News

Auto-ID, automatic identification and data capture, has become an integral part of modern industrial life. This technology makes numerous processes more efficient and simplifies tasks for workers. Pepperl+Fuchs offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions for these duties, suitable for a wide range of application scenarios.

Data forms the basis for all kinds of processes. However, these must correctly recognize and record the corresponding codes so that data can be further processed. Common technologies for data collection used in Auto-ID include barcodes, QR codes, RFID, magnetic strips, and biometrics. The most common areas of application in the industrial environment include inventory management, delivery tracking, component identification, and order picking. Auto-ID increases efficiency, minimizes errors, and automates processes.

The way it works is that an object is provided with a code that is not always visible to the human eye but can be read by a device. A barcode scanner or RFID reader, for example, automatically reads this code. The information is hence recorded, transmitted, and made immediately available for further processing, analysis, or process control.

Software solution for simple scanning tasks

With the eBARCODE-ML app, Pepperl+Fuchs offers a powerful software solution for scanning tasks on its mobile devices. Depending on the certification of the mobile device on which the app is installed, it can be used in environments up to Zone 1 / DIV 1. It can read virtually all types of barcodes and decode them offline. Its accuracy is comparable to that of integrated scanner modules. The app captures barcodes at a maximum distance of 50 centimeters.

Scanner snap-on for the Smart-Ex® 203

The SM-Ex S203 SR scanner module for the new Zone 2 smartphone Smart-Ex® 203 is a hardware solution designed for demanding scanning tasks in Zone 2 / DIV 2. It can be quickly and easily attached via the innovative accessory interface and transforms the smartphone into a convenient 1D/2D scanner.

The module features a hardware aimer that uses an LED to indicate the area the device is aligned with. This enables precise alignment with the barcode to be read, even in low light areas. The module also allows damaged or poorly legible barcodes to be read reliably.

The Smart-Ex® 203 features Android 14, a cutting-edge operating system that optimally supports the latest communication standards. The pending Android Enterprise Recommended and Google ARCore certification make the smartphone ideally suited for demanding augmented reality applications such as remote support, training and other company-specific tools. Additional features include a fingerprint sensor that allows unlocking without entering a code, thus enabling biometrically supported multi-factor authentication for maximum security. In addition, the smartphone has a rear camera with 48 megapixels, an autofocus and an LED flash, as well as a front camera with a resolution of 16 megapixels. The LED can also be conveniently used as a flashlight. The cameras can be used to take not only high-quality pictures but also videos in full HD resolution.

Professional scanner for the most demanding requirements

The Ident-Ex® 02 handheld scanner is available in four different versions to meet a wide range of high-level scanning requirements. The Pocket model is a small, handy scanner that fits in your pocket, whereas the Grip and Grip+ models come with an ergonomic pistol grip. Both Grip models can be upgraded to a Smart Grip using separately available cradles. The cradles allow for the Smart-Ex® 03 and Smart-Ex® 203 smartphones to be snapped onto the scanner which then transmits the scanned information directly via Bluetooth to the smartphones. Thanks to its Bluetooth functionality, the Ident-Ex® 02 can also be connected to any other Bluetooth-enabled device. The Pocket variant is the smallest and lightest wireless barcode scanner on the market, certified for use in Zone 1/21 / DIV 1.

Thanks to the 1,430 mAh lithium-ion battery, all variants do not rely on external power sources. This makes the Ident-Ex® 02 more flexible and easier to use. In addition, all configurations can be easily charged via USB-C; the HMI variant Grip+ can even be charged within Zone 1/21 /DIV 1 via the S3/S4 interface of the VisuNet GXP or within Zone 2/22 / DIV 2 via the VisuNet FLX system. For added convenience, the Grip, Grip+, and Smart Grip variants can be charged using a magnetic charging cable. The Ident-Ex® 02 supports all common 1D and 2D symbologies, such as EAN-13, UPC-A, ISBN, Industrial 25, QR Code, DataMatrix, Maxicode, and many others. Bluetooth is supported in the versions Classic and 5.4 LE.

