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Irish game developers’ ability to punch above their weight in the competitive international games industry, and turn ambitious concepts into playable prototypes, has been boosted by IndieDev 2025.
IndieDev 2025, a cross-border fund programme supporting indie video game developers in Dublin, Galway, Antrim, Armagh, Tyrone, Laois, Clare, Tipperary, Kilkenny, and Down, each received £15,000/€15,000 and 12 weeks of intensive mentorship to bring their visions to life.
Sharp Glass Games, Universe or Nothing, Reliable Plumbing Services, Space Lion Studios, Table Topple, Rúcach, Silly Goose Games, and Round Robin Interactive were the 2025 recipients of this pioneering programme managed by Galway-based Ardán and Dublin-based Imirt on behalf of Northern Ireland Screen and Fís Éireann/Screen Ireland.
The emerging developers were paired with industry mentors Dave McCabe (Spooky Doorway), Sam Redfern (Psychic Software), and Paul Froggatt (Outlier Games), who all shipped games to international markets last year and who brought their hard-won expertise to the programme.
From this, a variety of game prototypes have emerged, showing the diversity and creativity of the games development sector in Ireland: a hot air balloon simulator, a stealth-puzzle game, a meditative, cozy game, a roguelike strategy game, a 3D action-adventure platformer, a minimalist pinball-inspired perseverance platformer, a soft post-apocalyptic romance adventure visual novel, and a first-person, stealth exploration game.
“IndieDev is the best thing that could have happened to us as a newcomer game studio,” said Sharp Glass Games Irina Kuksova. “Being on the programme was key for connecting with professionals who helped us to test assumptions, try new approaches and get a better understanding of the industry. The funds gave us time to work on the project, while the commitment to deliver sped up our work. We are publishing the Deathwish Bloom prototype next month and are looking forward to growing further.”
“IndieDev gave us the space and structure to turn Persevere from an ambitious concept into a working, playable game,” said Universe Or Nothing’s Mark Aherne. “The mentorship, workshops, and focused development time helped us validate our ideas, sharpen our design, and build a prototype we’re extremely excited about. It’s been a huge step forward for the project and for us as a studio.”
“IndieDev is a great programme,” said Colm Larkin, Imirt CEO and founder of game studio Gambrinous. “If something like this had been around when I started my studio 12 years ago, I would have jumped at the chance to take part. There’s a real sense of things coming together in Ireland for games right now.”
The momentum built by IndieDev’s success continues with Sparks: Game Changers, a pilot career development course for people of underrepresented genders in the games industry. Run by Ardán in collaboration with Code Coven and supported by Screen Ireland, the programme tackles the soft skills that directly affect career progression—confident communication, self-advocacy, and job-hunting readiness in an industry still shaped by bias and power imbalances.
Ardán and the Irish Games Industry:
Other games industry initiatives in Ireland run by Ardán included the annual FÍS Games Summit, a pivotal gathering for the games industry in the West of Ireland, attracting international speakers; the Galway branch of the Irish Games Talent Incubator; Run For The Border which mentors and nurtures game dev talent in the border counties; and the Galway Film Fair Games Event at Galway Film Fleadh.
Ardán was also one of seven Galway organisations awarded funding under The Communicating Europe Initiative, managing the GameDev Connect Europe development project strand. This brought together game developers in Ireland, Iceland, Greenland, Finland, and Sweden, highlighting how the games industry can work remotely and across borders, while also focusing on collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and community engagement.
How can your business eliminate costly product giveaway, ensure regulatory compliance, and maintain consistent quality across every single item that leaves your production line? The answer lies in implementing the right checkweigher systems in Ireland – a technology that has become indispensable for manufacturers seeking to optimise their operations.
In this article, let’s explore affordable checkweigher solutions tailored for your business in Ireland.
Checkweigher Systems in Ireland
Checkweigher systems, also referred to as weighing machinery in Ireland have revolutionised quality control processes across manufacturing facilities, from Dublin to Cork, Belfast to Galway. These sophisticated weighing solutions provide automated verification of product weights during production, ensuring every item meets predetermined specifications. For manufacturers operating in competitive markets, checkweigher systems represent an essential investment in operational excellence and regulatory compliance.
Overview of Checkweigher Technology
Checkweigher technology combines precision weighing components with advanced electronics and software to create automated inspection systems. At the heart of every system lies a load cell – a sophisticated transducer converting mechanical force into electrical signals. Modern checkweigher systems in Ireland achieve remarkable accuracy, measuring weights from milligrams to hundreds of kilograms.
The weighing process occurs as products traverse conveyor systems integrated within production lines. Dynamic checkweighers measure items in motion, whilst static systems weigh products individually. Advanced signal processing algorithms compensate for environmental factors, including vibration and temperature variations.
Importance of Checkweighers in Various Industries
The significance of checkweigher systems in Ireland extends from regulatory compliance to financial performance. In the food industry, checkweighers ensure that packaged products meet declared weights, thereby protecting both consumers and manufacturers.
Pharmaceutical manufacturers face stringent requirements where weight verification contributes directly to patient safety. Healthcare and veterinary sectors similarly depend on precise weighing. Beyond compliance, checkweigher systems deliver tangible financial benefits through reduced product giveaway, decreased waste, and improved efficiency.
