Routeco raises money for Special Effect charity

During the month of May, Routeco’s charity of choice was Special Effect. During May all money collected from our Friday dress down days went to Special Effect – a total of £165! 

Special Effect is the only specialist UK-based charity dedicated to helping ALL people with disabilities enjoy video games. From injured soldiers to young disabled people who can’t play any other way, whether they are in a hospital, hospice, rehabilitation centre or at home. 

Their rapidly expanding reputation has meant an ever-growing demand for their services, including loaning cutting edge control technology such as gaze-controlled computers, worth several thousands of pounds. 

These include amazing young children like James, and adults like Rob, with short video links below to explain better how this equipment can bring so much benefit to people’s lives:

• Watch James' story here
• Watch Rob's story here

More information can be found on the Special Effect website

Routeco Recognised as a Cisco Internet of Things Industry Expert Specialised Partner from Cisco in the United Kingdom

Routeco announced today that it has achieved the Internet of Things (IoT) Industry Expert Specialisation from Cisco. The designation recognises Routeco as having fulfilled the training requirements and program prerequisites to sell, deploy and support Cisco IoT Industry Expert products and solutions.

The Cisco IoT Industry Expert Specialisation enables partners to combine their Operations Technology (OT) experience with Cisco IT networking knowledge. IoT Industry Expert Specialised Partners have experience working in industries such as manufacturing, energy and utilities, travel and transport, and/or connected safety and security. They have an understanding of Cisco products and concepts to be able to provide their customers the IoT solution they need.

Damian Spall, Product Marketing Manager said: “Working with Cisco will ensure that we are fully equipped to support our customers converging their IT and OT networks and will allow us to widen the scope of Industrial IoT projects that Routeco can assist with.”   

To earn the IoT Industry Expert Specialisation, Routeco fulfilled Cisco training and exam requirements. Routeco also met the personnel and post-sales support requirements set forth by Cisco.

The IoT Industry Expert is part of the Cisco® Channel Partner Program. The program provides partners with the training and technical expertise they need to sell Cisco products and solutions.

eWON Flexy Modular Industrial M2M Router and Data Gateway

The eWON Flexy is the first industrial modular M2M router and data gateway designed for OEMs and system integrators. The flexibility allows a user to link remote devices in an environment where communication technologies are constantly changing. It also allows universal communication with the most varied field equipment, regardless of the protocol used.

Watch the YouTube video below for all the product highlights including:

• Secure VPN remote access
• Data acquisition 
• Web server HMI
• Data logging and retrieval
• Alarm management and notification

eWON products are available to purchase from the Routeco website here

For further information, please contact info@routeco.com

Routeco announce GAMBICA membership

Routeco is very proud to announce that we have recently become a member of GAMBICA, the trade association for instrumentation, control, automation and laboratory technology within the UK. 

With many of our manufacturing supply partners already holding GAMBICA membership Routeco are now also able to offer an insight to the association from a technical distribution perspective within the Industrial Automation industry sector.

This new partnership will enable Routeco to participate in association groups where we can work alongside other established UK industrial automation companies to share technical knowledge, market intelligence and collaborate on strategic initiatives such as driving forward Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) adoption within the UK manufacturing industry.

Steve Brambley, Director of Public Affairs at GAMBICA comments

“We are really pleased to welcome Routeco into membership of GAMBICA, increasing our representation and building our knowledgebase of the industry. With Routeco joining, it not only strengthens our pool of industry experts but brings a new perspective from their technical distribution experience.”

Through serving our large customer base of machine builders, manufacturers, system integrators and panel builders, who are all operating within a broad range of different industrial sectors, our knowledge, expertise and close relationships with our customers allow us to remain at the forefront of industrial automation, and our new membership with GAMBICA will further assist us in achieving our goal to become both our customers and suppliers ‘Partner of Choice’ for control & automation products. 

Damian Spall, Product Marketing Manager, Routeco

A muddy day for Graham!

Routeco’s Business Development Director, Graham Jones, got very muddy on Sunday 9^th April as he took part in Warwickshire’s Spring Wolf Run to raise money for charity Zoe’s Place in Coventry.