Extensive portfolio for a wide range of application scenarios

Pepperl+Fuchs offers a comprehensive solutions portfolio to meet a wide range of application scenarios for Auto-ID in the industrial sector. From simple scanning tasks that can be implemented with an app as a software solution to the most demanding requirements in hazardous areas, Pepperl+Fuchs solutions cover every conceivable scenario and can be configured to fit any application.

JCE has successfully designed, manufactured, and commissioned a fully ATEX and IECEx certified temporary battery power system to support critical subsea cable monitoring operations at the Okha offshore facility in Western Australia.

Delivered in collaboration with Viper Innovations Ltd, the solution ensured uninterrupted monitoring during a 75 day period when the primary support vessel and its power supply was unavailable due to scheduled maintenance.

Engineered specifically for hazardous offshore environments, the autonomous 48Vdc battery system was designed to operate continuously without recharge while withstanding harsh marine conditions, including high winds, salt spray, and heavy rainfall. Its compact, plug-and-play design enabled rapid deployment within a tight installation window on a floating production structure with restricted space.

The system combined Viper Innovations’ continuous insulation monitoring and early fault detection solution with their self-healing cable technology, V-LIFE, to reduce failure risk and strengthen asset integrity throughout the maintenance period. Despite significant logistical challenges, including remote offshore access and a limited 5–7 day installation window, JCE successfully delivered and commissioned the system on schedule.

The project delivered key operational benefits:

• Continuous subsea cable integrity monitoring maintained
• Risk of insulation degradation significantly reduced
• Fully autonomous operation with no reliance on external power
• Successful installation within tight offshore time constraints

JCE’s performance was recognised by project stakeholders, including Viper Innovations Ltd and Woodside Energy, highlighting the company’s commitment to delivering high quality engineered solutions under demanding conditions.

This project reinforces JCE’s capability to deliver reliable, hazardous area power solutions for complex offshore applications, ensuring operational continuity even in the most challenging environments.

This explosion-proof cordless impact driver is engineered specifically for use in ATEX Zone 2 hazardous environments, delivering reliability without limitations.

For More information click here

Certified to ATEX Zone 2 II 3G; Ex ec h ic IIC T4 Gc, this cordless driver combines increased safety concepts with intrinsically safe switching, ensuring full compliance while maintaining the power professionals expect.

Unlike traditional solutions, this battery-powered design eliminates the need for pneumatic tools and hoses, offering unmatched mobility and ease of use. Built on proven industrial platforms and expertly converted for hazardous locations, it preserves all original functionality—now safe for use in explosive gas and vapor environments.

With up to 215 Nm torque, a ¼” hex quick-release system, and a lightweight, compact design, this impact driver is ideal for drilling, fastening, and wrenching across demanding applications such as petrochemical plants, offshore installations, and construction in hazardous areas.

Engineered for productivity and durability, it features a modified non-sparking motor, intrinsically safe trigger system, and ATEX-compliant battery technology—ensuring safe operation without compromising performance.

Available as a complete set including body, battery, and charger (230V or 110V), with global delivery and support, this solution sets a new benchmark in explosion-safe cordless power tools.

Because in hazardous environments, safety should never come at the expense of performance.

www.atexxo.com

The walls of the DEKRA office are lined with a myriad of books and technical references. Each one contains the distilled knowledge of countless hours of work, yet many will never be opened again. As we move further into the age where all information is expected to be available whenever we so much as request it, I worry that the information trapped within these books and the minds of more senior engineers may fade into obscurity as a new generation of engineers develops.

As someone born in the generational hysteresis between Millennials and Gen-Z, I can just about remember life pre-computer. Phones were bricks, and computers lived in their own room in the house, but even then, the internet was quickly overtaking “traditional media”.

