IndustrialComms is a leading distributor for Hirschmann, which is a Belden company. “One of the big advantages of the Hirschmann product range is, because they are specifically designed for industrial control technicians, they are relatively simple to use,” says Graham Bull, Chief Executive Officer, IndustrialComms.
Hirschmann has been working with many of the water utility companies since they were privatised 15 years ago. Picking up on Graham’s point, Ciaran Burns, Solutions Account Manager- Energy, Transportation & Process, Belden UK explains why so many of them use Hirschmann products as standard: “With the drive towards more automation, the need for interconnectivity between the different pumping stations has never been greater. Our products have a very good simplistic graphical user interface, while also offering exactly what you would expect from an IT grade product, for example scripting and different types of control and management.”
Hirschmann launched the BOBCAT range of ethernet switches two years ago. The switches, including PoE variants, offer enhanced flexibility and interoperability for simple maintenance and future-proof operation due to tri-speed SFP ports and downwards compatibility for existing infrastructure. “Commonality between products is vital in this sector,” says Ciaran, which is why so many customers have enjoyed a seamless upgrade.
Not only does the BOBCAT range have IEC62443-4-1 (Development Security approval), it will also soon have IEC62443-4-2 (Hardware Component Security approval) relating to NIS directives, which all water companies are being requested to comply with.
“With additional security and real-time features, the compact managed switches are an essential appliance for the water management market,” concludes Graham.
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