Simple, effective and flexible communication infrastructure sees massive expansion in RS product range  

Johannesburg, South Africa, 25 August, 2017 - RS Components (RS), the trading brand of Electrocomponents plc (LSE:ECM), the global distributor for engineers, has expanded its range of IO-Link compatible hardware and ancillaries, more than quadrupling stock of IO-Link compatible devices over the past six months. IO-Link, the first standardised IO technology (to IEC 61131-9) for communication with sensors and actuators, will play an important part in the growing creation and adoption of fully connected solutions based around Industry 4.0 and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) concepts. Although the concept is very simple, IO-Link represents a huge milestone in sensor technology for industrial customers.

Machine and panel builders, designers, research and development engineers and maintenance personnel will all gain from its flexibility and its standardisation on M5, M8 and M12 connectors. The majority of IO-Link devices are equipped with M12 connectors, which can be used without any restrictions for IO-Link's switching mode and communication mode. Created by leading sensor manufacturers – including SICK, OMRON, ifm technology, BALLUFF, Baumer, Rockwell Automation and Pepperl + Fuchs – IO-Link’s point-to-point communication (which is Fieldbus independent) is based on long-established three-wire sensor and actuator connections, without additional requirements regarding the cable material. 

Each port of an IO-Link master is capable of processing binary switching signals and analogue values, with serial IO-Link communication taking place via the same port. Easy wiring, automated parameter-setting and extended diagnosis add even more functionality to the impressive mix of capabilities. All of these features combine to deliver multiple benefits, including reduced design and installation efforts and costs, reduced complexity, enhanced design flexibility, and standardisation of cabling and interfaces.

Of particular importance to the IIoT-based smart factory approach, IO-Link sensors can be leveraged as an easy and affordable continuous source of information, thanks to the new data-capable connection paths down to the lowest automation level. Primary applications will be seen in motion control, robotics, machine safety and process solutions, among others, across a great many industries, including food and beverage, packaging, assembly solutions and transportation.  Further information about IO-Link devices from RS is available here: http://za.rs-online.com/web/c/?searchTerm=io+link

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About RS Components 

RS Components is the market leader in the high service level distribution of electrical, electronic, mechanical, tools and industrial products. Operating in 26 countries whilst serving a further 100 through third-party distributors, RS serves every sector of industry in the procurement of their products relating to maintenance, repair, operations, low volume production, research and development.   

With over 500 000 products across 2500 leading brands, the company is committed to ensuring that their 1,5 million customers have fast access to a broad, as well as deep range, of products and technologies, all under one roof. RS’s customers, whether ordering single or multiple items, experience a quick, easy, secure, painless and cost effective process. 

The RS catalogue, available at za.rs-online.com, offers full colour pictures with extensive clear product specifications.  Free access to thousands of datasheets ensures the correct product choice. 

Order placement is easily facilitated through za.rs-online.com, the call centre, e-mail, fax and trade counter. 

Locally held stock is delivered to customers within 24 hours, and products held internationally, within four to six working days.  

 It is proven that departments traditionally spend 80% of their time sourcing products that account for only 20% of their total procurement spend. RS is focussed on reducing the customers “total cost of product ownership” by reducing the need to make multiple calls to various companies to source products, reducing supplier related administration and allowing for the amalgamation as well as consolidation of supplier bases.  Through this process, procurement efficiency is improved and time is freed up to concentrate on the more important business decisions. 

For more information, please visit the website at za.rs-online.com    

Press Office
Le-andra Olivier
PR and Communications Specialist
RS Components South Africa
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
+27 11 691 9345 

Further information is available via these links

• Twitter: @rsonline_SA; @DesignSparkRS
• Facebook: facebook.com/rssouthafrica/
• RS Components on LinkedIn - http://www.linkedin.com/company/rscoms 

Relevant Links
RSPro
RS Components South Africa
www.electrocomponents.com
DesignSpark Magazine - http://www.designspark.com