Elau wins 2007 Frost & Sullivan award for innovation

The award presentation was preceded by a study conducted by Frost & Sullivan that highlighted the Western European market for motion control systems. The company found that packaging machine engineering was the most demanding field of application in this highly competitive market segment. In determining the most significant challenges that the suppliers of motion control and controller systems have to meet, Frost & Sullivan recognised the following:

• Elau has the best understanding of packaging machine engineering requirements
• Elau was and is the trendsetter for motion control systems and automation technology in the packaging machine industry

Frost & Sullivan analyst Suman Bhaskar says: "The ability of ELAU AG to identify industrial trends and customer requirements and to successfully implement industrial solutions is a considerable and unique selling point in the highly competitive packaging industry."

Specialist requirements recognised

ELAU says it was the first to recognise the industry-specific requirements after specialising in automation for packaging machines and the first able to implement these with customised motion/logic control technology. That use of open technology based on international standards was noted in particular.

Furthermore, ELAU is also leading in the development of embedded robotics. By integrating the controller functionality for robots in a motion/logic control system, 'black box' robot control technology is no longer required. This innovation enables robots that had previously been used only in end-of-line applications to be implemented in the primary and secondary packaging areas.

Integrated servo drives are also an innovation initiative by ELAU. According to Frost & Sullivan, many automation specialists had attempted this approach and were more or less unsuccessful; only ELAU was capable of implementing the ideas successfully into products with practical user benefits. The PacDrive iSH series has defined modularity on a new level, in the opinion of the market research company.

Value-added services

Another factor for success, according to Frost & Sullivan, is the combination of technological advance and the right marketing strategy: instead of a component business, ELAU makes 'solution-oriented systems' its primary focus. Mechanical engineers as well as end users receive all necessary engineering support and training to generate the maximum benefits from PacDrive technology.

ELAU has established a direct presence in all countries that manufacture packaging machinery. Every ELAU location acts as a complete value-added service provider for the respective local market. Tight interaction throughout this sales network ensures comprehensive global support for OEMs and end users in the consumer goods industries.