IDEC Engineering Insights #3: a technical support manager who enjoys problem solving and process optimization

We design IDEC products and services for long-term performance and reliability. If you need further support during the operating life of your devices, rely on the customer service available in your region.

We always aim to provide timely and efficient customer support. That said, it isn’t always a simple job – our teams need a comprehensive knowledge of products and parts, technologies, customer needs and industry use cases, common questions and more.

Someone with plenty of expertise in these areas is Vijay Buddharaju, a key member of the IDEC India technical support team. We took the opportunity to interview him and find out more about this extremely important role.

I’ve been with IDEC for 4.5 years, bringing a background in application and technical support from my previous role at Mitsubishi where I specialized in automation and robotics.

I joined IDEC because of its reputation for innovation, customer-centric approach, and the opportunity to lead a team while working with cutting-edge technology.

My role involves providing support and guidance to customers, troubleshooting complex issues, and ensuring smooth implementation of all IDEC products and solutions.

What I enjoy most is solving challenging problems and helping customers optimize their processes.

During my tenure, I have had multiple opportunities to achieve success.

As just one example, I was part of a team that pitched the HS5D miniature safety interlock switch against a competing product. Since then, the customer has also shown interest in the HS5L (a similar product in the same series) for their future projects.

I feel that IDEC’s strengths in factory automation lie in safety, HMI, and integrated control solutions.

There are 2 that come to mind:

• the FT2J: a PLC and HMI in one unit.

• Safety Wheel Drive (SWD): a compact, all-in-one mobility solution for AGVs and AMRs.

Since I joined, I’ve seen major advancements in IIoT integration, smart automation, and next-gen safety technologies.

In relation to IIoT integration and smart automation, we have added features such as MQTT Sparkplug B to relevant products (e.g. the FC6A MicroSmart Plus PLC). Sparkplug B enables more effective use of the MQTT network protocol for device communication. Similar features have been extended to new launch products, such as the FT series (PLC + HMI combo).

As for safety technologies, we have added a basket of products that provide solutions to the growing mobility segment.

IDEC products uniquely combine advanced safety features, intuitive HMI design, and reliable automation technology, delivering solutions that maximize productivity while ensuring operator safety and ease of use.