Types of Checkweigher Systems
Understanding different checkweigher configurations enables informed decision-making when specifying equipment for your application.
Static Checkweighers
Static checkweigher systems weigh products individually in stationary positions, with items placed manually or automatically onto weighing platforms. These systems excel in applications requiring exceptional accuracy, particularly for high-value products.
Static checkweighers find particular application in pharmaceutical production, laboratory environments, and quality control inspection stations. Their operation eliminates dynamic forces present in moving production lines, enabling measurement precision often exceeding that achievable with dynamic systems. Modern static checkweighers incorporate automatic rejection systems, removing non-conforming items without manual intervention.
Dynamic Checkweighers
Dynamic checkweigher systems weigh products in motion as they traverse production lines, offering high-speed inspection capabilities essential for modern manufacturing. These inline systems integrate directly into conveyor networks, inspecting items at rates matching production speeds whilst maintaining specified accuracy tolerances.
Contemporary systems deliver accuracy approaching static checkweighers whilst processing hundreds of items per minute, making them indispensable in high-volume food production, packaging operations, and manufacturing environments throughout Ireland.
Combination Systems
Combination checkweighers integrate multiple inspection technologies within single platforms, delivering comprehensive quality control in compact footprints. Common configurations combine checkweighing with metal detection, ensuring products meet both weight specifications and contamination safety standards.
These integrated solutions appeal to food safety-conscious manufacturers seeking to maximise quality control whilst minimising production line space requirements. Advanced combination systems may incorporate additional inspection technologies such as vision systems for label verification or X-ray inspection for foreign object detection.
Key Features and Benefits of Checkweighers
Modern checkweighers in Ireland incorporate sophisticated features that extend their utility beyond simple weight verification.
Accuracy and Precision
Accuracy represents the fundamental specification for any checkweigher system. Food packaging operations typically require accuracy within grams, whilst pharmaceutical applications may demand milligram-level precision. Leading checkweigher systems in Ireland achieve these demanding specifications through advanced load cell technology. Regular calibration using certified test weights maintains compliance with regulatory requirements.
Integration with Existing Systems
Contemporary checkweigher systems function as connected devices within broader production networks, exchanging data with upstream filling equipment, downstream packaging systems, and enterprise software platforms. This integration enables closed-loop control, where checkweigher measurements automatically adjust filling machine parameters. Communication protocols supported by modern systems include industrial Ethernet standards, enabling seamless connection with programmable logic controllers.
Compliance with Industry Standards
Regulatory compliance represents a critical consideration for manufacturers across multiple sectors. Checkweigher systems in Ireland support compliance with Weights and Measures regulations, ensuring packaged goods meet declared weights.
Food producers rely on checkweighers to demonstrate due diligence in complying with food safety requirements and labelling accuracy standards. Pharmaceutical manufacturers face particularly stringent regulatory requirements, where checkweigher systems contribute to good manufacturing practice compliance..
Applications of Checkweigher Systems in Different Sectors
Checkweigher technology finds application across diverse industries, with each sector presenting unique requirements.
Food and Beverage Industry
The food and beverage sector represents the largest application area for checkweigher systems in Ireland. Weight verification ensures packaged foods meet declared weights, protecting both consumer interests and manufacturer reputations. Beyond regulatory compliance, checkweighers deliver significant economic benefits by preventing costly overfilling that erodes profit margins. Modern systems enable optimised filling, maintaining compliance whilst minimising unnecessary overfill that impacts profitability.
Pharmaceutical Industry
Pharmaceutical applications demand the highest levels of accuracy, traceability, and regulatory compliance from checkweigher systems. Weight verification contributes directly to dosage accuracy and patient safety, making these systems critical quality control equipment in pharmaceutical production throughout Irish pharmaceutical manufacturing hubs.
Manufacturing and Packaging
Beyond food and pharmaceutical applications, checkweighers serve diverse manufacturing and packaging operations in Ireland. Consumer goods manufacturers use weight verification to ensure product consistency, detect missing components, and optimise packaging efficiency. The versatility of modern checkweigher technology enables application across products ranging from small components weighing mere grams to industrial packages exceeding hundreds of kilograms.
Choosing the Right Checkweigher for Your Business
Selecting appropriate checkweigher systems in Ireland requires careful consideration of multiple factors.
Factors to Consider
Product characteristics fundamentally influence checkweigher selection. Package dimensions, weight range, and physical properties determine conveyor specifications and load cell requirements. Fragile products may require gentle handling features, whilst irregular shapes necessitate specialised conveyor configurations tailored to your specific products.
Production speed represents another critical specification. The checkweigher must inspect items at rates matching or exceeding line speeds to avoid creating bottlenecks. High-speed applications require sophisticated dynamic weighing technology that can deliver accurate measurements.
Environmental conditions like temperature variations, humidity, vibration, and electromagnetic interference can impact measurement accuracy. Industrial environments with demanding conditions may require specialised equipment configurations with environmental protection features.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Underspecifying accuracy requirements creates problems when equipment fails to meet actual production needs. A realistic assessment of weight tolerances ensures appropriate equipment selection for your specific application.
