IDS are ABB Inverter specialists. We specify, install, commission, repair, service and hire variable speed drives.
Electric motors are remarkably simple. Without a Variable Speed Drive (VSD), most motors have very little control over their speed. In many applications, they are effectively either running at full speed or they are stopped. For decades, industrial processes were controlled by restricting the output of the motor rather than controlling the motor itself. A […]
Following months of planning, it was fantastic to finally welcome customers, partners and industry professionals to our IDS Open Day 2026. From the moment the doors opened there was a real buzz around the building. Despite one of the hottest days of the year outside, our workshop and presentation room provided a welcome escape from […]
Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) offer significant benefits in terms of energy efficiency, process control and reduced mechanical wear. However, one of the most common questions asked after a drive installation is: “Why has my motor started making a high-pitched whining noise?” In many cases, the answer is completely normal and is directly related to how […]
Why lifecycle support, application expertise and operational continuity matter just as much as the hardware itself. When specifying a Variable Speed Drive (VSD), it is understandable that price becomes part of the conversation. Procurement teams are under pressure to control costs, projects have budgets to meet, and on paper many drives can appear technically similar. […]
Smarter Performance, Lower Energy, Greater Reliability Pumps are among the largest energy consumers across industrial sites, water treatment works, commercial buildings and manufacturing facilities. In many cases, they run for long hours, respond to changing demand, and operate in systems where pressure, flow and level fluctuate continuously. Yet many pumping systems are still controlled using […]
Rising energy costs are often blamed on tariffs, suppliers, or external factors. But in many buildings, the real issue is much simpler. Systems are working harder than they need to. Heating, ventilation, pumps and other building services are often running at full output for far longer than necessary. On the surface, everything appears to be […]
Reduce energy costs. Improve reliability. Extend equipment life. Date: Wednesday 24 June 2026Time: 9:00am – 2:00pmLunch: 12:30pmLocation: Ilkeston, Derbyshire With rising energy costs, increasing pressure on sustainability, and tighter operational margins, businesses can no longer afford inefficient systems or unexpected downtime. Unplanned failures, poorly maintained motors, and inefficient drive systems don’t just impact productivity- they […]
Case Study: Anglian Water – Ness Point, Lowestoft Ness Point is an important operational site for Anglian Water, supporting water supply to the surrounding community. Like many critical infrastructure facilities, the site relies on reliable pumping systems to maintain consistent performance. When two pump motors became unavailable at the same time and required specialist repair, […]
Facilities managers are under increasing pressure to reduce energy costs, improve building performance and maintain reliable systems, often with limited budgets, ageing infrastructure, compliance obligations and competing operational priorities. Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) are one of the most effective tools available to achieve these goals, yet they are often misunderstood or underused in facilities management […]
Best Practices, Diagnostics & Support Variable Speed Drives (VSDs) are critical components in modern industrial, commercial and water industry systems. They regulate motor speed, optimise energy consumption and protect mechanical equipment, but like any electrical asset, they require structured maintenance and timely repair to maintain reliability. When a drive fails, the impact can be immediate: […]
