InduSuiteTM Launches FloCloud, a Cloud-Based Gas Monitoring Software

Rhea-AI Summary

ESAB's InduSuite platform has launched FloCloud, a cloud-based gas monitoring software solution. FloCloud combines GCE's gas control products with InduSuite's WeldCloud software to create a gas manifold with Mesh WiFi-enabled sensors that communicate data to an online application. The software features an analytics dashboard that tracks gas consumption, sends notifications for pressure drops or flow issues, and provides cost analysis for job estimating.

Early adopters have reported significant benefits, including:

• A petrochemical industry customer saved over €1 million on gas spend and 240,000 liters in welding gas use
• Another customer eliminated €6,000 daily losses from production line shutdowns due to gas cylinder swaps

FloCloud is designed for mid- to high-volume gas users in industries such as oil and gas, shipyards, and manufacturing, with future applications planned for specialty gases in food and beverage, hospitals, and laboratories.

Positive

• Launch of FloCloud, a new cloud-based gas monitoring software solution
• Early adopter in petrochemical industry saved over €1 million on gas spend
• Another customer eliminated €6,000 daily losses from production line shutdowns
• Provides cost analysis for more accurate job bidding and improved profitability
• Expands ESAB's digital solutions offering in the welding and cutting industry

Negative

• None.

Insights

Industrial Technology Analyst

FloCloud's launch marks a significant advancement in gas monitoring technology for industrial applications. The integration of GCE's hardware with InduSuite's software creates a powerful IoT solution that addresses critical issues in gas management. Key benefits include real-time leak detection, consumption tracking and cost allocation, which are important for improving operational efficiency and profitability.

The system's ability to provide data-driven insights for job estimating and preventative maintenance could be a game-changer for industries with high gas consumption. Early adopters reporting €1 million in savings and 240,000 liters reduction in gas use demonstrate the potential for substantial ROI. This could lead to increased demand for ESAB's products and services, potentially boosting their market position in the industrial gas management sector.

Financial Analyst

While specific financial figures for FloCloud aren't provided, the product launch could significantly impact ESAB's revenue streams. The software-as-a-service (SaaS) model of FloCloud suggests a potential for recurring revenue, which investors typically value highly. The reported cost savings for early adopters (€1 million and €6,000 per day) are substantial, indicating a strong value proposition that could drive rapid adoption.

The product's applicability across various industries (petrochemical, shipyards, manufacturing) suggests a large addressable market. If ESAB can capitalize on this opportunity, it could lead to significant growth in their digital solutions segment. Investors should monitor future earnings reports for indications of FloCloud's contribution to revenue and any changes in ESAB's guidance related to this new product line.

Environmental Sustainability Expert

FloCloud's launch aligns with growing industry trends towards sustainability and resource efficiency. By enabling precise monitoring and reduction of gas consumption, the technology addresses both economic and environmental concerns. The reported 240,000 liter reduction in welding gas use by one customer not only represents cost savings but also a significant decrease in resource consumption and potential emissions.

This product positions ESAB favorably in the context of increasing environmental regulations and corporate sustainability goals. As companies face pressure to reduce their carbon footprint, solutions like FloCloud that offer tangible reductions in resource use could see high demand. This could enhance ESAB's reputation as an environmentally conscious supplier, potentially attracting environmentally focused investors and customers.

NORTH BETHESDA, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- To enable the industry to track gas process parameters, analyze gas consumption and identify gas leaks and over-consumption, InduSuite^TM, ESAB’s platform of software applications for welding, cutting and robotics, has introduced FloCloud, a gas monitoring software solution. FloCloud combines GCE’s® trusted brand of gas control products with InduSuite’s proven WeldCloud software application platform to build a gas manifold with Mesh WiFi enabled pressure and flow sensors that communicate data to the FloCloud online application.

FloCloud’s dashboard provides complete gas consumption usage from manifold to torch to track analyze and report any over- or under-consumption events. (Graphic: Business Wire)

FloCloud features an easy-to-use analytics dashboard and reporting system that tracks every end user point and sends notifications if gas pressure drops or if gas flow is outside of WPS (Weld Procedure Specification) parameters, improving real-time data and reducing the need for manual checks.

Additionally, FloCloud tracks complete gas consumption per welding job, per welding operator and per overall project. This information is valuable for cost analysis and job estimating by easily allocating gas cost to a specific job/project to be more competitive in quotes and more profitable in projects. Knowing exactly how much gas is used within the gas supply system also helps regulate preventative maintenance to replace seals and other consumables.

“Fabricators and manufacturers struggle with high gas consumption and have limited knowledge on how much gas is wasted in leaks and overuse,” says Jon Hofmann, Director of Product Management Digital Solutions, InduSuite, an ESAB brand. “Additionally, our customers asked for a tool that provides cost analysis on gas consumption so that they can bid jobs accurately. FloCloud can solve these issues and provide an immediate ROI.”

InduSuite customers with early access to FloCloud have seen the following advantages:

• Stopping leaks and over-consumption saved a large gas consumer in the petrochemical industry more than €1 million on its gas spend and more than 240,000 l (8,475 cu. ft.) in welding gas use.
• Another customer was losing €6,000 per day by shutting the line down to swap gas cylinders. With FloCloud’s tracking mechanism and knowing exactly how much gas is needed per job, the user now never runs out of gas in the middle of a shift and cylinder swaps are completed during scheduled breaks or shift changes.

FloCloud is built to withstand rigorous environments for mid- to high-volume gas users, which include gas distribution companies, welding in oil, gas and petrochemical operations, shipyard and off-shore applications, manufacturers of transportation, construction, mining and agricultural equipment with future offerings coming for specialty gases in food and beverage, hospital and laboratory applications.

To learn more about this new gas monitoring solution, visit FloCloud (indusuite.com).

About ESAB Corporation

Founded in 1904, ESAB Corporation is a focused premier industrial compounder. The Company’s rich history of innovative products, workflow solutions and its business system ESAB Business Excellence (EBX), enables the Company’s purpose of Shaping the world we imagine.^TM ESAB Corporation is based in North Bethesda, Maryland and employs approximately 9,000 associates and serves customers in approximately 150 countries. To learn more, visit www.ESABcorporation.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240815098966/en/

ESAB Trade Media Contact:

Chuck Schroeder

Tel +1 (262) 618-4427

chucks@imipr.com

Corporate Media Contact:

Tilea Coleman

Tel +1 (301) 323-9092

mediarelations@esab.com

Source: ESAB Corporation

FAQ

What is FloCloud and how does it benefit welding operations?

FloCloud is a cloud-based gas monitoring software solution launched by ESAB's InduSuite. It benefits welding operations by tracking gas consumption, identifying leaks and over-consumption, providing real-time notifications for pressure drops or flow issues, and offering cost analysis for more accurate job estimating and improved profitability.

How much did an early adopter in the petrochemical industry save using FloCloud?

An early adopter in the petrochemical industry saved over €1 million on gas spend and more than 240,000 liters (8,475 cu. ft.) in welding gas use by using FloCloud to stop leaks and over-consumption.

What industries is FloCloud designed for?

FloCloud is designed for mid- to high-volume gas users in industries such as gas distribution, oil and gas, petrochemical operations, shipyards, and manufacturers of transportation, construction, mining, and agricultural equipment. Future offerings are planned for specialty gases in food and beverage, hospital, and laboratory applications.

How does FloCloud help with job estimating and profitability?

FloCloud tracks complete gas consumption per welding job, operator, and project, allowing for easy allocation of gas costs to specific jobs or projects. This information enables more competitive quotes and improved profitability by providing accurate cost analysis for job estimating.