Neglecting integration planning results in isolated systems unable to contribute effectively to broader production management. Early consideration of data connectivity, communication protocols, and software compatibility facilitates seamless integration of checkweigher systems with your existing manufacturing infrastructure.
Failing to consider the total cost of ownership beyond the initial purchase price overlooks ongoing operational expenses like maintenance requirements and support service availability.
Maintenance and Support Services for Checkweigher Systems
Sustained checkweigher performance requires ongoing maintenance, calibration, and technical support.
Importance of Regular Maintenance
Preventative maintenance protects checkweigher accuracy and reliability across Irish manufacturing facilities. Regular inspection identifies potential issues before they cause failures, minimising unplanned downtime.
Maintenance activities include cleaning to remove product residues, mechanical inspection of conveyor components, and electronic testing of load cells. Comprehensive maintenance programmes extend equipment life whilst maintaining optimal performance.
Available Support Services in Ireland
Obeeco Ltd provides comprehensive support services throughout Ireland and Northern Ireland. Our experienced service engineers understand the systems we supply, enabling effective troubleshooting. After-sales phone support provides immediate assistance.
For on-site issues, our callout services ensure minimal production disruption through prompt response. Our spare parts inventory includes components for current equipment models and discontinued systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services are included with checkweigher systems in Ireland?
Our checkweigher systems come with delivery and ongoing technical advice to ensure they operate efficiently in your facility.
How can I book a checkweigher system installation in Ireland?
You can easily book an installation by contacting our sales team through our website or by phone at (+353 1) 278 2323, and we will assist you in scheduling a suitable time.
What payment options do you offer for checkweigher systems?
We accept payment via bank transfer.
Take the Next Step Towards Operational Excellence
Implementing checkweigher systems in Ireland represents a strategic investment in quality control, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency. The technology delivers measurable returns through reduced product giveaway, improved process control, and comprehensive production documentation supporting quality assurance initiatives.
Obeeco Ltd’s 45 years of experience serving Irish manufacturers positions us as your ideal partner for checkweigher implementation. Contact our team today to discuss your requirements. Telephone (+353 1) 278 2323 or email sales@obeeco.ie to arrange your consultation and discover how advanced checkweigher systems in Ireland can optimise your operations.
A secondary school student from Coláiste Bríde, Dublin, has won two major awards at the Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition, recognising her innovative project focused on improving young people’s relationship with food and nutrition.
Tegan Timmons was named winner of the SuperValu “Food for the Future” Award and also received third place in the Senior Individual category for her project, Nutritrack: Rethinking healthy eating.
The project impressed judges with its alternative approach to healthy eating apps, shifting the focus away from calorie counting and towards nutritional understanding. Nutritrack was designed in response to growing concerns about the impact of diet culture and calorie-focused apps on teenagers’ relationship with food.
Speaking about her motivation, Tegan said she wanted to challenge how existing apps frame food and eating. “I’ve noticed how calorie-counting and diet culture affect people my age, including people very close to me,” she said” “I wanted to explore whether there was a healthier, more supportive way to help teenagers understand food and nutrients.”
Through surveys and research carried out as part of the project, Tegan found that many young people reported skipping meals or feeling anxious about eating based on feedback from calorie-tracking apps. These findings informed the design of Nutritrack, which seeks to support healthier habits without reinforcing restrictive behaviours.
The project was developed through Teen-Turn’s Project Squad programme, with Tegan spending hours refining her research and technical approach alongside her mentor Leona Egan at The Digital Hub in Dublin. As part of Project Squad, Tegan also presented her work at SciFest@Teen-Turn, where the project received recognition before going on to achieve success at the Stripe Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition.
Reflecting on Tegan’s progress, Leona praised her commitment and growth over the course of the programme. “Balancing schoolwork, extracurricular activities and a completely self-directed project was a real challenge,” she said. “Over time, Tegan developed strong organisational skills, confidence in her own thinking and a real sense of ownership over her work. By the time she presented at Stripe, she could clearly articulate her research, technical approach and the impact of her project.”
Commenting on the value of the experience Leona said: “Teen-Turn Programmes like Project Squad give students the time, support and confidence to take ownership of their ideas, develop resilience, and see that their work has real value beyond the classroom.”
Teen-Turn is a non-profit organisation that supports teenage girls to explore STEM through free after-school programmes, mentoring and hands-on projects. For ten years, through initiatives such as Project Squad, PLUS Club, Technovation, and Work Experience, students gain confidence, practical skills and insight into future education and career pathways in science and technology.
New research from Indeed shows that one in ten (11%) job postings in Ireland mention AI, leading ahead of the US, UK, France and Germany. This trend is reflective of the tech sector’s sizable footprint in the Irish economy.
Job postings which mention AI are most frequently seen in tech-related categories, led by data & analytics (56%). That’s followed by software development (48%), IT systems & solutions (37%) and IT infrastructure, operations & support (29%). However, several non-tech categories also have significant shares of AI postings, including arts & entertainment (24%), human resources (20%) and sales (19%).
The research also shows that remote and hybrid work mentions have reached a new high of 19.4% by the end of December 2025 – more than four times higher than pre-pandemic levels. The occupations with the highest share of remote or hybrid mentions include software development (47%), media & communications (44%) and data & analytics (43%).
