Why do manufacturing businesses still need a structured problem solving process? Because no matter how experienced your people are, problems will always happen and how you deal with them determines whether they come back. In hazardous area manufacturing, robust safety controls and well-defined procedures are essential.What makes the difference is having a consistent, structured way to respond when something needs investigating. A structured response ensures corrective actions are effective and preventive measures are embedded into future working practices. At Extronics, we use the 8D (Eight Disciplines) Problem Solving methodology to understand issues properly, make targeted improvements, and ensure learning is captured and shared across the business. Experience Brings Insight One of Extronics’ strengths is the range of backgrounds across our manufacturing team. Colleagues like Natasha Taylor (Quality Engineer), with experience in FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer […]

How Do You Safely Extend Wireless Networks into Hazardous Areas? Ex-certified wireless enclosure systems enable you to extend your existing network into hazardous areas, helping maximize the value of your current infrastructure while accelerating digitalization across the site.  That’s exactly what our iWAP107 and iWAPXN3 wireless enclosure systems are designed to do. Solutions designed specifically for wireless with fully certified explosion protection.    In this article, we’ll explore how these systems are designed, why there are two enclosure options in our iWAP range, and how simple, practical design principles help deliver flexible wireless connectivity in hazardous areas.  Why Do Hazardous Areas Need Wireless Enclosures? Most sites already have strong wireless networks in their safe areas, usually using one chosen vendor or technology to run several applications securely. When digitalization projects expand into areas where potential for an explosion is present, site teams must ensure the final solution is certified to the required […]

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. […]

What Our Certifications Mean for Hazardous Area Connectivity Customers Extronics maintains ISO 9001, ISO 80079-34 and MET certification to demonstrate the quality, safety and compliance behind our hazardous area connectivity solutions. For customers operating in explosive atmospheres, these certifications provide confidence that our Wireless, RTLS and Auto ID solutions are supported by robust quality management, controlled manufacturing processes, traceability and independent product safety assurance. 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 […]