The "Internet of Things" (IoT) refers to the process of connecting devices to the internet which act autonomously from human intervention freeing up manpower for other tasks.

The application of IoT is being embraced by industry worldwide, where the benefits to business in terms of cost, reliability and safety speak to the bottom line.

"As the requirements for systems become more complex, so does the level of complexity in maintaining these new products and systems," CFP mechatronics engineer Bryant Morris said.

"To help customers get the most out of their equipment CFP offers IoT packages that are able to not only monitor performance of hydraulic systems, but also assist in diagnosing potential issues before they happen creating predictive maintenance activities, while also directing maintenance teams on how to deal with any issues that have occurred in a safe manner. The aim is to use IoT technology to reduce any downtime our customers experience and allow maintenance teams to perform repairs in a timely proactive and safe manner. By making systems smarter it makes the role of the on-site support personnel simpler so they can keep their site up running and focus on core business activity."

CFP strives to provide the latest electro-hydraulic technology in the products and solutions it brings to market.

By combining traditional hydraulic systems with electronic control IoT products CFP brings innovative solutions to customer demands.

"Custom Fluidpower works with customers from a broad range of market segments, ranging from mining through to agriculture, through to transport and rail maintenances services," Mr Morris said. "Where ever there are hydraulic systems in use that require modern solutions, CFP can help. For example, we recently worked to provide automated hydraulic solutions to customers in the aluminium processing industry and in the mining services industry."

As automation in the hydraulics sector grows so too will the need for IoT devices to monitor and control equipment in real time.

"There will be an increasing demand for information on how hydraulic systems are performing while also providing information on how a hydraulic system should be maintained," Mr Morris said. "Using IoT products, CFP will be able to increasingly provide better information to customers to help keep their complex systems simple and safe to maintain."

Custom Fluidpower is located at 14 Gross Street, Carrington. For more information, ring 1300 781 178 or visit www.custom.com.au.