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FeedsHome: December / January 2012 › Detecting opportunities
Detecting opportunities
05/01/2012 | Channel: Infrastructure, Business Improvement, New Products & Services
The well received launch of its new cable locator products – EZiCAT i600 and i650 – is further testament to Cable Detection Ltd’s expertise in the buried service locating sector
Whilst the pitfalls of inadvertently striking buried utility cables or pipelines may be well recognised in terms of injury to site worker or disruption of supply, what perhaps is less well known is how easy it is to guard against such situations. As part of the Hexagon AB Group, Cable Detection Ltd manufactures, supports and sells buried service location equipment for use in markets such as rail maintenance, construction, utilities, drainage and landscaping.
This relationship means that as well as its own sales division, Cable Detection’s products are globally distributed through the Hexagon group companies Leica Geosystems and Scanlaser.
Applied expertise
Cable Detection is particularly recognised for its EZiDIG product, which is the world’s first excavator mounted cable location solution. As such, it is specifically designed to alert excavator operators to the presence of buried metallic services as they carry out these works. The EZiDIG system is made up of three core components – the excavator-mounted sensor, in-cab display, and new ‘EZiSEARCH’ ground signal injection system which helps maximise system performance.
The key products in Cable Detection’s range are the EZiCAT i-Series of cable locators. Using state-of-the-art digital signal processing (DSP) and intelligent software, EZiCAT makes ground surveys a simple task. The buried conductive services are located through the electromagnetic signals that radiate from them. These are then interpreted by EZiCAT providing the operator with an audible and visual response to the position and direction of the buried service.
Its own products aside, Cable Detection also markets itself as a specialist service and repair house for all makes of cable location equipment. This comprehensive service is coupled with an industry-leading fourday turnaround on all instruments. Service procedures include initial stripping and cleaning of instruments, full testing of all mechanical components and modules, and if necessary replacement parts sourced and fitted.
Approved solutions
Cable Detection is proud to be a supplier to the main contractors responsible for Network Rail maintenance services, and as such all of its cable locator products are Network Rail approved. “Network Rail’s approval processes are extremely stringent and are designed to ensure that any equipment used within the rail infrastructure meets with the highest of standards. This once again confirms our commitment to safety and product conformity,” begins Chris Swetnam, managing director.
Having secured this approval upon its release in May this year, Chris elaborates upon the latest additions to its cable locator range – the EZiCAT i600 and i650: “The EZiCAT i600 and i650 provide a unique data capture and on-board memory function, allowing logging of the locator’s use. This is seen by Health and Safety professionals as a hugely positive step in the improvement of onsite safety and training provisions. Used in collaboration with the LOGiCAT software information can be retrieved including date, time and duration, user identification, detection mode used, signal detection, management reports, diagnostic check and product fleet management can be retrieved.”
Data application
Being able to obtain accurate information about the location of buried utilities has never been more essential to protect employees and equipment during any excavation project. With its unique data capture and memory function, the new EZiCAT i600 and i650 enables verification of the locator’s use and the ability to recall records following a near miss, service strike, or similar incident. “Having access to this data means management can identify users that require additional training, supply evidence in the event of an incident, and assess the quality and thoroughness of work. In addition, the LOGiCAT software produces basic statistical reports from the logged data, allowing managers to see how products are utilised and how ground survey teams are using them on site,” says Chris.
Other strengths of Cable Detection’s product range lie in its ease of use and robust designs. All of its cable locators start in power mode, ensuring the most potentially dangerous current-carrying services are detected first for the maximum operator safety. This feature, in addition to automatic controls, in-built test function, ‘service due’ indication and hazard zone, offers ease of use for the operator. In terms of the business as a whole Chris elaborates upon what sets Cable Detection apart in the market: “A particular strength is our extensive support and training packages which are offered to all our customers. Support resources are also available nationwide including both at our head office in Staffordshire and through the many regional dealer networks we work closely with. This coverage helps us respond to customer enquiries immediately and efficiently.”
Interpreting the market
Despite the present economic climate, health and safety is an area that companies remain focused on, with many construction-related businesses heavily investing in health and safety conformity and improvements. Many contractors are also implementing their own in-house safety policies. This in turn offers potential growth for Cable Detection.
