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- November 2011
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In this issue... |
News from CCS-Inc.CCS is pleased to announce that its newest fanless workstation, the ADDAX-i, has been selected as a finalist in the 2012 Engineers' Choice Awards. Sponsored by Control Engineering, this contest features some of the industry's most exciting new products. Read the update below to learn more. This month, CCS is releasing its newest case study. Read below to learn how Joy Mining Machinery utilizes a custom display computer built by CCS to operate its underground continuous mining machinery. As always, if you have suggestions for future editions, or if you would like more information on one of the topics below, please let us know.
The CCS Team |
addax-i selected as a finalist in the 2012 engineers' choice awards for control engineering
The Engineers' Choice Awards highlight some of the best new control, instrumentation and automation products as chosen by Control Engineering's print and online subscribers. Survey respondents are asked to select products based on technological advancement, service to the industry, and market impact.
CCS is proud to announce that its newest fanless workstation, the ADDAX-i, has been selected as a finalist for the contest. Built on Intel® Core™ i5/i7 technology with up to 8 GB RAM, the ADDAX-i offers workstation class performance in a rugged and compact chassis.
Interested in voting for the ADDAX-i? Check out the Control Engineering website for information on casting your vote later this month.
Custom display computer for continuous miners
Situation 
Joy Mining Machinery is a global leader in the development, manufacture, distribution, and service of underground mining machinery for the extraction of coal and other bedded materials. With more than 90 years of experience in the mining industry, the company strives to help its customers produce at the lowest cost per ton over the lifecycle of the equipment it provides. To meet this objective, Joy upholds a high standard of quality and reliability in its machinery.
In 2006, the company began searching for a new computer for use in its continuous mining machines. A key requirement was a vendor whose products could withstand the demanding conditions the machinery is exposed to in the mines. This search led Joy to CCS-Inc.
The company elected to do a test run on a smaller project involving a change to one of Joy’s other products to ensure that CCS would be able to meet its needs. Mike Schindler, Senior Electrical Engineer at Joy Mining Machinery, describes the company’s initial experience with CCS: “CCS’ performance during the trial period proved that the company could handle the job. We chose to continue working with CCS because we felt confident that they would be able to deliver a high-quality solution at a reasonable price.”
Solution
Mr. Schindler met with the CCS team to discuss the project parameters and determine which of CCS’ products would provide the best solution for Joy’s two applications. The first application involved mounting a computer directly onto Joy’s underground continuous mining machinery. This would allow the computer to serve as a type 
of interface between the operator and the machine. The second application involved utilizing the computer in Joy’s remote communication console. This would give operators the ability to monitor and control the machines from a distance.
The group decided that CCS would manufacture a custom display computer, or panel PC, that would be specially designed to meet Joy’s specific requirements. The computer was constructed to operate in high ambient temperatures and withstand high vibration, shock, and moisture. Encased in a stainless steel chassis with sealed connectors, the custom display computer obtains a high seal rating. The device has a 12.1” screen, and an Intel® high performance processor. By electing to use a solid-state drive and a heat sink instead of fans, the panel PC has no moving parts – a key reliability feature. Not only was Joy satisfied with the technical aspects of the product, but it was also pleased with the professional aesthetics.
Exceeding Expectations
Mr. Schindler explains what made CCS different from other vendors: “CCS made us, as a customer, feel important. The company was always willing to incorporate the feedback we gave, while managing to meet project deadlines as scheduled.” He continued by saying that “CCS did an excellent job of communicating the project’s progress to Joy. And if a problem arose, CCS was quick to offer a solution.”
As a result of the success of the custom display computer project, Joy entered into a long term supply agreement with CCS for the purchase of such custom display computers. A separate design is also in the works for a future project. “Overall, we have been thoroughly satisfied with the knowledge and capabilities of the CCS team. The teamwork displayed is extraordinary – all the departments involved work together to produce an extremely reliable product. The exceptional design of the custom display computer enables high reliability and product stability over its extended lifetime.” said Mr. Schindler.
When asked if Joy would recommend CCS to others, Mr. Schindler replied, “We are very pleased with CCS as a company, the products they provide, and our experience with them."
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"The teamwork displayed [by CCS] is extraordinary - all the departments involved work together to produce an extremely reliable product." - Mike Schindler |
Want to learn more about how other companies have benefited from working with CCS? Click here to view more case studies.
foxguard solutions to exhibit at power gen international
This December, representatives from FoxGuard Solutions, a wholly-owned subsidiary of CCS-Inc., will be traveling to Las Vegas to exhibit in booth 860 at POWER-GEN International. Known as "the world's largest power generation show, conference, and exhibition," the event will be held at the Las Vegas Convention Center from December 13-15, 2011.
As explained on the website, "POWER-GEN International is the industry leader in providing comprehensive coverage of trends, technologies, and issues facing the generation sector. As the need to operate more efficiently and cost-effectively becomes increasingly important, no other event bridges challenges with solutions like POWER-GEN International."
Want to register for POWER-GEN 2011? Get more information by clicking here.
engineers reading corner
Find out what the Engineers at CCS are interested in by checking out the links below.
Microsoft to Streamline Windows 8's Patch Process
IT Workforce Returns to Pre-Recession Levels
Hard Drive Shortages and Higher Prices Confirmed Due to Flooding in Thailand
meet the ccs team
Name: Terry Driver
Position: Inside Sales Rep for Major Accounts
Years at CCS: Almost 2 years...wahoo!
Responsibilities: The main goal of my position is to help drive business revenues to CCS-Inc. by supporting major account business growth for sustained business and new business from existing accounts and new accounts. I communicate with external and internal customers on a daily basis regarding the needed flow of information to ensure Quality, Accurate, and On Time Deliveries to our CCS customers.
Qualifications: Over 25 years of being involved with Sales, Project Management, and Customer Service in combination with a firm belief in the CCS Core Values- “Delight the Customer” and “Always Add value”.
Favorite Part: Being successful with our customers and continuing to grow the company! Delight the Customer / Always Add value / The Whole Company is My Job.
CCS is Hiring!Know someone that would be a great fit for CCS? Located in Christiansburg, VA, CCS is always looking for talented people to add to its team. Click here to view a list of current job openings. |
newsletter archiveMiss something? CCS has added a newsletter archive to its website to give customers access to past issues they may have missed. Visit the archive today to stay informed of the latest developments at CCS. |