As a member of a ‘Where’s Wally’ team, Graham joined 8,000 other runners who tackled the grueling Wolf Run with 10km of muddy trails, crawling through tunnels of muddy water, swimming lakes and climbing over slippery 15ft obstacles.

Well done to Graham and his ‘Where’s Wally’ team who managed to complete the course unscathed and raised lots of money for charity. If you’d like to find out more, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/Sian-Jones54

Introducing the Kinetix 5700 Servo drives from Rockwell Automation

Our Kinetix® 5700 EtherNet/IP Servo Drives help expand the value of integrated motion on EtherNet/IP to large custom machine builder applications. With Logix as a single control engine, and one design environment, Studio 5000® Logix Designer, machine builders now have more flexibility to scale, design, and control to help meet their needs. 

These servo drives can help reduce commissioning time and improve machine performance. It offers the simplicity, power and space savings you need to help get your machine up and running faster.

The Kinetix 5700 is designed for machines with large axis counts with higher power requirements. It is available in single and dual axis servos with integrated and hardwired Safe Torque-Off.

Key Features:

• Features dual axis modules
• Provides a large 1.6 to 60kW power range
• Controls servo and induction motors
• Supports a wide range of feedback types
• Offers an innovative snap-fit bus system
• Reduces wiring with single cable technology
• Allows for tuning-less commissioning for most axes
• Delivers power density for reduced cabinet space
• Includes dual Ethernet ports to support linear and device level ring topologies

Further product information is available by clicking here.

The Kinetix 5700 products are available to purchase on our website here.

For more information please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Powerful, scalable visualisation solutions with FactoryTalk® View Site Edition

To meet plant floor expectations, HMI software must meet the demands of multiple stakeholders.

• Engineering and Maintenance demands to quickly develop applications, scale architectures, and easily maintain systems once deployed.
• Operations demands easy to understand display screens, quick access to alarming, and system-wide diagnostics.
• Production Information Technology (IT) demands system-wide security, web capabilities, highly available systems and alignment with virtualised solutions.

Rockwell Automation’s FactoryTalk View Site Edition (SE) meets the demands of each of these groups, providing robust and reliable functionality in a single software package that scales from a stand-alone HMI system to a distributed visualisation solution. With FactoryTalk View SE, HMI challenges in process, batch and discrete applications are managed in a single software solution that enables critical visibility in real-time when and where you need it.

Features and Benefits

Premier integration with Logix controllers

• No need to create and maintain a separate HMI tag database – define tags once in the Logix controller, then access them throughout your system
• Referencing Logix controller tags directly from HMI displays provides optimized communications and display of data
• Subscribe to Logix controller-based alarms to display, annunciate, and manage them in the HMI

Productivity

• Rich, reusable graphics and animation capabilities with Symbol Factory graphic library, global objects, and RSLogix 5000 process faceplates
• Application edits can be automatically rolled out to a running system

Alarm configuration and management

• View and interact with alarm conditions throughout the architecture with easy-to-use graphical alarm objects
• Alarm groups provide the ability to control how related alarms are viewed, filtered and annunciated
• Align with ISA 18.2 alarm management standards with built-in alarm features

Mobility

• Mobile HMI provides continuous system visibility anytime, anywhere
• Extend your applications to your favourite iOS or Android mobile device for improved real-time decision making
• Publish HMI screens as-is, or create mobile device-specific screens for better visibility on a smaller screen

Rockwell Automation’s FactoryTalk Software is available to purchase  from the Routeco website click here. If you require any further information you can email info@routeco.com or call us on 0370 607 1000. 

New IntraVUE Ethernet network monitoring software from Panduit

If you’re not a network expert, Panduit's IntraVUE Software will help give you the ability to respond to network issues as if you were!

IntraVUE simplifies the support of Industrial Ethernet. With IntraVUE you can easily identify issues that arise when Ethernet devices are deployed in distributed and hostile environments including:

•  Duplicate IP and MAC addresses
•  Device or cable moves
• Connection or application faults
• Unauthorised connections
•  Real-time Diagnostic Reports

If the problem cannot be solved locally, now you can push a button and send all the necessary files to experts who can help. IntraVUE's continuously recording of network information will mean many intermittent problems will be captured for analysis. 