Now, using AI is quickly becoming the default position for many tasks, whether that be drafting a process procedure, producing an advertisement, or rewriting something that was perfectly adequate to begin with. A recent study by the Higher Education Policy Institute states that 94% of university students report using generative AI platforms to produce assessed work. A similar study conducted by MIT found that students who regularly used AI showed less brain activity during writing tasks, even when they were not using AI.

This trajectory suggests that the integration of AI into our lives is no longer optional, but inevitable. As these tools become embedded in everyday workflows, choosing not to use them increasingly equates to accepting reduced efficiency and competitiveness. The expectation is already shifting from whether AI should be used to how well it can be applied.

This reliance introduces a clear risk: as outputs are generated rather than derived, the depth of thinking and understanding behind them diminishes. Over time, this could erode the critical thinking and practical understanding that underpin good engineering practices. This is especially true for process safety, as many standards are locked behind paywalls and proprietary guidance, limiting the reliability of AI-generated outputs. As such, AI operates without access to much of the underlying authoritative material. DEKRA has tested the use of AI for developing hazardous area classifications and found that while outputs may at first appear convincing, they range from technically unsubstantiated to dangerously inadequate. In one instance, AI recommended a large zone 0 surrounding an outdoor pump, which contradicts fundamental ventilation principles, simply because it misinterpreted the wording of the prompt. The issue here is that because they look convincing, someone without sufficient knowledge on the topic could choose not to question any output.

In contrast, traditional literature offers a level of rigour and permanence that remains difficult to replicate. A well-written process safety manual is not simply a repository of information, but a structured body of knowledge which has been developed, reviewed, and refined over time. Unlike AI-generated outputs, which by definition lack transparency in their reasoning, books provide traceability: assumptions are stated, methodologies are justified, and conclusions are grounded in established principles. In process safety, where errors carry significant consequences, this reliability is not a luxury but a legal necessity. This does come with the caveat that, unlike AI, the information in a textbook cannot change. This can lead to situations where critical guidance becomes outdated long before the next revision cycle, creating a widening gap between documented best practice and emerging industry knowledge.

Moreover, engaging with technical literature demands a slower, more deliberate form of thinking. The process of interpreting, questioning, and applying information helps foster a 

deeper understanding than passive consumption. While AI may provide rapid answers, traditional media cultivates the judgment required to assess whether those answers are correct. I would certainly have more faith in the competence of someone who has studied a single book on risk assessment than a person who has spent the same amount of time consuming generated content on it.

Despite these limitations, it is equally important to recognise where AI offers genuine value. It is not limited to generating reports; it also acts as a gateway to knowledge that, only a few decades ago, may have been largely inaccessible. DEKRA has observed a growing client expectation for technical excellence, reflected in the increasing depth and quality of the questions we receive. This shift suggests that the traditional gatekeeping of hazardous area classification as a “black art” confined to specialist texts is no longer acceptable. Under DSEAR, the need for an informed and competent customer is explicit. While AI cannot provide all the answers to make a person competent, it can play a key role in prompting the right questions. This is without even mentioning the wide range of other applications for AI within process safety. From predicting process failure far before any instrument could, to supporting complex scenario modelling that would once have required specialist expertise and days of computing time. These capabilities also demand robust human oversight: without informed review, there is a risk that AI‑generated predictions may be misapplied, misunderstood, or over‑trusted in safety‑critical environments.

Ultimately, the question is not whether AI or traditional media should prevail, but how the two can coexist without undermining one another. The accessibility and adaptability of AI have the potential to democratise knowledge, breaking down barriers that once confined critical understanding to textbooks and experienced professionals. At the same time, the depth, scrutiny, and reliability of traditional sources remain essential in ensuring that this knowledge is applied correctly.

