The engine under customisation: the unique strength of the Systems department at ICT Raster

This experience led to a clear choice: ICT Raster became responsible for the design, construction and integration of control cabinets. In this way, ICT Raster takes more control, risks are limited and there is more control over quality and planning. The Systems department is now a permanent fixture within Raster, with a clear vision on technology, cooperation and ownership.

One team, three areas of expertise

ICT Raster specialises in the realisation of complete automation solutions for sectors such as industry, chemicals, energy and infrastructure. From Dreumel in Gelderland, they work with three technological teams: industrial automation (IA), data analysis and optimization (OX) and Systems. The latter team deals with everything related to the hardware: from the engineering and construction of control panels to network architectures, field cabling and system integration.

What makes this department unique is the role it plays in the whole. "We are often the starting point of the solution," says Peter. "Because if the controls are not right, the rest will not work either. We make sure that the infrastructure is there, literally and figuratively." 

In this way, customers benefit from a reliable basis that ensures higher operational reliability and a shorter lead time.

Hardware and architecture

The strength of Systems is not only in building the control cabinets. At least as important is the way in which the department collaborates with the software teams. Martijn Kooij, Managing Director of ICT Raster: "We think the same. We think in terms of functions, modular structures and the overall picture. Whether it's software or hardware: in the end, the system has to do what the customer needs." This ensures that the customer immediately has a future-proof solution, with minimal downtime and maximum safety.

Thanks to this close cooperation, ICT Raster can deliver complete solutions. As Peter puts it: "We not only supply the cabinet, but also the context. What does the system look like? Where is it? What should it be able to do in ten years? We build solutions that include complete control, including maintenance options. We think along with you about every detail, up to the emergency stop button." 

What is striking: the team works almost exclusively on so-called 'specials': unique, often one-off projects that are built from scratch. Martijn: "We are not tied to one sector or product line. From defense to aerospace: we provide customization, not solutions from the shelf."

From one part to total projects

This thinking along is evident from the countless great projects, such as a customer in the chemical industry. Peter: "That organization asked if we could replace one part of a very outdated system. In the end, we came up with how we could gradually renew the entire system with decentralized control units, spread across the site. Much more efficient, cheaper and more future-proof." This gives the customer a flexible installation that is easy to expand and less dependent on central infrastructure.

Or take the project with a startup that focuses on CO₂ capture in cement production. "They asked for a software solution, but it soon became clear that they needed much more," says Martijn. "We designed the entire control of their installation: from control and safety to the container that contains everything. That's the beauty of this work: you get to think along from the start and you deliver something that really matters."

Technically strong and a good team

What makes Systems perhaps most special is the atmosphere within the team. Everyone knows each other, works closely together and shares the same drive: to create smart, working solutions. Martijn: "Our people all have a technical heart. And you notice that in everything. We are a bit stubborn, but always with the end result in mind. We are curious, critical and want to do well. Not for the tick, but because they want to be proud of the result themselves."

This pride is also reflected in how colleagues talk about their work. Peter: "The best thing is if, for example, you create a completely new plant together with the customer and they say: 'You understand us.' Those are moments that stay with you."

Ready for the future

ICT Raster is growing. Increasingly, the organization is asked to be the main contractor for complete automation projects. Martijn: "We used to supply the software and the customer worked with their own hardware party. Now we see that customers prefer to leave it to us. They want one party that oversees the whole. And we can do that, because we have everything under one roof."

The ambitions extend beyond the current markets. ICT Raster also sees plenty of opportunities in sectors such as water management and infrastructure. Peter: "More and more customers no longer have technical staff in-house. They are looking for a partner who thinks along, unburdens and takes responsibility. And that is exactly what we like to do."

Building impact together

With craftsmanship, commitment and short lines of communication, Systems works closely with the other technological departments and increasingly with colleagues elsewhere within ICT Group. "We want to further strengthen that cooperation within the group," says Martijn. "As a Systems department, we can really add value to projects of colleagues. We are now making better use of that strength." 

Peter also sees plenty of opportunities: "When you work for us, you literally help build solutions that matter. And we prefer to do that together: with customers, with colleagues and with a passionate team of engineers."