Whether this is an internal corporate group or external support organisation, the data capture will provide enough information to reduce or eliminate the need for a costly on-site support call. 

Vendor Neutral & Industrial Ethernet Focused

The key advantage of IntraVUE software and Panduit support is that they are vendor neutral and focused on Industrial Ethernet. They understand the subtle differences as well as how to train local resources to be self-sufficient.

What may be a first time occurrence at your location, may be an infrequent but common problem found in other applications.

IntraVUE is being used in over 2,500 networks worldwide from small bakeries to large automotive facilities. This solution is cost effective for networks with as few as 30 devices.

IntraVUE by Panduit software is available to purchase on the Routeco website by clicking here. Please email us at info@routeco.com if you would like more information or call us on 0370 607 1000.

You’ll always see the big picture with Safeside IR viewing windows

Grace Engineered Products’ SafeSide® W–MC Series allows for safe thermography inspections of multiple components through one big window, reducing the number of windows required and enhancing productivity.

Safeside® infrared viewing window features:

• The W-MC series features a larger rectangular viewing area that provides an unparalleled field-of-view (FOV) when compared to traditional round IR windows

• The exclusive, industrial-grade, reinforced polymer allows any infrared camera to monitor completely undisturbed assets inside electrical equipment

• Safeside® Polymers do not degrade when exposed to acids, alkalis, UV, moisture, humidity, vibration, and high frequency noise – a guarantee no crystal IR window can provide

Infrared (IR) cameras are essential tools for predictive maintenance, but they can only inspect what they can see. With their unparalleled field of view, the W-MC Series IR Viewing Windows from SafeSide® give you a quick, efficient way to safely inspect electrical equipment.

Whitepapers and datasheets on SafeSide® can be found here.

If you require any further information you can email info@routeco.com or call us on 0370 607 1000.

Intrinsically safe isolators designed by MTL

The MTL5500 range modules from EATON are versatile yet simple to apply; use the latest technology and yet are well proven.

These contrasting attributes stem from the progression in the design and manufacture of isolators for intrinsic safety and the application of innovative technology to achieve the required separation and segregation of the circuits.

The MTL5500 (DIN-rail mounting) and MTL4500 (backplane mounting) isolators share a common design, differing only in the mechanical mounting and connection methods.

• Compact modular design with DIN rail mounting
• High packing density
• Single and multi-channel I/O modules
• 3-port isolation with low power dissipation
• Compatible with MTL5000 

A wide range of MTL products are available to buy from Routeco by clicking here. If you would like more information, you can email info@routeco.com or call us on 0370 607 1000. 

New Compact GuardLogix 5370 Controller from Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation’s Midrange Architecture provides machine builders with a scalable control platform to meet both their custom and standard machine needs. The new Allen-Bradley Compact GuardLogix® 5370 controller provides machine builders with the performance needed for both integrated motion and integrated safety on EtherNet/IP™. With Studio 5000® software as a single design and configuration environment, scalability has never been simpler.

Whether you are in the design, operation or maintenance cycle, engineers now can share code between different machine types and sizes, reducing the design cycle and commissioning time while improving uptime through the machine’s lifecycle.

Built on standard Ethernet TCP/IP, EtherNet/IP provides a simplified architecture for machine builders. The ability to be future-proof provides the flexibility and security to meet the end user’s needs while converging to the plant-wide network.

Features and benefits include:

• Built-in dual Ethernet port for Linear and DLR (Device Level Ring) topologies
• Integrated safety up to SIL 3, PLe, CAT 4, 1oo2 hardware structure
• Integrated motion on EtherNet/IP up to 16 axes
• Built-in energy storage eliminates the need for batteries
• Removable 1-GB Secure Digital (SD) card improves data integrity
• Support for kinematics eliminates the need for additional robot controllers and software
• Integrated Safe Torque Off SIL 3/PLe with Kinetix® 5500 and PowerFlex® 527
• Supports reuse of existing 1769 I/O
• On-Machine™ IP67-rated Armor™ Compact GuardLogix controller options 

If you require any further information you can email info@routeco.com or call us on 0370 607 1000. 

Smart Sensors with IO-Link - enabling smart machines for the 'Connected Enterprise'

IO-Link Technology is a worldwide open-standard protocol that integrates Allen-Bradley sensors into the Rockwell Automation ‘Connected Enterprise’.