If the books in our offices are to become less frequently opened, their value must not be diminished, and neither must the expertise required to interpret what they contain. The goal should be not simply to work faster, but to demonstrate and uphold competence. This ensures that, like the invention of the computer itself, AI is used as a companion to rather than a substitute for understanding. In doing so, we avoid a future where information is abundant, but understanding is shallow.

This article was written by a human and reviewed with the assistance of AI.

References:

https://www.hepi.ac.uk/reports/student-generative-ai-survey-2026/

https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.08872

In an era dominated by emails, Zoom calls, and polished boardroom presentations, Ratner is taking a different road, literally. He’s stepping away from the Zoom calls and heading out onto the open road, meeting customers face-to-face the way business used to be done. Recently completing a 14-day tour across Texas in a fully equipped RV, Ratner brought his company directly to the front lines of the gas and oil industries.

This isn’t just a throwback to relationship driven sales, he has put a modern twist on it. He’s documenting the entire journey through a fast-growing reality series on YouTube called, “On Site and Off Grid.”

Mr. Ratner stated, “What started as a creative way to showcase a unique sales approach has quickly taken on a life of its own.” With hundreds of viewers tuning in daily, the audience extends far beyond the industry itself. The show has quietly evolved into a cult favorite online, offering an unfiltered look at the people, places, and challenges that keep critical infrastructure running every day while also revealing the real struggles and resilience of a small, family-owned manufacturing business.

At its core, the series shines a light on an often overlooked workforce. The men and women working in refineries, plants, and facilities across the country rarely get recognition. Ratner’s show puts a face to that world, humanizing an industry that most people never see, but everyone depends on.

This dual approach of combining boots-on-the-ground relationship building with digital storytelling is what makes the strategy so unique. While many companies chase clicks and impressions, East Hills Instruments is building something deeper: trust, visibility, and authenticity.

And it’s paying off.

Mr. Ratner says, “Customers aren’t just watching but they’re engaging.” Prospects who may have once been unreachable through traditional channels are now reaching out after seeing the show. Conversations are warmer. Doors are opening faster. The line between marketing and relationship-building has begun to blur in a way that feels both natural and powerful.

At the same time, the show reinforces what truly differentiates East Hills Instruments: its products and its people. The company’s Magnum Pro Calibration Pumps have earned a reputation for being virtually indestructible and capable of withstand the harsh environment they are used. Paired with the patented technology behind its Winchester Engineering auto-ranging digital gauge, the combination delivers precision, durability, and innovation in a way few competitors can match.

It’s this pairing of powerful, authentic marketing on one side and superior, battle-tested equipment on the other that sets the company apart.

Ratner’s got the winning combination.

There’s also an underlying message that’s hard to ignore. In a business climate where automation and digital outreach dominate, Ratner is proving that there’s still immense value in showing up. Shaking hands. Looking customers in the eye. Understanding their environment firsthand.

From boardrooms to back roads, this approach challenges conventional thinking. It suggests that the future of marketing may not be about choosing between digital or traditional—but blending both in a way that feels real.

And perhaps that’s why “On Site and Off Grid” is connecting so strongly.

Because beyond the RV, the road trips, and the sales calls, it’s not just a marketing campaign it’s a reminder that business, at its best, is still human.

The E2S Warning Signals D1x range represents a continuously evolving portfolio of certified notification, initiation, and detection devices engineered for reliable operation in the most demanding hazardous, industrial, and marine environments.  Combining extensive global certification with advanced electronic design and marine-grade aluminium enclosures, the D1x family delivers hi-performance signalling and detection solutions with exceptional durability and operational integrity.  Devices within the range are approved for Zone 1 applications to ATEX/IECEx standards, and for Class I/II Division 1 locations to UL/cUL. Selected variants additionally carry approvals including EN54-23, DNV, MED/MER, UL1638, CAN/ULC-S526, and UL Marine.  Enabling global deployment across harsh and hazardous industrial, offshore, and maritime applications.

