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RS Enables Industrial Safety With Omron’s NX Series Safety Controllers

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Omron’s NX Series safety controllers provide versatile, efficient solutions to common industrial challenges with a slate of integrated features designed to satisfy stringent safety requirements, prevent and mitigate risks, and improve operational efficiency.

FORT WORTH, Texas, Dec. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — RS, a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, stocks Omron Automation’s NX Series safety controllers and accessories for contemporary industrial environments with more than 10 safety devices, long or complex programming sequences, and demanding safety network requirements.

Omron NX Series safety controllers prevent and mitigate risks, improve operational efficiency, and facilitate compliance  

Safety controllers interact with other elements of industrial safety systems — like sensors, emergency stops, and light curtains — to detect hazards and trigger automated responses, like slowing or stopping machines, designed to protect employees and equipment. They also interact with non-safety devices, including PLCs to prioritize process safety and HMIs to deliver diagnostic data.

Omron’s NX Series safety controllers and accessories are expertly engineered to help users overcome common safety and operating challenges in industrial environments ranging from electronics, food and beverage, pharmaceutical, automotive, and heavy equipment manufacturing facilities to material handling and logistics environments. These challenges include delayed fault detection and response times, diagnostic difficulties in complex systems, unexpected downtime, employee and equipment safety, compatibility with existing systems, time and labor requirements, and space constraints in control panels.

Omron NX Series safety controllers provide versatile, efficient solutions to these and other common industrial challenges with a comprehensive slate of integrated features designed to satisfy stringent safety requirements, prevent and mitigate risks, and improve operational efficiency. Features engineered to help today’s industrial organizations adapt and thrive include:

Scalability and Compatibility. Standardized connections and protocols, modular expandability capabilities, a flexible hybrid network architecture that supports both integrated and standalone safety architectures, and up to 2,032 I/O safety points facilitate extensive compatibility, easy integration, and scalability in both new and retrofit systems.

NX Series compatibility with integrated safety architectures proves especially useful in large, complex systems where a unified approach to control and safety is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and consistency. Its compatibility with standalone safety architecture, where safety functions are managed independently of the main machine control network, are particularly useful for applications that require dedicated safety controls or exhibit improved reliability when the safety system is isolated.

Advanced Safety Functionality. Robust fault detection, high-speed processing capabilities, and CAN functions compatible with both centralized and decentralized systems enhance flexibility and reliability and provide unparalleled safety performance.

Easy Programming and Configuration. A user-friendly interface and automatic programming and configuration capabilities simplify setup and maintenance and contribute to reduced labor and maintenance costs, and an optional SD card makes it easy to backup and restore critical safety programs.

Diagnostic and Monitoring Capabilities. An efficient error code system and LED indicators support straightforward troubleshooting, and continuous data logging and system validation tools help maintain system integrity and reduce downtime.

Space Savings. NX Safety Controllers have a compact, uniform form factor designed to make optimal use of available space and facilitate space-saving panel-mount configurations.

Sysmac Studio Integration. NX controllers also support seamless integration into Omron’s unified automation platform, Sysmac Studio, which enables easy configuration, programming, simulation, and monitoring processes via a simple, user-friendly interface and features including user-defined function blocks, simple automatic test functionality, and the ability to data log and display 100 inputs. Sysmac Studio software also facilitates machine control and safety function communications over the same network, which reduces wiring complexity, streamlines operations, and allows users to manage safety and standard control processes from a powerful centralized control platform.

Omron offers two distinct models of the NX Series product line with specialized safety functionality, the NX-SL and NX-SL5, both of which are readily available at RS.

NX-SL models are available with 32 or 128 safety I/O connections, up to 256 or 1,024 I/O points, which is an optimal number for medium or large safety networks, and 0.5 or 2MB program memory. These cost-effective safety controllers have a modular design that makes them easy to adapt to a variety of machine types and sizes and, for retrofit projects, support direct connections to any PLC with an EtherNet/IP coupler. They can also be combined with an EtherCAT coupler to facilitate seamless Functional Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) for systems that require remote I/O. Ideal applications extend throughout the automotive, pharmaceutical, and food and beverage manufacturing, material handling, and logistics industries — where safety is critical, and space is a constant challenge.

