SaaS will be initially incorporated into DLM’s lines of tensile link and shackle load cells that capture data as tension is applied to lifting and marine equipment. YOKE chips and RiConnect software enable DLM customers to track their assets; access documentation, like user manuals and calibration certificates; and more effectively manage inspection programmes.

The Southampton, UK-based company is already implementing radio frequency identification (RFID) technology into manufacturing processes to support clients with asset management digital transformation. The equipment can be used subsea down to 6,000 m (20,000 ft.), which is a depth usually only found in ocean trenches.

RiConnect is a cloud-based SaaS provider; it is headquartered in Taiwan but opened RiConnect UK Limited at the turn of the year. 

The brand is already synonymous with YOKE, which uses the software primarily for certificates of conformity and safe use instructions. Notably, YOKE manufactures a durable range of RFID tags, including BlueSupra, which work well with RiConnect software, and are incorporated into DLM equipment.

“We have a worldwide presence but most notably in Taiwan, Japan, and now the UK. The use of traditional plastic chips in severe offshore working environments can lead to the loss or corruption of data, especially when the plastic chip is subject to continuous impact damage, UV [ultraviolet] light, corrosive substances, and other hazards found in challenging conditions,” said Leanne Whitehurst-Maiden, sales director, RiConnect UK.

She said BlueSupra chips are available in different versions; the blue nano is the simplest to use and can be manufactured into lifting products. For example, every piece of lifting equipment YOKE makes comes with a blue nano embedded into it and uses RiConnect to store data. The software is also found in chain blocks and other material handling products.

“It makes checking and presenting certification data for our customers a lot easier. Simply by scanning the load link with a smart phone, users can get the relevant information plus access to safe use instructions or inspection criteria.

“We plan to adopt this smart technology more widely in time, perhaps with running line monitors [RLMs] and saddleback monitors [used in pre-lay grapnel run and route clearance operations to measure line tension] among suitable products. Eventually, rental fleet management and thorough examinations will become paperless, and we want to be at the sharp end of that evolution,” added Martin Halford, MD, DLM.

RiConnect software is based on the principles of asset management; it can be used on any assets that require documentation storing or checks to be performed surrounding their use. In terms of pre-use inspection, maintenance, calibration, etc., load cells and monitoring equipment are a primary marketplace. The pharmaceutical, medical, and automotive sectors are among other pioneers.

Halford added: “Business remains on an upward trajectory; we have ambitious plans to grow the company with adoption of state-of-the-art systems like RiConnect and BlueSupra chips, alongside our ranges of hardware, combining to make industries safer.”

Adopting technology from RiConnect into its lines of load cells and monitoring equipment chimes with wider sustainability efforts by DLM. The company continues to pioneer a series of measures to inspire the engineering sector to be greener and more sustainable.

DLM has been ISO 14001 certified for many years, which means it meets the criteria for an environmental management system and can be certified accordingly. ISO 14001 maps out a framework that a company or organisation can follow to set up an effective environmental management system. This has supported much wider sustainability strategy that serves as a blueprint for other businesses to follow.

Halford said: “Although we are a small company in the engineering sector we have big plans around sustainability, backed by a passion to change the culture and behaviour of our organisation and lead by example. We have several passionate staff members, who are keen to drive a few key initiatives that we have already been implementing.”

Partnerships and collaborations with companies like RiConnect will remain at the forefront of these endeavours.