RS Ireland – By Your Side: Helping to keep your business operations undisrupted through these unprecedented times
What started as a small family business in 1947 selling radio valves and TV spares next door to Mulligan’s in Poolbeg street, the company moved to Hatch Street in the 60’s and in 1970, moved to its current offices and warehousing in Rialto, Radionics Ltd., now trading as RS Ireland, has been supporting industry in Ireland for over 70 years, the company has become the country’s leading distributor of electronic, electrical and industrial components.
The transformation of Ireland’s industrial manufacturing sector in the 70’s was an opportunity for Radionics to become a distributor for RS Components and its customer base began to change as the company supported both the consumer and industrial market space. The product paper catalogue was a staple item for the RS customer, which has now evolved to the industry-leading website, allowing users to see stock availability and pricing, the digital environment has revolutionised how RS Ireland brings its product offer to the market. Gary Bradley, Country Manager commented “The channels through which we interact with customers today have evolved in line with technology and demand. RS has adapted at each stage of this evolution – from creating a CD catalogue in the mid-90’s to developing an award-winning digital channel. The continual investment in our online offer ensures that the customer journey is as seamless as possible, giving them access to the right product, the right technical specifications and stock availability”.
RS has strong relationships with suppliers, working closely with them to ensure the latest products are available and that the right level of product support can be offered to their customers, guiding them through the buying process and keeping it as simple as possible. Bringing new technology to customers is key, with the developments in robotics and Industry 4.0, or Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) this has become even more important. IIoT covers the use of various technologies to connect devices to create and exploit data. This offers companies numerous potential benefits in terms of MRO, not least that they can shift from a preventative and reactive maintenance culture to a predictive one. IIoT makes it possible to increase productivity while reducing machine downtime and the time needed for repairs, manufacturers are increasingly aware of the benefits of increased connectivity.
RS actively collaborate with manufacturing customers to talk about the huge range of IIoT technology available so that they can find solutions that will help them improve their operations. Making use of the knowledge that suppliers have about this of equipment puts RS in a great position to advise on the best technology to meet your specific needs.
The evolution of buying behaviour is something RS is in tune with, making purchasing easy for customers both online, with click and collect and by a personal ‘walk-in’ experience at RS’s trade counter which is a hub of knowledge. The recently refurbished RS Local Dublin branch in Rialto is open Monday to Friday, 8am – 5.30pm, showcasing innovative solutions that will help them meet customers varying needs in all stages of projects with over 1,000 products on display from brands including Siemens, TE, SMC, Stanley, Facom, 3M, Schneider Electric, Fluke, Wera Tools, Rocol to name a few and the RS PRO range, with also access to thousands more in the locally stocked warehouse.
The team are there to help you with your queries, providing technical help, and information on kitting and calibration services. The “Innovation Room” can provide you with an insight into other new technologies with demo areas on 3D printing and Raspberry Pi projects on request. Providing these key valued-added services differentiates RS from its competitors.
