so watch this space!

Tuesday 20 November 2012

Kick start your career!

Got your sights set on becoming an apprentice? Want to earn whilst you learn? Routeco offer a technical apprenticeship for school leavers and those who are looking for a change in their career.

What is an Apprenticeship?
They are on-the-job training programs which allow you to develop your career, study nationally recognised qualifications and learn new skills - all whilst earning a wage!

What does the Routeco Apprenticeship involve?
At Routeco we offer a 4 year apprenticeship scheme, consisting of on-the-job training predominantly working on the Technical Helpdesk and day release at college studying for formal qualifications in Electrical Engineering.

Year 1
Induction - Job training on the Technical helpdesk
Departmental rotation throughout the year - including Purchasing, Marketing, Logistics, Rockwell Automation
Key Skills Development - Quarterly projects set by mentor

Years 2/3/4 include:
Key Skill Development - Customer visits with Product Sales Specialists
Monthly Reviews - College performance and project work
Investors - Line Manager, Mentor and Sponsor

Dan has completed his apprenticeship with Routeco and talks about his experience…
…“The Routeco apprenticeship helped me to gain in depth knowledge of Industrial Automation and Control products, along with a recognised qualification in electrical engineering. Being able to take what I learned from college one day and putting it into practice the next, definitely enhanced my ability to progress. The scheme has set me up for a long and fruitful career within Routeco.”

 
If you want to be where Dan is in 5 years time, check out our careers page to keep up to date with opportunities.

Thursday 15 November 2012

Routeco attend the Apprenticeship Road Show in Daventry


On Wednesday evening, Routeco attended the Apprenticeship Road show at the iCon Centre in Daventry. Various colleges, training providers and businesses attended this event, with the opportunity to discuss the benefits of apprenticeships and what a worthwhile option they are for young people.
 
Our Automation Sales Manager gave a presentation outlining his own career, which was launched with a 4 year apprenticeship. He then spoke about Routeco's approach to apprenticeships and the potential career development opportunities.
 
The rest of the evening was spent talking to students and parents from the Northamptonshire region about the benefits of learning whilst earning, and providing general guidance on interview skills and preparing CVs and application forms.
 
More information will follow about the apprenticeship opportunities Routeco have to offer, so watch this space!

Wednesday 14 November 2012

Do you need to replace leased lines?

As telecom providers start to phase out the traditional analogue leased lines in favour of IP based core networks, this brings up the conundrum of how to stay connected to you serial-based, remote assets.

Westermo have the solution.

Now available are the ADSL-350 broadband and MRD-350 3G/GPRS routers. These provide support for:
  • DNP3 serial to IP conversion and a node on the telemetry network reporting directly using the DNP3 protocol
  • Modbus
  • Automatic VPN failover
  • Automation media failover
  • Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (media and hardware sensing)
  • Built in firewall to provide security and prevent unauthorised access
  • Very easy to use GUI
  • Serial port built in
  • Long reach ADSL (ADSL-350)
  • Fully tested at BT labs in Martlesham Heath against 20CN and 21CN

ADSL-350 Data Sheet
The ADSL-350 is an industrially designed ADSL broadband router built to cope with harsh environments and the characteristics of industrial applications. The unit supports a wide range of ADSL standards and has support for long lines.

MRD-350 Data Sheet
The MRD-350 industrial mobile broadband GPRS/ EDGE/ 3G router uses the Internet to cost effectively inter-connect systems, allowing HMI, PLC's, sensors etc to communicate with each other

For more information, email: sales@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000

Tuesday 13 November 2012

Ex-pendant LED light fittings combine safety, reliability and energy efficiency

Cooper Crouse-Hinds has launched an innovative range of explosion-protected LED pendant light fittings/floodlights for Zone 2 hazardous gas areas. The light fittings are manufactured in accordance with the European Directive (ATEX) and IECEx standards and provide a unique combination of high energy efficiency, safety and reliability.