NX-SL5 models are available with 127 or 254 safety I/O connections, up to 1,024 or 2,032 I/O points, and 2 or 4MB program memory. These models offer all the same benefits as NX-SL modes but can also simultaneously support multiple safety zones and network protocols — including Safety over Ethernet/IP, FSoE, and Common Industrial Protocol (CIP) Safety over Ethernet — which sets it apart from competing products and enables communication across different networks without any additional hardware and seamless integration with a variety of automation systems. They’re ideal for use in the same industries as NX-SL models but optimized for larger, more complex applications that demand high-speed safety control and broader coverage for extensive safety management, including robotics cells, automated material handling systems, and high-speed assembly lines.

For more information about Omron machine safety solutions, including NX Series safety controllers and accessories, please visit the links embedded here or check out the new “Industrial Machine Safety Controllers” interview with Matt Mohr, Safety Product Manager at Omron Automation. For more information about the complete portfolio of Omron Automation products available at RS, including power supplies and PLCs, and more expert insights from Omron experts, follow these links. For assistance identifying, procuring, installing, and maintaining exceptionally powerful, user-friendly Omron safety controllers equipped with cutting-edge safety functionality ideal for even the most demanding industrial applications, please contact your local RS representative at 1.866.433.5722 or reach out to the RS technical support team. 

About RS
RS is a global product and service solutions provider for industrial customers, enabling them to operate more efficiently and sustainably.

We stock over 800,000 industrial and associated electronic products and list an additional five million, sourced from over 2,500 leading suppliers. This extensive range supports 1.1 million customers in maintaining, repairing, and operating industrial equipment. With a technically led and digitally enabled approach, we are enhancing customer experience, delivering operational excellence, and simplifying the supply chain at every step.

RS Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange with stock ticker RS1 and in the year ended 31 March 2024 reported revenue of £2,942 million.

For more information, please visit https://www.rsgroup.com/ or connect with us on LinkedIn or X (Twitter).

About RS in the Americas
In the Americas region, RS stocks more than 250,000 industrial and electronic products from more than 700 trusted suppliers. These solutions cover categories extending from automation and control equipment to interconnect, passive, active, and electromechanical components and include more than 80,000 high-quality, competitively priced RS PRO products. For more information, please visit https://us.rs-online.com or connect with us via social media on Facebook, X (Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube.

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Editorial Contact & Media Inquiries:
Erica Goode, RS Director of Marketing – U.S. and Canada
Erica.Goode@rsgroup.com  

 

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Visier Debuts Talent Agents, Closing the Gap Between HR Programs and Business Impact

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New AI agents turn Visier insights and plans into guided action for every manager, fixing the #1 reason HR programs fail: manager follow-through

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Visier today announced Talent Agents at HR Tech 2026. Built on the Visier Workforce Intelligence Platform, these new AI agents guides every manager to the next right action in their organization’s HR programs in real time, and give talent leaders evidence of what each program actually changed for the business.

Talent management devotes a great deal of money and effort into HR programs every year, and many still can’t show the ROI or outcomes. New Visier research* found:

62% of HR leaders name manager follow-through as the single biggest reason programs fail77% of enterprises run HR programs on spreadsheets or a patchwork of tools, and are three times less likely to measure results while a program is underway.

Visier Talent Agents are built to close these gaps, helping talent management tackle its most critical challenges as organizations plan, grow and retain their talent. They leverage the latest in AI developments to pair best-in-class program frameworks with personalized, in-workflow guidance delivered to whoever needs to act next, and a closed-loop system for continuous learning and improvement based on every program’s goals.

“Good program design has never been enough. What HR has lacked is a GPS for every manager, so the moment someone drifts off track, they’re guided back before the program goes sideways,” said Dave Weisbeck, Chief Strategy Officer at Visier. “That’s what Talent Agents deliver, along with proof of what the program actually changed for the business.” 

“The space between HR program design and the actual business result is exactly where most HR investment gets lost,” said Madeline Laurano, founder of Aptitude Research. “Guidance that activates the manager at the moment they need to act, with proof of what changed afterward, is the piece of talent management that’s been missing and what Visier is solving for.”

Unlike HCM suites that teams would spend a year customizing, or point solutions that only see one piece of the picture, or even an internal-built tool that puts employee data at risk, Visier’s Talent Agents are built to run programs end-to-end and prove impact, not just track activity.