Indeed’s report shows that while job postings in Ireland are well down from peaks seen in early 2022, they still remain 7% above their pre-pandemic baseline as of January 2026. The level of postings has also remained relatively stable since May.
Other key findings in the report include:
Salary transparency growth has stalled: The share of Irish job postings which include salary information has dipped recently to around 34%, its lowest since late-2022. The report highlights how the Irish Government’s transposing of incoming EU legislation will result in increased transparency.
Benefit offerings have levelled off: The share of Irish job postings mentioning at least one benefit has levelled off over the past 18 months, after rising steadily since 2018. Standing at 48% in November, the share was unchanged from its level in May 2024.
Foreign interest in Irish jobs remains high: The Irish labour market remains attractive to foreign workers. On average in 2025, around 13% of searches for Irish jobs on Indeed originated outside Ireland. That was broadly in line with 2024 and higher than seen in recent years since at least 2017.
Posted wage growth remains solid: Tight labour-market conditions continue to translate into strong pay pressures in Ireland. At 4.1% in December (on a three-month average basis), wage growth as measured by theIndeed Wage Tracker remains well above the euro area average (2.5%).
Commenting on the report, Jack Kennedy, senior economist at Indeed, said:
“Ireland enters 2026 with the economy in good shape. Growth is set to slow slightly after a strong 2025, but lower interest rates and continued government spending mean the outlook remains broadly positive: jobs are still being created, unemployment remains low, but pay pressures haven’t gone away. For workers and employers alike, this year’s labour market story is one of ongoing change and adaptability.
For jobseekers, AI is rapidly reshaping how work gets done, with a clear expectation emerging for workers across all sectors to be comfortable using AI tools, even in roles that aren’t traditionally tech-focused. Those who adapt to these skills will have a competitive edge, as employers increasingly seek ways to integrate AI into their processes.
From an employer perspective, hybrid and flexible working have moved from a perk to an expectation in 2026, and they will need to keep this in mind when recruiting. The organisations that will stand out will be those offering not just competitive salaries, but transparency, flexibility and support for employees navigating a rapidly changing work environment.”
In an era when nearly every business service has migrated online—from banking to consultations, from meetings to training courses—one Irish company has built over a decade of success doing the exact opposite. Their counterintuitive approach offers valuable lessons about when digital-first strategies actually work against business goals.
Since 2013, SafeHands Health & Safety Solutions has maintained a strictly on-site training model, delivering workplace safety training at client premises across Ireland. They’ve built partnerships lasting over 10 years, earned a 4.7/5 rating on Trustpilot, and demonstrated that some services genuinely work better when delivered in person.
Their success raises an important question for Irish business owners: Are we digitising services because it genuinely improves outcomes, or simply because “digital-first” has become the default assumption?
The Digital Training Boom and Its Limitations
The pandemic accelerated online training adoption dramatically. Businesses discovered they could deliver compliance training through video platforms, record sessions for later viewing, and eliminate travel time entirely. The operational efficiencies seemed obvious.
Yet completion rates told a different story. Online training courses often see completion rates below 30%. Participants log in, leave videos running in the background whilst working on other tasks, and retain minimal information. The certificate gets issued, compliance boxes get ticked, but actual knowledge transfer remains questionable.
More importantly, certain types of training require hands-on practice with actual equipment, in real environments, addressing specific workplace challenges. You can watch videos about proper lifting techniques, but without practicing on your actual equipment, in your actual workspace, with your actual workflows, the knowledge rarely translates into changed behaviour.
The On-Site Advantage: Learning in Context
SafeHands delivers all training on-site at client premises across Ireland, from Dublin offices to coastal hotels in County Clare. This operational choice creates immediate practical advantages that digital alternatives cannot replicate.
David McManus from Bellbridge House Hotel in Spanish Point, Clare, experienced this approach firsthand: “It was so professional from the booking to the day of the training. Nothing was an issue. We had to change dates due to weather, no issue. The staff found the training interesting and very informative.”
When training happens in the actual workplace, several things occur that digital training cannot achieve:
Immediate Context: Staff learn using their real equipment, not generic examples. A restaurant team learning food safety and HACCP procedures works with their actual kitchen layout, their specific equipment, and their real menu items.
Practical Application: Hands-on practice with the tools and equipment staff use daily ensures skills transfer immediately. Watching a video about fire extinguisher use differs enormously from actually handling the extinguisher mounted in your corridor.
Customised Content: Instructors observe actual workplace conditions and can address specific challenges that generic online courses never anticipate. Every workplace has unique characteristics that affect how safety principles apply.
Team Learning: When entire teams train together in their workspace, they develop shared understanding and can discuss how procedures apply to their specific operations.
Nisheeth Tak from Rasam Restaurant in Dublin shares their experience: “We have been using SafeHands for all our health and safety programmes for years. We have benefitted enormously from their professional guidance and up-to-date knowledge of the legislation.”
That phrase “for years” appears repeatedly in client testimonials—a pattern suggesting genuine value rather than grudging compliance spending.
The Business Model: Long-Term Relationships Over Transactions
Perhaps the most interesting aspect of SafeHands’ approach involves how on-site delivery enables different client relationships than digital training platforms create.
The Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy has worked with SafeHands for over 10 years. ALSAA Bowl has maintained their partnership since 2015. These aren’t isolated examples—sustained multi-year relationships appear consistently across their client base.
Carol Murray from IACP explains their decade-long partnership: “The IACP has been using Safe Hands now for over 10 years. They look after all of the Fire Safety Training and Fire Warden Training for our staff. I have found them to be very accommodating and reliable.”
Ten years with a single training provider is remarkable in an industry where businesses typically shop around for the cheapest compliant option. This pattern suggests several things about their business model:
Consistent Quality: Organisations don’t maintain decade-long partnerships with providers who deliver inconsistent service. Reliability at scale requires operational discipline that many businesses never achieve.
Institutional Knowledge: When providers work with the same clients over years, they develop understanding of specific operational contexts that improves service quality over time. Initial consultations become unnecessary. Training builds on previous sessions rather than starting from scratch.
True Partnership: The language in testimonials—”accommodating,” “reliable,” “pleasure to deal with”—signals relationships that transcend transactional service delivery. Digital platforms rarely generate this kind of client loyalty.
Alison Kealy from Kealy’s of Cloughran in Dublin captures this: “We use SafeHands for all our Staff Training and Health and Safety Consultancy. Noel is a pleasure to deal with, and they always provide the services we need.”
The Operational Challenge: Scaling Personal Service
On-site service delivery creates operational complexity that digital platforms avoid entirely. Coordinating instructor schedules across Ireland, managing travel logistics, accommodating client timing needs, and maintaining consistent service quality despite geographic dispersion all require sophisticated operational capability.
Yet this complexity creates competitive moats that purely digital competitors cannot easily cross. When a business master complex operations, replication becomes difficult. Generic online training platforms can launch quickly. Building operational excellence across physical service delivery takes years.
JR Labels experienced this operational reliability: “This is our second time using SafeHands. Everyone we dealt with couldn’t have been more helpful. Our Manual Handling training was delivered in a professional manner and we will happily use SafeHands again in the future.”
The phrase “second time” indicates clients who measured value and deliberately chose to reinvest—the ultimate business validation.
Payment Models: Digital Systems Supporting Physical Service
Interestingly, SafeHands does leverage digital systems where they create genuine value. Payment infrastructure uses Stripe alongside traditional bank transfers and telephone payments, with all fees payable upfront.
This payment approach demonstrates strategic technology adoption. Digital payment systems remove friction, improve cash flow, and reduce administrative burden. But the service itself—the actual training delivery—remains resolutely physical because that’s where value gets created.
This selective digitisation offers a model for other Irish businesses: use digital tools where they solve real problems, but don’t digitise services simply because “digital-first” sounds modern.
When Digital Works and When It Doesn’t
SafeHands offers one online option—mental health awareness training—recognising that some content genuinely works in digital formats. Theoretical knowledge, awareness building, and conceptual understanding can transfer effectively through online platforms.
But manual handling training, fire safety practice, food preparation procedures, and emergency response drills require hands-on experience that video cannot replicate. Your body needs to practice correct lifting techniques. Your hands need to feel how fire extinguishers operate. Your team needs to rehearse emergency procedures in your actual workspace.
Laura Devlin, HR Manager at Cabra Castle Hotel in Cavan, emphasises the value of this physical delivery: “We used SafeHands again for our Food Safety/HACCP training for our kitchen staff onsite in the hotel. They were able to organise and provide the training in a timely manner as usual. We always find SafeHands very reliable from start to finish.”
Lessons for Irish Businesses Evaluating Digital Transformation
SafeHands’ sustained success offers several lessons for Irish businesses considering which services to digitise:
Question Default Assumptions: Just because services can be delivered digitally doesn’t mean they should be. Evaluate whether digital delivery genuinely improves outcomes or merely reduces costs.
Consider Competitive Positioning: Services that everyone digitises become commoditised quickly. Maintaining physical delivery where it adds genuine value can create differentiation.
Value Operational Excellence: Complex operations executed well create competitive advantages that simple digital platforms cannot easily replicate.
Build for Retention: Digital platforms optimise for acquisition. Physical service models can optimise for long-term relationships that generate better unit economics over time.
Use Technology Strategically: Adopt digital tools where they solve real problems (payment processing, scheduling) whilst keeping core service delivery in whatever format creates the most value.
The Countertrend Opportunity
As more services migrate online, opportunities emerge for businesses willing to deliver excellent physical service. Markets become less crowded. Clients willing to pay premium prices for superior outcomes become easier to reach. Competitive differentiation becomes simpler.
Michael Mongan from The Lovely Food Co in Dublin praised the hands-on approach: “SafeHands Health & Safety Solutions delivered a Food Safety/HACCP Level 2 Course onsite at our premises recently. Our staff really enjoyed the training session and had great praise for the SafeHands instructor and his very comprehensive food safety knowledge.”
The phrase “really enjoyed” seems unusual for compliance training—until you recognise that well-delivered, contextually relevant, hands-on instruction creates genuinely valuable experiences that generic online courses cannot match.
Conclusion: Digital-First Isn’t Always Best-First
The lesson from SafeHands’ decade of success isn’t that digital transformation is wrong. It’s that strategic thinking matters more than following trends.