Integrated audible and visual notification
The D1xC1 and D1xC2 ranges combine hi-intensity audible and visual signaling in a single, factory-configured device, simplifying installation while maximising alarm effectiveness. Xenon strobe beacons are paired with either flare horn sounders or compact radial horns, the latter providing omni-directional sound coverage regardless of mounting orientation.

Strobe options include 5 and 10 Joules outputs delivering up to 260 effective Candelas with seven UV-stable, field-replaceable len colour options. Whilst sound output reaches up to 123dB(A) for hi-noise environments. Selected 24Vdc variants are approved for fire alarm applications. A threaded flame path, compact internal layout, and ratchet-adjustable stainless steel brackets improve serviceability, wiring access, and installation accuracy.

The D1xC1F series extends the range to fully certified explosion-proof public mode fire alarm solutions for Class I Division 1/2 and Zone 1 to UL/cUL installations. It includes 15W and 25W loudspeakers with 25/70V line transformers or hi-output alarm horns, combined with Xenon strobes up to 190 Candelas, with automatic synchronisation as standard. 

Standalone signalling, initiation and detection devices
The D1xB2 Xenon beacon range provides configurable outputs of 5, 10, 15, or 21 Joules, achieving peak light intensities of up to 1250 effective candelas. LED beacon variants are available for low-power applications.

D1xS alarm horn sounders are offered in both flare and radial configurations, supporting up to 64 selectable primary alarm tones via internal DIP switch configuration and sound levels of up to 128dB(A). Remote activation enables up to four alarm stages or channels. The D1xS1 24Vdc variants are certified for public mode fire alarm applications.

The D1xL loudspeaker series includes 15W and 25W models with both low-impedance and 70V line configurations. DNV type approval confirms suitability for offshore PAGA and fire voice alarm systems. High Q-factor transducers, controlled directivity, and factory-fitted line transformers ensure superior speech intelligibility in hi-ambient noise and corrosive marine environments.

The D1xCP1-PS manual call point is UL and UL Marine listed, SIL2 compliant, and rated to NEMA 4X, providing robust and reliable manual initiation in hazardous and corrosive conditions.

The D1xH1 heat detector range incorporates Detect-A-Fire® rate-compensated sensing technology within rugged marine-grade enclosures. Certified to ATEX/IECEx for Zones 0 and 1, and to UL/cUL for Class I/II Divisions 1 and 2, and SIL2 compliant to IEC 61508, these detectors deliver precise and dependable fire and over-temperature detection in critical environments.

A benchmark for hazardous area signalling
By integrating hi-output performance, global certification, and ruggedised construction, the D1x family establishes a reference standard for hazardous-area signalling devices.  From audible and visual notification to voice evacuation, manual initiation, and thermal detection, the D1x platform provides a scalable, compliant, and highly reliable safety solution for critical and harsh industrial applications where life safety and operational continuity are paramount.  Further information is available at www.e2s.com

The Engineering Equipment and Materials Users Association (EEMUA) has written to the UK Government and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to raise concerns about the ongoing review of the Pressure Systems Safety Regulations 2000 (PSSR) under the Government’s Regulatory Action Plan.

In a letter sent to the sponsoring Minister of State with primary oversight of the HSE and the Chief Executive of the HSE, the Association, which represents many of the UK’s largest industrial operators across the power, chemical and petrochemical sectors, is seeking confirmation that its evidence has been considered as part of the regulatory review.

EEMUA highlights that major UK operators continue to identify shortcomings in the current regulatory framework, particularly around the recognition of modern inspection methodologies and the operational realities of complex industrial sites. According to the Association, these shortcomings risk limiting the UK’s ability to reduce administrative burden, adopt technology‑driven inspection approaches, and strengthen industrial competitiveness without compromising safety.