The agents reach every stakeholder in a program at the moment they need to act, not just when someone remembers to ask. They’re built to match how an organization actually operates, and the outcome of every action it recommends feeds back into the AI learning engine, so guidance gets sharper with each cycle. Because guidance runs on Visier’s proprietary Workforce AI rather than routing every follow-up through a person, organizations can scale their programs without being constrained by HRBP headcount.

The agents are built on Visier’s Workforce Intelligence Platform, so every program comes with the context, governance, and security an enterprise expects, backed by over 16 years of experience solving HR’s toughest problems.

Talent Agents are Visier’s answer to what the company calls the “activate” layer of Workforce AI, building on the platform’s existing strength in helping organizations understand their workforce data and plan around it. The offering pairs Visier’s technology with a dedicated implementation team that customizes each program to a customer’s specific processes and goals.

Attending HRTech 2026 in Las Vegas this week? Head over to Visier Booth #5209 to explore Talent Agents, or visit visier.com to learn more. The Visier team will also be at UNLEASH World in Paris (booth #106) and Total Talent Asia (booth #3).

About Visier
Visier Workforce AI is the context foundation for talent management. The Visier Workforce Intelligence Platform turns scattered, sensitive people data into one governed understanding of the entire workforce, so organizations can understand, plan, and activate all of their talent priorities in one place. More than 85,000 of the world’s most complex organizations, including Ford Motor Company, eBay, Experian, and Domino’s Pizza, rely on Visier’s over 16 years of workforce domain expertise, ranked #1 in vendor satisfaction and user experience for three consecutive years by the Sapient Insights HR Systems Survey. Learn more at Visier.com.

*Research from fall 2026, conducted by the Visier, Inc. Research Team surveyed verified senior HR and Talent leaders from 80 organizations with more than 10,000 employees across North America.  

visierpr@walkersands.com

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HSG Laser Unveils New Flagship Machine at EuroBLECH 2026, Powering Productivity for European Manufacturers

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HANNOVER, Germany, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HSG Laser is showcasing its latest laser cutting and intelligent manufacturing solutions at EuroBLECH 2026, held from October 20–23 at the Hannover Exhibition Centre. Under the theme “Powering Productivity with HSG,” HSG is presenting its latest innovations at Booth 15-F42, including the European debut of its new flagship GV, alongside the launch of GFA PRO and AI CutPilot, as well as the European debut of its high-speed laser solutions G3015T and R2 PRO.

Expanding High-Performance Laser Solutions

The new GFA PRO is engineered for large-format metal processing, addressing challenges such as large footprints, low speed, unstable thick-plate performance, and high operating costs. Making their European debut, the G3015T and R2 PRO expand HSG’s high-speed laser lineup for sheet and tube processing, helping manufacturers improve throughput, flexibility, and production efficiency.

“HSG Laser’s European footprint has grown steadily, with more than 2,000 units delivered and a new showroom opening soon this year,” said Shawn Wang, Vice President of HSG Laser. “Our latest launches at EuroBLECH mark another step forward, combining high-performance equipment with intelligent technologies and localized support to deliver greater productivity for European customers.”

Recognized by MM MaschinenMarkt Germany

Built for the European market, HSG Laser earned the “International Spotlight” award from MM MaschinenMarkt Germany’s Chief Editor for its GV and AI CutPilot. The GV combines cutting, beveling, countersinking, and chamfering in one machine to streamline pre-welding workflows and boost efficiency. AI CutPilot is HSG’s industry-first, self-developed AI system that turns laser-cutting expertise into a reusable, scalable machine capability, helping reduce trial work and improve first-pass yield. The award further highlights HSG Laser’s technological strength and growing presence in the European market.

Strengthening Local Operations in Europe

As part of its continued commitment to supporting manufacturers worldwide, HSG Laser is further strengthening its localized operations in Europe. On 10th November, HSG will open its new showroom in Düsseldorf, Germany under the theme “Go Global, Link Local.” The new showroom will bring HSG’s latest machines, technologies, and expertise closer to European customers, creating more opportunities for direct engagement and local support. This expansion further strengthens HSG’s presence in Europe and its ability to provide responsive, customer-focused solutions tailored to local manufacturing needs.

