FEATURE CASES & ENCLOSURES With the use of enclosures evolving and user requirements becoming more
demanding, enclosure manufacturers are ‘adding value’ to their offerings – from producing enclosures in specific colours to creating bespoke solutions that exactly meet application demands. Chris Lloyd, managing director of Spelsberg UK, explains
How ‘added value’ can benefit enclosure users A
lthough often thought of as a box to hold or protect ‘stuff’, engineers
will be quick to point out that there is a lot more to enclosures than that. In doing so, they are ‘adding value’ to the very idea of an enclosure. They will go on to explain that: • Enclosures are carefully designed to meet some very technical needs
• Their materials of construction have been formulated to satisfy defined performance specifications
• They comply with multiple demanding standards
• They are used around the world and ensure safety for billions of people. In fact enclosures are technical ‘systems’ designed to meet user requirements.
MEETING USER DEMANDS As end users and applications expand, so does the development of electrical enclosure technology. Today, for example, enclosures can be manufactured to meet any specified need; and the end- user will always find more requirements they would like met. Manufacturers are therefore given the opportunity to discuss requirements – adding value. Simple ways in which value can be added can include meeting specific delivery schedules or supplying in non-standard order sizes; or they could include slight modifications such as non-standard colours or unusual fittings. A more complex approach would be to customise the solution or even provide an enclosure that is bespoke. In addition, delivery may, for example, be to a ship that is on passage, or may include installation and commissioning. Here, electrical enclosures can be supplied fully wired and fitted, meaning installation becomes a quick and simple plug-and-play operation.
FORM A RELATIONSHIP To really benefit from added value, the supplier must form a relationship – almost like a consultant – with the buyer who needs to feel comfortable talking through concepts and big picture ideas, fine details, operational
16 NOVEMBER 2016 | INSTRUMENTATION
issues and long term plans. The supplier should try to offer some ideas for addressing each issue. While a buyer will often select
products that meet the demands of the task, an expert supplier may pick up on the fact that the selected product will not be able to meet the needs of a potential development that the buyer has outlined for six or 12 months time. In such a case the supplier should at least suggest a product that will meet the current and proposed future needs, but it would be even better if the supplier suggested their two technical teams should meet and look at long term development options.
IN-HOUSE CAPABILITIES If an enclosure company has in-house CNC capabilities, they will be able to supply highly customised enclosures with virtually no lead times. As well as enabling customers to order modified enclosures, OEMs and contractors can use the facility as a fast prototyping service. CNC operations can include milling,
drilling and engraving services and allow the inclusion of custom cable entries. The engraving of brands, logos, operating instructions or safety information on an enclosure is often simple to achieve yet can add huge value to the overall project. Indeed CNC
machining is now so advanced that an enclosure manufacturer can offer 24 hour turnaround, no minimum order quantity, one-off engraving and aperture cutting.
SUPPORT Added value embraces not only the physical products but also the service, support, expertise, advice and consultation. To help, for example, Spelsberg’s in-house technical team can assist with project planning and discuss
If an enclosure company has in-house CNC capabilities, they will be able to supply highly customised enclosures with virtually no lead times
bespoke designs. Data sheets and other technical
documentation can also be produced. Related to this, large electrical systems are subject to stringent fire and safety regulations, and an electrical enclosure company will be able to share this knowledge and enable its customers’ projects to proceed on a right-first-time basis. One area in which added value can be very evident is in the construction of buildings. While the outer shell usually goes up quickly, the fitting out seems to take an age. In an industry where time is very definitely money, this can be something of an issue. Spelsberg can help compress the fitting out times by supplying prewired enclosures and even mounting them into
major building panels, whether they are pre-cast concrete, cast
on-site or timber framed. To add value, today’s enclosure
Today’s enclosure manufacturers are working more and more closely with their customers to offer customised and bespoke solutions
manufacturers are working more and more closely with their customers to offer customised and bespoke solutions, turn-key packages, delivery and stock management to help eliminate lead times and their intrinsic costs.
Spelsberg UK T: 01952 605849
www.spelsberg.co.uk
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