Some services work better digitally. Others work better physically. Many benefit from hybrid approaches combining both. The key is honest evaluation of where value actually gets created rather than defaulting to digital simply because that’s the current consensus.
For Irish businesses evaluating their own service delivery models, the question isn’t “Should we go digital?” It’s “For which specific services does digital delivery improve outcomes, and for which does it merely reduce our costs whilst degrading client experience?”
SafeHands demonstrates that choosing the harder operational path—when it genuinely serves clients better—can build sustainable competitive advantages that easier digital alternatives cannot replicate.
SafeHands Health & Safety Solutions has operated across Ireland since 2013, demonstrating that strategic service delivery decisions matter more than following industry trends. Their sustained client relationships and consistent growth show that “digital-first” isn’t always “best-first” for businesses focused on genuine value creation.
Reolink, an innovative leader in intelligent visual technology for the home and business, has announced today the launch of the TrackFlex Floodlight WiFi, a dual-lens 4K PTZ floodlight camera with local AI video search. As the newest member of Reolink’s floodlight cam series, the hardwired TrackFlex is now available for purchase in the U.S. with a retail price starting from 259.99 USD on Reolink.com and Amazon – all without subscription fees.
Award Winning Innovation
Reolink TrackFlex Floodlight WiFi made a strong debut at IFA Berlin 2025, winning the IFA Innovation Awards Honoree, and a total of 19 “Best of IFA 2025” awards from top mass media and tech outlets, including TechRadar’s Best of IFA 2025 Award, and the BGR IFA Innovation Award 2025. The camera was highly praised for its innovative approach to solving long-standing pain points in conventional security cameras—such as limited horizontal visibility and loss of fine details. Combined with 4K clarity, 360-degree horizontal coverage and auto-zoom tracking, TrackFlex Floodlight WiFi delivers a convenient and thoughtful monitoring experience, ensuring full property coverage with zero blind spots. For more details, please refer to a comprehensive TrackFlex Floodlight WiFi review, as well as a TrackFlex Floodlight WiFi vs. Elite Floodlight WiFi comparison, highlighting the key differences between the two models.
Two Lens, Two Views, One Screen
TrackFlex features an advanced 2-in-1 dual-lens design, offering 360-degree coverage to capture wide areas such as yards and driveways with precision. The dual-lens system autonomously switches between focal lengths to track moving subjects seamlessly. This ensures users can capture crystal-clear detail both near and far, eliminating the blurry focus lag typical of conventional single-lens cameras. Both the expansive wide-angle view powered by the 4K lens and the close-up detail view enabled by the 6x hybrid lens are displayed simultaneously on one screen in the Reolink App, giving users a truly comprehensive monitoring perspective.
3000 Lumens of Nighttime Security
TrackFlex boasts up to 3000 industry-leading Lumens Dimmable LEDs, delivering crisp, vibrant, full-color footage without the common issues of detail and color loss in low-light conditions. Its powerful brightness is combined with a 110-decibel automatic siren to deter potential intruders. Additionally, the camera supports adjustable color temperature settings(6500K cool light or 3000K warm light), giving users the flexibility to customize the lighting based on the preferences. Users have the option to manually adjust the lighting or let the automatic setting select the best option according to ambient light, offering convenient adaptability.
Find Fast, Stay Private
TrackFlex is powered by the cutting-edge ReoNeura™ AI system, featuring the Local AI Video Search. This on-device AI feature enables users to quickly retrieve relevant videos through text descriptions like “man in a blue shirt,” removing the need for time-consuming manual searches. The system can automatically identify people, vehicles, animals, and even packages, directly exporting the desired videos. All processing is done locally on the device, ensuring privacy and avoiding any extra costs.
Out-of-View Detection
Another standout feature that sets TrackFlex apart is its 270-degree Out-of-View Detection. Thanks to the built-in array of three passive infrared (PIR) sensors, the camera can continuously detect motion at distances ranging from 2 to 10 meters within the ultra-wide 270-degree zone, ensuring hidden activities are promptly captured for enhanced security. When mounted at the ideal height of 2 to 3 meters, it provides broad coverage, offering reliable and precise security across large areas.
To learn more about the TrackFlex Floodlight WiFi, please visit Reolink.com
Solbasium, a leading innovator in high-performance red light therapy and recovery technology, today announced the upcoming global launch of the Nova Red Light Therapy Bed, its most advanced full-body platform to date. Scheduled for worldwide release in April, Nova will debut simultaneously across U.S. and international markets, redefining access to professional-level red light therapy.
Designed for both clinical environments and at-home use, Nova delivers clinic-grade performance at a breakthrough price point of approximately $153,000, matching or exceeding the performance of legacy full-body systems traditionally priced at $60,000 or more. By removing long-standing barriers of cost, infrastructure, and complexity, Nova expands access to high-performance red light therapy for more clinics and more people than ever before.
“Nova represents a major step forward for red light therapy,” said Bradley Carden, Founder and CEO of Solbasium. “We built Nova to meet professional clinical standards while eliminating the cost and infrastructure barriers that have limited adoption for years.”
Multiple franchise groups have already committed to pilot programs ahead of launch, validating Nova’s performance, durability, and commercial viability in high-use clinical settings.