The new IO-Link Technology is a worldwide open-standard protocol that integrates Allen-Bradley sensors into the Connected Enterprise by connecting the IO-Link enabled device into an IO-Link master module. You can deliver data from the sensor directly into a control system in a very efficient manner. The flexibility of IO-Link capable sensors allows machines to operate more effectively by providing the controller with diagnostics. In addition to product detection, sensors provide detailed and accurate machine health status to improve uptime.

Key points

• A worldwide open protocol (IEC 61131-9) that allows AB sensors to be connected to the Connected Enterprise
• Allows point to point connection between the AB sensor and IO module
• Enables connection of up to four devices (IO-link enabled or standard IO)
• Uses same cables as standard sensors
• Provides powerful data and diagnostics from the sensor
• Allows sensors to be accessible from Ethernet/IP
• Automatic Device Configurations

Further product information on the range of IO Link Sensors is available by clicking here

For more information please contact us on 0370 607 1000 or visit our website at www.routeco.com

Routeco on YouTube

We were busy in 2015 filming and making videos to help you understand what we do and how we can help you!

Why don’t you take a few minutes to watch a few of our videos? If you want any further information about any of the content featured please email us on info@routeco.com or call 0370 607 100.

Welcome to Routeco – Learn more about who we are, what we do and meet some of our leadership team

Routeco Technical Specialist Rob Stebbings introduces the range of Hardy Process Solutions products

 Weidmuller’s Demonstration Vehicle visits Routeco Bristol branch

iTRAK –See the new Rockwell Automation iTRAK system in action

We also had a number of events at our head office in Milton Keynes:

Rockwell Automation’s Safety Seminar and demonstration vehicle

 Rittal Demonstration vehicle

 Rockwell Automation’s Motion Control technical workshop

Assemblex Assembly frames

Ergonomics in enclosure assembly

Are your panel builders working in the most ergonomic and safest way possible?

When it comes to automation and rationalisation of processes throughout every stage of machining, assembly, wiring and testing of enclosures, we have the right ergonomic solution for you. 

Our Assemblex assembly frames are mobile, tiltable and depending on the version, height adjustable with a maximum mounting plate or enclosure size of 1900 mm x 1900 mm. All 3 types offer simple and variable fixing of mounting plates using quick release fasteners, are independent of mains power preventing the risk of running over power leads and take up minimal space when not in use.

There are also a range of optional extras from managing cables reels to installing the mounting plate inside the enclosure directly from the assembly frame preventing heavy lifting and encouraging a safe working environment.

For further information click here or email info@routeco.com

EPLAN's free webinar will help you close the gap between hardware and software design

In this free webinar from EPLAN you can learn how to share engineering data between departments within your organisation resulting in one set of consistent data, closing the gap between hardware and software design.

Learn how EPLAN’s central database interfaces with other software programs such as RSLogix5000, RSLogix Architect and Integrated Architecture Builder (IAB). Demos include bi-directional synchronisation of controls hardware and tag synchronization and how to incorporate Rockwell Automation certified product data into electrical designs via the EPLAN Data Portal with just a drag and drop into your schematic.

To view the webinar, please click here. This link will take you EPLAN’s registration page.

If you require any further information you can email info@routeco.com or call us on 0370 607 1000. 

Hazardous Area Products available from Routeco

Routeco is a specialist supplier of hazardous area equipment.

We have the in-house expertise to offer a complete range of ATEX control solutions for both gas and dust applications. Our range of ATEX solutions, including bespoke control systems, encompasses all of the major protection concepts including:

• Intrinsically safe (Ex i) solutions for zone 0
• Increased safety (EX e) terminal boxes
• Flameproof (Ex d) panels and equipment
• Ex n solutions (Ex nA, nC and nR) for zone 2 control panels
• Protection by enclosure (Ex t) specifically for explosive dust environments

Working alongside global supply partners and many other specialist suppliers, we have an enviable offering of products and solutions for Hazardous Area customers. 

