Every product we build at Extronics starts with a challenge worth solving. For the iTAG X40, that obstacle was clear from the outset: How do you design for long-range connectivity and accurate worker tracking in hazardous areas, and make it work reliably? The Philosophy Behind the iTAG X40 The iTAG X40 was developed to give connected workers freedom to move across large, hazardous sites while staying visible and safe. We recognized the need to expand our range of connectivity options to support a wider range of infrastructure demands and match the expectations of the market. As part of our Real Time Location Systems (RTLS) offering, the iTAG X40 supplies real-time insights on personnel movements; improving site awareness, safety, and efficiency. LoRaWAN (Long Range Wide Area Network) was the natural choice for our iTAG X40, its […]

Offshore teams face complex industrial tasks, challenging weather, and the isolation of operating far from shore, which means safety procedures must function reliably despite changing conditions. From blast panels that protect your personnel from the process area to lifeboats designed to launch quickly and carry crews to safety, every part of an offshore installation is built to protect lives. At the heart of offshore safety are two critical questions: Do you know where everyone is? Can you get them to safety quickly? That’s where an Electronic Personnel on Board (E-POB) combined with a Real-Time Location System (RTLS) transforms operations, providing visibility of your offshore workforce so you can act quickly and with confidence. Beyond Manual Headcounts For years, POB simply meant knowing how many people were on a platform or vessel. By merging an E-POB […]

Creating reliable Ex-certified wireless solutions requires balancing safety, durability, and performance. These priorities become even more important in demanding high-salt locations such as offshore platforms, wind farms, and coastal refineries. Meeting the unique environmental challenges found in such areas requires Ex wireless enclosures, which protect wireless equipment and deliver reliable performance in hazardous and corrosive settings.  Marine and coastal conditions challenge every aspect of design. With the right materials, protective coatings, and precision engineering, Ex wireless enclosures can maintain safety and performance year after year while meeting the strict requirements of hazardous-area certification.  Achieving the resilience needed for Ex wireless enclosures to operate effectively in harsh environments takes more than compliance. It requires understanding how materials behave in real-world environments and applying proven design principles that turn difficult conditions into long-term reliability and value for customers. […]

An Interview with Tash Taylor, Quality Engineer at Extronics  We’re proud to share that our certifications have once again been renewed. For us, audits aren’t just boxes to tick; they’re proof of the care, discipline, and pride we put into our work every day. They validate the systems we’ve built, the designs we’ve refined, and the culture that refuses to cut corners.  Our recent audits for ISO 9001 (Quality Management Systems), ISO 80079:34 (Safety in Hazardous Environments), and MET Certification (Product Safety Testing) reaffirm that commitment.   Together, they highlight the strength of our processes, the resilience of our solutions, and the trust we continue to earn from customers who depend on us in the most demanding environments.  To highlight what this means in practice, our Quality Engineer, Natasha Taylor, shares insights into how these certifications […]

Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons have become a valuable technology for adding location tracking capabilities to your hazardous areas. With the right planning and configuration, BLE beacons can provide accurate indoor and outdoor location. This allows organisations to cost-effectively add location tracking of personnel and assets whilst reducing the total cost of ownership.  This article provides practical guidance on deploying BLE beacons to achieve optimal tracking performance. It covers indoor and outdoor setup considerations, best practices for beacon placement, and configuration tips for maximizing location accuracy.  What is the difference between a beacon and anchor?  For trilateration purposes it is recommended to use beacons. A beacon is simply a term used to describe a fixed beacon that is contributing to a tag’s position. An anchor is typically the term used when discussing Wirepas Mesh networks.   […]

Ensuring product quality within manufacturing is crucial to business success. Quality is the bedrock of any company, whether considering people, products, processes – quality sits at the heart of excellence. This article discusses two indispensable tools which operate in tandem to not just guarantee quality but also efficiency: PFMEA – Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis – and DFMA – Design for Manufacture and Assembly. The terms may sound technical, but their value within manufacturing is integral for a successful business. In essence, there are ample lean tools to assist any manufacturing businesses to succeed. From 5S to Six Sigma, there is a broad toolkit for companies to choose from to enhance their operations. Focusing on quality between production and design, PFMEA and DFMA form excellent foundations to start with. PFMEA guards against process pitfalls, while […]