Industrial automation solutions company Rockwell Automation and electrical products supplier Actom reports that in October it launched a customer service initiative aimed at simplifying the procurement process of variable speed drives (VSDs) and motors.

“It is vital that VSDs and electric motors are appropriately matched. This is in part owing to the output switching characteristics of VSDs and, more importantly, to ensure that end-users in industry experience the benefits of system efficiency, reliability and ease of installation,” says Rockwell Automation MD Barry Elliott.

He adds that Rockwell Automation has become the de facto recommendation to Actom’s motor customers, while Actom is the recommended motor supplier to Rockwell Automation’s VSD customers. This partnership opens both companies up to greater exposure in its respective markets.

“Motors and drives often operate dependently of each other in the field, but were not available as a packaged solution from either supplier. This initiative will help our customers to appropriately match our variable speed drives and motor products,” he highlights.

Elliott mentions that medium-voltage motors and VSDs are promoted by the companies through a solution-centric approach, while low-voltage drives and motor recommendations fall in line with the industry’s requirement for a commoditised market approach.

“Our companies’ sales teams have familiarised themselves with each other’s products to offer customers detailed, personalised and accurate advice in sourcing a VSD and motor solution.

“We can interface with each other’s distributors by supplying customers who purchase drives or motors with the matching part numbers, eliminating the need for our customers to research and source their own complementing solutions,” Elliott points out.

Customers in the oil and gas industry will further benefit from Rockwell Automation and Actom’s relationship, as it offers a course on VSD and motor installations to attain an Ex N Certification for operation in potentially explosive environments.

“Extensive testing and increased efficiency mean that our products can aid compliance with the Explosive Atmospheres Directive – which consists of two European Union directives describing what equipment and work environment is allowed in an environment with an explosive atmosphere – once installed,” he concludes.