Smart connection technology for any application

How many kilometers of cable do you see passing by every week? A lot is needed to keep installations running smoothly: power supply, data, communication, etc., and that takes a lot of time. So what you need is a partner who uses smart connection technology to find simple, time-saving solutions. fortop.

Digitization is reaching a high level within the industry. A great deal of data from sensors, for example, is already being made available. "That is also where our role lies," opens Ton Kanters, director of fortop. "With smart connection technology, we ensure that all those signals get to the network. Our mission is to make cabling as easy as possible for customers. Then it's up to them to analyze that data and use it in further applications." The two stars in the connection technology offering at fortop are Escha and Ilme. "Two strong European brands that can go very far in making products customer-specific."

Customer-specific connection technology

Kanters also immediately explains what he means by that. "Cabling everything manually takes a lot of time. For example, figuring out where each cable should go and cutting it to size, providing it with the right connector, ... By determining the length in advance and adding the connector, but also by providing the cables with a print or in a specific color, you can greatly simplify assembly." Kanters gives the example of a bus. "There are a huge number of data cables running through there today to ensure that information appears on the displays. Every cable we supply to our customer for this purpose is uniquely coded. That way, no errors can occur during connection."

Saving time, securing quality

Kanters sees the demand for such solutions growing rapidly in recent years. "For two reasons. It is increasingly difficult for our customers to find technically skilled personnel. By making the connection technology plug-and-play, wiring takes less time and the work becomes easier, so you don't need experienced electricians. And yet quality is guaranteed. In addition, the market demands more flexibility. With Escha and Ilme, we have modular solutions in house that are easy to exchange or expand later. Customers are also asking for that." 

Wireless alternatives

But it is not always possible to pull a cable. In intralogistics, for example, or with mobile machines. Moreover, long cable runs can be expensive. Wireless is then a good alternative. "With Steute, we have a real forerunner in this field in our range of connection technology. But we also add our own expertise by going to the customer's site to see: what is going on? What signals are passing through? How many access points are needed? Having all those preconditions optimally mapped out is important to get it reliable. Technologically it is possible in most cases, but you have to do your homework," Kanters said. 

For specific applications

Again, fortop makes the technology plug-and-play for its customers. "In addition, in connection technology, we still have solutions for specific applications. For example, cables for robots that bend easily or for the food industry that are easy to clean. We always start from the customer's application, from the technology to get the solution optimal." Fortop also keeps its finger on the pulse in the process. One trend Kanters touches on is Single Pair Ethernet (SPE). "Then two wires are enough to transfer both data and power. Ideal, for example, for smart sensors or other 4.0 applications."