Key Features of the Nova Bed include:
Clinic-grade performance at breakthrough pricing, delivering professional clinical standards at approximately $15,000.
Designed for clinics and at-home use, combining daily clinical durability with an intuitive, home-friendly system.
Simple installation and global compatibility, operating on a standard 110V outlet with no special wiring required.
Platform-based design, enabling ongoing software, protocol, and service-layer enhancements over time.
Nova is engineered as an evolving system, not a static device. Planned expansions throughout the year include Nova Insights™, advanced protocol options, wearable correlations, and enhanced support for clinics and high-use customers.
Solbasium develops high performance recovery technology trusted by NFL teams, professional athletes and wellness leaders, with growing adoption across gyms, clinics, and studios worldwide. Its red light therapy systems are designed to bring professional level performance into everyday use while supporting recovery and overall wellness.
In both domestic and commercial settings, shelving offers a simple yet highly effective solution to maximise space, improve organisation and enhance accessibility. Whether you are managing a busy warehouse, organising stock rooms, or creating efficient storage at home, choosing the right shelving system can transform cluttered spaces into functional and neat environments. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about shelving—from types and benefits to choosing the best option for your needs.
Modern workplaces often combine shelving with complementary storage solutions such asBest Lockers for secure item storage andAdjustable Standing Desks to improve comfort and productivity. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about shelving—from types and benefits to choosing the best option for your needs.
What Is Shelving?
Shelving refers to a system of horizontal surfaces supported by brackets, posts, or racks that are used to store, display or organise items. Shelving units can be free-standing or wall-mounted and are widely used across homes, offices, warehouses and retail environments. The right shelving solution not only optimises storage but also increases productivity by keeping items easy to locate and access.
Why Shelving Matters
1. Maximises Space
Efficient shelving systems make the most of vertical and horizontal space. Instead of stacking items on the floor, shelves allow you to utilise wall height and structure to free up valuable real estate. This is crucial in environments like warehouses or small businesses where every square foot counts.
2. Improves Organisation
With shelving, everything has a designated place. Labelled shelves make inventory management easier and reduce the time spent searching for items. This is beneficial for both personal spaces and commercial settings like retail stockrooms.
3. Enhances Accessibility
Good shelving ensures items are easily accessible when needed. Adjustable shelves allow you to customize the height based on your storage needs, ensuring awkward or oversized items can be accommodated with ease.
4. Boosts Safety
Proper shelving reduces the risk of accidents caused by cluttered floors or unstable stacks of goods. It keeps items secure and prevents them from falling or getting damaged.
Types of Shelving
Choosing the right type of shelving depends on your storage goals, the weight and size of items, and the environment in which they will be used. Below are the most common shelving types available:
1. Boltless Shelving
Boltless shelving is ideal for warehouses and heavy-duty storage. As the name suggests, it doesn’t require bolts for assembly, making installation quick and tool-free. These shelves are extremely sturdy and can handle heavier loads compared to traditional shelving.
2. Plastic Shelving
Plastic shelves are lightweight, resistant to moisture and easy to clean. They are popular in garages, basements, utility rooms and areas prone to humidity. While they may not support heavy industrial items, they’re perfect for light to medium storage.
3. Metal Shelving
Metal shelving is robust and long-lasting. Often used in industrial and commercial spaces, metal shelves can support heavy loads and withstand demanding use. Powder-coated finishes also make them resistant to rust and wear.
4. Wooden Shelving
Wood shelving adds a warm, stylish aesthetic to living spaces and offices. While generally used for lighter loads, wooden shelves offer flexibility in design—perfect for bespoke interiors or decorative storage.
5. Adjustable Shelving
Adjustable shelving lets you customise shelf height according to the size of stored items. This flexibility makes it ideal for ever-changing storage requirements in offices, homes and retail spaces.
How to Choose the Right Shelving
Selecting the right shelving involves more than buying the first unit you see. Here are key factors to consider:
1. Purpose & Location
Identify where and how the shelving will be used. Will it go in a warehouse, office, kitchen or garage? The usage environment will determine the best material and design.
2. Weight Capacity
Different shelving units have different load capacities. Always check the shelf’s maximum load limit and choose one that supports your heaviest items with a safety margin.
3. Size and Dimensions
Measure your space accurately before purchasing. Consider both shelf width and height—especially if the shelving will be placed under low ceilings or inside alcoves.
4. Adjustability
If your storage needs are likely to change, choose shelving with adjustable features. This allows you to reconfigure the shelf height without needing new units.
5. Ease of Installation
Boltless shelving and click-together systems are ideal for fast installation without needing tools. If you need a quick setup, factor this into your choice.
6. Durability & Materials
Consider the material based on usage. For heavy industrial loads, metal or boltless shelving is ideal. For decorative or light storage, wood or plastic may be more suitable.
Shelving in Different Environments
1. Home Use
In homes, shelving can help manage storage in garages, kitchens, living rooms and closets. Floating wooden shelves in living areas add style while providing functional storage—perfect for books, décor or plants. In utility spaces, sturdy plastic or metal shelving helps organise tools, boxes and seasonal items.
2. Offices and Retail
Offices benefit from shelving units for file storage, stationery and equipment. Retail environments use shelving to display products neatly while making them easy for customers to browse. Adjustable shelving is especially useful in retail due to changing product sizes and seasonal inventory.