In terms of how the business is looking to take advantage of these opportunities in the years ahead, Chris concludes with a simple strategy: “Cable Detection invests heavily into research and development. Therefore we will continue to listen to the needs of our customers and develop new solutions to meet these needs. This has enabled us to grow our business during the last few very difficult years and we hope this approach will pay dividends for the future.”
Cable Detection Ltd
Tel: + 44 (0) 1782 384 630
Web: www.cabledetection.co.uk
This relationship means that as well as its own sales division, Cable Detection’s products are globally distributed through the Hexagon group companies Leica Geosystems and Scanlaser.
Applied expertise
Cable Detection is particularly recognised for its EZiDIG product, which is the world’s first excavator mounted cable location solution. As such, it is specifically designed to alert excavator operators to the presence of buried metallic services as they carry out these works. The EZiDIG system is made up of three core components – the excavator-mounted sensor, in-cab display, and new ‘EZiSEARCH’ ground signal injection system which helps maximise system performance.
The key products in Cable Detection’s range are the EZiCAT i-Series of cable locators. Using state-of-the-art digital signal processing (DSP) and intelligent software, EZiCAT makes ground surveys a simple task. The buried conductive services are located through the electromagnetic signals that radiate from them. These are then interpreted by EZiCAT providing the operator with an audible and visual response to the position and direction of the buried service.
Its own products aside, Cable Detection also markets itself as a specialist service and repair house for all makes of cable location equipment. This comprehensive service is coupled with an industry-leading fourday turnaround on all instruments. Service procedures include initial stripping and cleaning of instruments, full testing of all mechanical components and modules, and if necessary replacement parts sourced and fitted.
Approved solutions
Cable Detection is proud to be a supplier to the main contractors responsible for Network Rail maintenance services, and as such all of its cable locator products are Network Rail approved. “Network Rail’s approval processes are extremely stringent and are designed to ensure that any equipment used within the rail infrastructure meets with the highest of standards. This once again confirms our commitment to safety and product conformity,” begins Chris Swetnam, managing director.
Having secured this approval upon its release in May this year, Chris elaborates upon the latest additions to its cable locator range – the EZiCAT i600 and i650: “The EZiCAT i600 and i650 provide a unique data capture and on-board memory function, allowing logging of the locator’s use. This is seen by Health and Safety professionals as a hugely positive step in the improvement of onsite safety and training provisions. Used in collaboration with the LOGiCAT software information can be retrieved including date, time and duration, user identification, detection mode used, signal detection, management reports, diagnostic check and product fleet management can be retrieved.”
Data application
Being able to obtain accurate information about the location of buried utilities has never been more essential to protect employees and equipment during any excavation project. With its unique data capture and memory function, the new EZiCAT i600 and i650 enables verification of the locator’s use and the ability to recall records following a near miss, service strike, or similar incident. “Having access to this data means management can identify users that require additional training, supply evidence in the event of an incident, and assess the quality and thoroughness of work. In addition, the LOGiCAT software produces basic statistical reports from the logged data, allowing managers to see how products are utilised and how ground survey teams are using them on site,” says Chris.
Other strengths of Cable Detection’s product range lie in its ease of use and robust designs. All of its cable locators start in power mode, ensuring the most potentially dangerous current-carrying services are detected first for the maximum operator safety. This feature, in addition to automatic controls, in-built test function, ‘service due’ indication and hazard zone, offers ease of use for the operator. In terms of the business as a whole Chris elaborates upon what sets Cable Detection apart in the market: “A particular strength is our extensive support and training packages which are offered to all our customers. Support resources are also available nationwide including both at our head office in Staffordshire and through the many regional dealer networks we work closely with. This coverage helps us respond to customer enquiries immediately and efficiently.”
Interpreting the market
Despite the present economic climate, health and safety is an area that companies remain focused on, with many construction-related businesses heavily investing in health and safety conformity and improvements. Many contractors are also implementing their own in-house safety policies. This in turn offers potential growth for Cable Detection.
In terms of how the business is looking to take advantage of these opportunities in the years ahead, Chris concludes with a simple strategy: “Cable Detection invests heavily into research and development. Therefore we will continue to listen to the needs of our customers and develop new solutions to meet these needs. This has enabled us to grow our business during the last few very difficult years and we hope this approach will pay dividends for the future.”
Cable Detection Ltd
Tel: + 44 (0) 1782 384 630
Web: www.cabledetection.co.uk