The new Champ NVMV LED range of light fittings is designed for general illumination duties at medium and high suspension heights in harsh, hazardous environments, particularly onshore and offshore oil and gas installations and chemical plants.

Key features:
  • Can reduce energy costs by up to 58%
  • Available in three power classes: from 70W up to 98W
  • Lamps can be wall, ceiling, pole or pendant-mounted
  • Approved up to temperature class T5
  • Operating ambient temperatures from -40°C to +55°C
  • Rated life of 60,000 hours continuous operation
By using a compact, modular design, installation, retrofitting and replacement of the LED lamp is fast and simple. The lamps are installed in the same way as existing Champ series lamps and modularity of lamp components enables easier part replacement and future upgrades.

A unique heat sink vertical fin design facilitates airflow and dust shedding, whilst ensuring safe, reliable heat dissipation. A durable fin extrusion ensures effective heat transfer from the LED assembly to the external environment, resulting in low LED junction temperatures, higher reliability and sustained lumen performance.

For more information, email: sales@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000

Thursday 8 November 2012

Rittal Flex-Block base/plinth - suitable for any Rittal standing enclosures

Now available from Rittal the Flex-Block base/plinth system, to suit any Rittal floor standing enclosures TS8, SE8 and CM along with floor standing human interface products TP and PC.

Key benefits:
  • Save time with fast assembly by simply clipping together the base/plinth components
  • Easily bayed with tool-free baying clip
  • Tool-free assembly of all base/plinth components
  • Space-saving cable routing in the base/plinth means more space for the interior installation of the enclosure
The Flex-Block may be secured to the floor at any time, and can be used for baying by simply inserting the baying element into two corner pieces. Punched rails can be clipped into position without the need for tools, resulting in simple installation of the rails rom the enclosure into the base/plinth area.

The Flex-Block is available either sealed or vented.

Flex Block Sealed base/plinth supply includes:
  • 4 corner pieces
  • 4 trim panels
  • 4 cover caps
  • Assembly parts for mounting on the enclosure
Flex Block Vented base/plinth supply includes:
  • 2 trim panels, vented (width)
  • 2 trim panels, sealed (depth)
  • 4 cover caps
  • Assembly parts for mounting on the enclosure

For more information, email: sales@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000

Tuesday 6 November 2012

A new way to remotely view the status of your machines - M2Web from eWON

M2Web is now available from eWON, allowing end-users to view the status of their machine or industrial equipment remotely via an ordinary web browser connected to Talk2M - also providing compatibility with Smartphones and tablets.

This new solution does not require any installation, as the connection is directly via a web browser. M2Web is compatible with most common browsers. Remote access removes boundaries, eliminates the need for time consuming site visits and provide a network infrastructure suitable for today's "always-on" society.

According to eWON's two co-founders, the other main advantage of this innovation is that eWON is now fully compatible with the mobile world. For machine builders and their customers, fast access to PLC variables from any location can often be essential, especially in the case of isolated machine without a local operator. Now with M2Web, users will be able to view the status of their machines via a Smartphone or tablet.

For more information click here.

Thursday 1 November 2012

Rittal's stainless steel enclosures for cleanliness and corrosion resistance

For automation, communications or power supply technology, Rittal offer the correct enclosures and cabinets to suit virtually all requirement profiles in modern industry.

For more demanding applications where hygiene is essential such as the food and beverage sector and pharmaceuticals or in more aggressive environments such as petrochemical plants and offshore situation, Rittal's stainless steel range of enclosures and cabinets will provide high cleanliness standards and corrosion resistance.



Cleverly though-out system platforms, in conjunction with an extensive selection of system accessories, provide the basis for the outstanding solution diversity of the Rittal stainless steel range.

Rittal's 304 or 316 grade stainless steel are available now. 

Stainless Steel Enclosures

For more information, email: sales@routeco.com or call: 0370 607 1000