3. Warehouses and Industrial Storage
Warehouses require heavy-duty shelving to store pallets, boxes and bulk items. Boltless and metal shelving systems dominate these environments due to their load capacity, durability and ease of assembly. These systems can be configured in aisles to maximise floor space and streamline workflow.
Maintaining Your Shelving System
Good shelving doesn’t end with installation. Regular maintenance ensures longevity and safety.
● Cleaning
Dust and clean shelves periodically to prevent buildup that could damage stored items or affect visibility.
● Inspection
Check shelves for signs of wear, sagging or rust. Address issues early to prevent accidents or damage.
● Weight Distribution
Avoid overloading any single shelf. Spread weight evenly to maintain structural integrity.
Benefits of Investing in Quality Shelving
Investing in quality shelving pays off in the long run:
Enhanced efficiency — Time saved locating items adds up.
Scalable storage — Well-designed shelving adapts as your needs grow.
For businesses, these benefits translate into improved workflow, increased productivity and reduced operating costs.
Why Choose Rackzone for Shelving
When it comes to shelving solutions that combine quality, durability and value, Rackzone is a trusted provider. With an extensive range of shelving units designed for every environment—from warehouses to homes—you’ll find options that suit both budget and purpose.
Wide selection of shelving types
High load capacities and durable construction
Flexible sizing options
Fast delivery throughout Ireland
Expert customer support
Whether you need heavy-duty industrial shelving or neat, compact solutions for smaller spaces, Rackzone has you covered.
Conclusion: Optimise Your Storage with the Right Shelving
Shelving is more than just a place to stack items—it’s a strategic investment in organisation, efficiency and space optimisation. The right shelving system can transform chaotic spaces into structured, productive environments, whether at home, in the office, or throughout your business’s operations.
Discover the perfect shelving solution tailored to your needs at Rackzone. Explore our full range of shelving options and organise your space smarter today. 👉Visithttps://www.rackzone.ie/shelving/ to get started!
FAQs About Shelving
1: What type of shelving is best for heavy storage? For heavy storage, opt for metal or boltless shelving as they offer high load capacities and exceptional durability. These types are ideal for warehouses and industrial use.
2: Can shelving be adjusted to fit different item heights? Yes. Adjustable shelving systems allow you to change the height of shelves to accommodate items of varying sizes, offering flexible storage solutions.
3: How do I maintain my shelving to ensure longevity? Regularly clean shelves, check for signs of wear or sagging, and ensure weight is evenly distributed. This helps maintain strength and safety over time.
Nearly one in four Irish people has had their personal data compromised, new research from eir business reveals, highlighting low levels of consumer confidence in how companies manage and protect customer information.
The survey on the security of Irish businesses also highlighted that almost half (44%) ofIrish consumers do not feel informed about how their data is used by companies, while 40% are not confident their data is safe.
These results offer insights into the prevalence of cybercrime for everyday consumers, and the role Irish businesses can play in safeguarding data and alleviating customer concerns.
Alongside the survey, eir business (formerly eir evo) has revealed a new corporate identity, reflecting the evolution of the B2B telecoms and IT service provider.
The eir business/Amarách survey highlights concern about how businesses manage the security and transparency of vital personal information.
This vulnerability is reflected in the fact that only 16% of people are confident that Irish businesses are protecting their personal information. Older generations are even less likely to feel comfortable with the security of their online data, with 51% of 55–64-year-olds not trusting businesses to protect their information.
While artificial intelligence (AI) solutions are often suggested for data management, almost half (45%) of those surveyed are still unsure of what benefits AI might bring when dealing with business. However, the expectation of faster (30%) and cheaper (26%) service, alongside 24/7 availability (32%) as a result of AI business processes were highlighted.
Susan Brady, Managing Director of eir business: “Businesses across Ireland are operating in a time of rapid and complex digital change, and consumers are rightly asking for greater protection, greater transparency, and partners they can trust.
“This research highlights that expectation clearly. People want confidence that their data is safe, that companies are accountable, and that technology is being used responsibly. Meeting those expectations isn’t optional, it’s now a core requirement for every organisation.
“As we transform from eir evo to eir business, our focus is on bringing that clarity and confidence to the market. We’re here to give businesses secure, managed solutions they can rely on, supported by the scale, expertise and engineering depth that sits at the heart of this organisation. “Our mission is to make the complex feel effortless, to help organisations stay protected against emerging threats, and to empower them to grow and thrive in a digital-first Ireland.”
Oliver Loomes, CEO of eir, added: “The findings of this research send a clear message: customers want greater transparency, stronger protection of their data, and partners they can trust. As Ireland’s digital economy accelerates, businesses of every size are facing rising expectations and increasing complexity.
“Our rebrand to eir business reflects both the scale of this opportunity and our commitment to meeting these needs head‑on. By uniting the full strength of eir’s networks, technology and expertise, we are positioned to deliver the secure connectivity, cloud, and cybersecurity solutions that organisations rely on to operate with confidence. This is a pivotal moment in our evolution, one that strengthens Ireland’s digital resilience and supports our purpose to Connect for a Better Ireland.”
