Successful Supply Chain Solution for Major Elevator Manufacturer

Background

A global elevator manufacturer faced a critical supply chain disruption. The company relied on one specific encoder manufacturer, but due to their inability to deliver, the customer (a major elevator manufacturer) needed a reliable replacement to avoid redesigning their applications. The urgency and specificity of their needs required a solution that could seamlessly integrate into their existing systems.

Summary of encoder requirements for this application:

• Minimal application redesign
• Compatibility with specific terminal block connector
• Overall responsiveness and speed of delivery

Initial Contact and Project Scope

The project began with a cross-reference request from the customer to replace their current encoder model. The initial scope involved developing a custom mounting plate for Encoder Product Company's standard 25T encoder to fit the customer’s custom specification requirements. This custom solution allowed the customer to drop-in EPC's encoder without any application redesign.

Challenges and Solutions

1. Cross-Referencing and Customization: The customer’s existing encoder had a specific terminal block connector. EPC had to develop a custom encoder, creating three different variants. The first articles were shipped by July 2023
2. Customer Engagement and Responsiveness: The success of this project heavily relied on EPC's responsiveness and willingness to work closely with the customer’s engineering team. Key EPC personnel played a vital role in maintaining strong communication and addressing all necessary requirements promptly. This level of service was highly appreciated by the customer, leading to positive feedback from their lead engineer and engineering manager.
3. Expansion to Other Locations: Following the success at one location, other locations expressed interest in the same encoder models. 

Key Events and Milestones

• Spring 2023: Initial cross-reference request by the elevator manufacturer
• Spring 2023: Project initiated and custom mounting plate developed
• Summer 2023: First articles shipped
• Fall 2023: EPC visit to the customer confirmed successful integration and approval of the first articles
• Late-Fall 2023: Expansion of interest from the customer's other locations, leading to  an order

Customer Relationship and Future Opportunities

EPC's collaborative approach and ability to provide customized solutions fostered a strong relationship with this elevator manufacturer. This partnership is expected to yield further opportunities for both standard and unique product supplies. The customer's proactive engagement with EPC during supply chain disruptions underscores the importance of reliable vendor relationships in critical industry sectors.

Model 25T/H Accu-Coder

The Model 25T features the largest thru-bore available in a 2.5” encoder, and can mount directly on shafts as large as 1.125" (28 mm). With resolutions of up to 10,000 CPR, and frequencies of up to 1MHz, this industrial-strength encoder is perfect for fast revving motors.

Model 25T/H Accu-Coder Key Features:

• 2.5" Opto-ASIC encoder with a low profile (2.0”)
• Standard bore sizes ranging from 0.25” to 1.125”
• Metric bore sizes ranging from 6 mm to 28 mm
• Single replacement solution for 2.0" to 3.5" encoders
• Resolutions to 10,000 CPR, frequencies to 1 MHz
• Versatile flexible mounting options
• RoHS compliant
• Available with corrosion-resistant option