The letter draws attention to three priority areas for modernisation:

• Greater alignment with risk‑based inspection (RBI) to reduce unnecessary invasive examinations and improve plant availability.
• Reform of the 28‑day reporting requirement, which EEMUA says is impractical for large sites and can constrain detailed engineering assessments.
• More flexible postponement provisions, allowing risk‑based decisions in exceptional circumstances to avoid unnecessary shutdowns.

The Association reiterated its willingness to meet with Government and HSE representatives to support a proportionate and modernised regulatory framework. A copy of EEMUA’s detailed position statement has been provided alongside the correspondence.

As numerous industrial sectors undergo digitalization, there is a growing trend toward automation, traceability, and paperless processes and workflows. Scanners are an important component of ERP, MES, and MMS systems and increasingly rely on 2D image processing such as QR codes, DataMatrix, or optical character recognition (OCR). This is where Pepperl+Fuchs comes in with the new Ident-Ex® 02 wireless reader and scanner, which is certified for use in Zone 1/21, Zone 2/22, and Class I, II.

Comprehensive scanner solution with innovative form factor

To meet a wide range of scanning requirements, the Ident-Ex® 02 is available in four different variants: Pocket, Grip, Grip+, and Smart Grip. The basis for all configurations is the Pocket version, a small, handy pocket-sized scanner – the lightest and smallest wireless barcode scanner for Zone 1/21 on the market. The Grip and Grip+ versions complement the compact Pocket scanner with an ergonomic pistol grip with magnetic and optional in-zone charging function.

With a matching cradle, the Grip variant can be combined and upgraded with the Smart-Ex® 03 and Smart-Ex® 203 smartphones to form a Smart Grip – for seamless and direct feedback during data collection and transmission to the smartphone display as part of the scanner. Since Bluetooth Classic and 5.4 LE are supported, this also applies to any other device that aligns with these standards. This interoperability makes the Ident-Ex® 02 a highly flexible and powerful scanner.

The 1430 mAh lithium-ion battery of the scanning unit offers sufficient capacity for a full shift and does not require an external power source. This, combined with its weight advantage, makes the Ident-Ex® 02 more flexible and easier to use.

All configurations can be easily charged via USB-C, the HMI variant Grip+ can even be charged within Zone 1/21 via the S3/S4 interface of the VisuNet GXP or within Zone 2/22 via the VisuNet FLX system. For added convenience, the Grip, Grip+, and Smart Grip variants can be charged using a magnetic charging cable. This saves additional costs, as no additional charging dock is required.

The Ident-Ex® 02 enables scans at distances of up to 10 meters (flex range version) or up to 25 meters (long range version) and supports all common 1D and 2D symbologies such as EAN-13, UPC-A, ISBN, Industrial 25, QR code, DataMatrix, and Maxicode.

Easily customizable

Developed and manufactured in Germany, the Ident-Ex® 02 offers customers the flexibility to respond to their needs and device portfolio. The grips and cradles can be exchanged or customized as desired without the need for additional service. Accessories available for the Ident-Ex® 02 Grip and Smart Grip include a leather holster, a universal docking station, and a magnetic charging cable.

With its ergonomic design and high accuracy, the Ident-Ex® 02 is ideal for intensive scanning tasks. In addition, the Ident-Ex® 02 has an integrated hardware aimer and can also read damaged or poorly printed barcodes. It also delivers excellent results in low-light conditions. This makes it suitable for even the most demanding scanning tasks.

Comprehensive solutions for a wide range of application scenarios

Pepperl+Fuchs offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions to meet a wide range of Auto-ID application scenarios in the industrial sector. From simple scanning tasks that can be implemented with its own eBARCODE-ML app as a software solution, to a Scanner SnapOn module that can be attached to the Smart-Ex® 203, to the most demanding requirements in hazardous areas with the new Ident-Ex® 02: Pepperl+Fuchs solutions cover every conceivable scenario and can be customized to fit any application.

Are you interested in talking to a Pepperl+Fuchs expert? Please contact us via +49 89 211 871 73 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.