About HSG Laser

Founded in 2006, HSG Laser is a leading global manufacturer of intelligent metal processing equipment, specializing in laser cutting, tube processing, bending, and welding automation systems. With a presence in over 100 countries and regional centers across Europe, North America, Japan, India, and Asia-Pacific, HSG Laser is committed to driving the transformation of manufacturing through innovation, reliability, and artificial intelligence.

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Mérieux NutriSciences Completes Acquisition of Certified Group, Becoming North America’s Leading Food Testing Provider

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CHICAGO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mérieux NutriSciences, a global leader in food safety, quality, and sustainability, today announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Certified Group.

First announced in August 2026, this strategic transaction unites two complementary leaders in the Testing, Inspection, and Certification (TIC) sector. With approximately $300 million in revenue, Certified Group brings 31 laboratories and over 1,600 talented employees into Mérieux NutriSciences’ global network. The integration also adds a robust roster of more than 170 independent regulatory consultants across the United States and Canada.

With this expanded coast-to-coast footprint, Mérieux NutriSciences is positioned to provide customers with broader service offerings and enhanced regulatory support. The integration deepens the company’s capabilities in key Food & Beverage segments, most notably in animal protein through its Food Safety Net Services (FSNS) network, where Certified Group has built a strong reputation as a bellwether for safety and quality, alongside leading positions in dairy, packaged foods, nuts, and spices.

Customers will also benefit from high-value expertise in cosmetics, OTC products, and dietary supplements through the Certified Laboratories vertical, and reduced-harm nicotine product testing via Labstat International. These core verticals are further bolstered by specialized expert services, including contract research (Lab Plus), regulatory consulting (EAS Consulting Group), and comprehensive certification and audit programs (FSNS Certification and Audit).

“We are thrilled to officially welcome the talented teams from Certified Group to the Mérieux NutriSciences global network,” said Nicolas Cartier, CEO of Mérieux NutriSciences. “By combining our respective strengths, we are vastly expanding the depth and breadth of our capabilities. This milestone allows us to be closer to our customers, meeting their localized, time-sensitive needs with unmatched speed and reliability, while furthering our shared purpose: Better Food. Better Health. Better World.”

“Our priority is to ensure a seamless transition for all customers while delivering immediate, enhanced value,” added Sébastien Moulard, President North America at Mérieux NutriSciences. “Through this nationwide analytical network, customers now have access to a truly comprehensive portfolio of routine testing, specialized analysis, expert regulatory support, and more. We are excited to leverage the best of both worlds to drive innovation and provide practical solutions right where production happens.”

“Certified Group has built a differentiated platform with a strong reputation for quality, scientific excellence and exceptional customer service,” said Deborah Kerr, Managing Director, Warburg Pincus & Executive Chair, Certified Group. “We are proud to have supported Certified Group’s evolution and look forward to seeing the company continue to thrive as part of Mérieux NutriSciences.”

The financing of the acquisition brings new minority shareholders Peugeot Invest and Continental Grain Company (Conti) alongside Mérieux NutriSciences’ long standing shareholders: Institut Mérieux, Sofina, and Dassault Group. This collective support underscores strong market confidence in the company’s strategic vision. Ultimately, the successful integration of Certified Group solidifies Mérieux NutriSciences as the leading provider in North America and a top player in the global food TIC market, further cementing its role as the trusted partner for customers navigating a rapidly evolving landscape.

About Mérieux NutriSciences:

At Mérieux NutriSciences, we leverage 60 years of scientific and entrepreneurial expertise to answer food industry needs. Today’s global challenges transform the way food is produced, marketed and consumed, which is why we know our clients need more than reliable analytical results; they need practical and innovative solutions that will contribute to make food systems safer, healthier and more sustainable. Present worldwide, we are more than 160 accredited laboratories and a team of over 11,600 committed employees. We strongly believe that together, we can create solutions to offer our planet: BETTER FOOD. BETTER HEALTH. BETTER WORLD. na.mxns.com

MERIEUX NUTRISCIENCES
Stephen Nichols (North America)
stephen.nichols@mxns.com 

Marion Bertrand (Global)
media@mxns.com 

Ashton van den Bergh (Global)
media@mxns.com

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