Why empowerment is key to our technical support

There's a particular kind of blank stare that sets in around slide 40 of a technical PowerPoint presentation. We've all been there. Our recent training workshop, hosted with our supplier-partner Rockwell Automation, made sure nobody had to endure that! Held at our office in Gqeberha, the hands-on session focused on Rockwell's PowerFlex drive range, bringing together engineers, technicians and system integrators who work with variable speed drives and industrial automation every day.

There's a particular kind of blank stare that sets in around slide 40 of a technical PowerPoint presentation. We've all been there. Our recent training workshop, hosted with our supplier-partner Rockwell Automation, made sure nobody had to endure that!

Held at our office in Gqeberha, the hands-on session focused on Rockwell's PowerFlex drive range, bringing together engineers, technicians and system integrators who work with variable speed drives and industrial automation every day.

"At Haslop & Mason, we believe technical support does not stop when a product is supplied," says Managing Director Kevin Dersley. "The real value comes when people understand the technology, know how to apply it, and feel confident using it in their own plants and projects."

That's exactly what the day delivered. Attendees got practical exposure to the latest PowerFlex platforms, from Armor PowerFlex and the PowerFlex 525 through to the high-power PowerFlex 755TS. Topics ranged from installation and commissioning to EtherNet/IP integration and condition-based monitoring. How a drive is installed and maintained directly affects energy usage, downtime and plant performance, so getting it right matters long after the equipment leaves our floor.

The real drawcard was the lab work, with attendees using Connected Components Workbench and the startup wizard to commission drives themselves.

"Being able to do it in person is definitely easier to learn and understand, rather than just watching a Zoom call," says electrician David Packer, one of the attendees.

Control Systems Engineer Tyler Guscott, who works closely with fault-finding on older systems, agrees: "Technology is always evolving quite quickly, so it's good to have these sort of training sessions to keep up."

Leading the session, Rockwell Automation's Senior Technology Consultant, Alan Michael Roycroft, walked attendees through the drives' latest features before putting the equipment straight into their hands. "With a hands-on demonstration, we get technicians to know our product, the variety of PowerFlex drives, and where they'd use each one and in what application," he explains.

It's this kind of interaction, not just information, that Dersley believes makes the difference. "People are not just listening, they are testing, asking, checking, and learning from each other. That is where real skills development happens, where technical knowledge becomes practical confidence."

Giving the Eastern Cape's engineers and technicians access to the right knowledge, products and people is core to who we are.

If you’re ready to put real technical expertise to work for your operation, get in touch: 041 451 0935 or email us at sales@handm.co.za.