Services we offer: 

• Training customised to clients’ requirements
• Introduction to hazardous areas
• Dust hazards
• Intrinsic safety
• Lunch and learn sessions

Design assistance

• Converting non ATEX systems for zone hazardous area
• Protection method options
• Equipment type selection 
• Compare commercially and technically different manufacturers offerings

Site surveys:

• On non-certified equipment to assess for conversion to ATEX
• On existing equipment to assess suitability for zoned areas

Click here for our hazardous areas brochure to see the ATEX products available.

To speak to a member of Routeco staff about the hazardous area support we can provide you can email info@routeco.com or call us on 0370 607 1000.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas

There’s only two more weeks before the big day and it’s feeling very Christmassy now at our head office in Milton Keynes.

It’s also the first of our Christmas jumper Fridays and doesn’t everyone look great - money raised from our dress down Fridays this month is going to Willen Hospice. 

A reminder that our Christmas opening times can be found here.

You’ll always see the big picture with Safeside IR viewing windows

Grace Engineered Products’ SafeSide® W–MC Series allows for safe thermography inspections of multiple components through one big window, reducing the number of windows required and enhancing productivity.

Safeside® infrared viewing window features:

• The W-MC series features a larger rectangular viewing area that provides an unparalleled field-of-view (FOV) when compared to traditional round IR windows
• The exclusive, industrial-grade, reinforced polymer allows any infrared camera to monitor completely undisturbed assets inside electrical equipment
• Safeside® Polymers do not degrade when exposed to acids, alkalis, UV, moisture, humidity, vibration, and high frequency noise – a guarantee no crystal IR window can provide

Infrared (IR) cameras are essential tools for predictive maintenance, but they can only inspect what they can see. With their unparalleled field of view, the W-MC Series IR Viewing Windows from SafeSide® give you a quick, efficient way to safely inspect electrical equipment.

Whitepapers and datasheets on SafeSide® can be found here.

If you require any further information you can email info@routeco.com or call us on 0370 607 1000. 

Why is power supply one of the greatest challenges of the future?

The demand for power continues to grow. Experts predict an increase in global power consumption of around 60 per cent by 2030. Industrialisation in the emerging markets and changes to power concepts in industrialised nations involving an increased amount of renewable energies form the background to the paradigm shift: smart processes and new technologies for generation, distribution and consumption are gaining in importance. Added to this are changes in the power plant landscape, the integration of renewable energies, the expansion of networks and the development of power storage solutions. New power concepts such as these represent both an opportunity and a challenge for the entire industry.

Weidmuller understand the need for low CO2 energy production with zero emissions.  As an international connectivity partner, Weidmuller provide a wide range of powerful modules and components developed especially for these requirements. 

You can read Weidmuller’s journal on how they think the power landscape will change and their solutions by clicking here.

For more information about Weidmuller and their products please contact us at info@routeco.com or visit our website at www.routeco.com.

Routeco Christmas opening hours

Christmas Opening Hours

The Christmas Holidays are nearly here! Please find below our opening hours over the festive period. 

Sales

Normal sales opening times will operate on the 21st, 22nd and 23rd December.

The sales team will be working limited hours on Christmas Eve.

On the 29th, 30th and 31st of December from 9am until 5pm there will be a member of staff covering this Department, an out of hours service is available at other times.

Normal sales operation resumed on Monday 4th January 2016 (England & Wales) and Tuesday 5th January in Scotland.

Despatch 

The last despatch date for normal next day deliveries will be on Tuesday 22nd December.

Despatches on the 23rd will be for timed deliveries only for Christmas Eve.

Normal Logistics operation resumes on Monday 4th January 2016. 

Please find delivery information below:

Date	Delivery status	Notes
22nd December	Normal delivery service
23rd December	Last Collection – must be for timed delivery 24th Dec
24th December	No DPD/Knights of Old collections. Same day only	Call out applies after business close
25th December	Closed
26th December	Same day only	Call out applies
27th December	Same day only	Call out applies
28th December	Same day only	Call out applies
29th December	Same day only	Call out applies
30th December	Same day only	Call out applies
31st December	Same day only	Call out applies
1st January	Closed
2nd January	Same day only	Call out applies
3rd January	Same day only	Call out applies
4th January	England/Wales return back to work	No deliveries in Scotland
5th January	Scotland return Normal service resumes

From everyone at Routeco, we wish you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.