At embedded world 2026, Editor Mick Elliott speaks with Christopher Smerillo, Product Manager at nVent SCHROFF about the company’s approach to product development, the technologies it is showcasing, and the role that events like embedded world play in driving industry innovation.
For Smerillo, attending the event for the first time offered a valuable opportunity to connect with engineers, decision-makers, and technology providers from across the embedded ecosystem. As Product Manager for nVent SCHROFF’s product range in North America, his role centres on bridging the gap between internal teams and customers. This includes working closely with product development, marketing, and sales teams to bring new solutions to market, while also gathering feedback from customers to shape future innovations.
According to Smerillo, this two-way communication is a critical part of the company’s strategy. By listening to real-world challenges and incorporating customer input throughout development, nVent aims to deliver solutions that directly address market needs rather than simply introducing new products in isolation.
One of the key technologies discussed on the stand was a rack-level power distribution solution equipped with remote monitoring and management capabilities. These systems allow operators to monitor rack conditions and power distribution units (PDUs) from a centralised location rather than needing to be physically present at the installation site.
This capability provides several advantages for customers managing complex systems. Remote monitoring enables preventative maintenance, allowing potential issues to be identified and addressed before they escalate into critical failures. At the same time, centralised oversight of multiple racks and PDUs improves operational efficiency and system reliability, particularly in environments where uptime is essential.
Security is also a major consideration. Smerillo emphasised that nVent products are designed with strict cybersecurity requirements, ensuring both the monitoring systems and the connected equipment remain protected when deployed in the field. This provides customers with greater confidence that their infrastructure and data are safeguarded.
Another example of nVent’s collaborative development process is the company’s PXIe Gen 5 chassis platform. Smerillo explained that the product originated from a specific request from a North American customer who repeatedly highlighted the need for a next-generation chassis capable of supporting emerging performance requirements.
Rather than developing the solution independently, nVent worked closely with the customer throughout the entire design cycle. The process involved regular feedback, iterative updates, and adjustments along the way. This collaborative approach helped ensure that the final product would meet real application requirements and be ready for market adoption.
Beyond individual products, Smerillo also highlighted the breadth of the company’s overall offering. While many customers historically associate nVent and the SCHROFF brand primarily with mechanical infrastructure such as cabinets and subracks, the portfolio has expanded significantly. Today it encompasses thermal management solutions, power distribution technologies, and integrated infrastructure systems designed to support high-performance electronics.
By combining these capabilities, nVent positions itself as a single partner capable of delivering complete system infrastructure solutions rather than isolated components.
Ultimately, Smerillo believes that collaboration remains central to the company’s innovation strategy. By encouraging customers to bring their technical challenges directly to the company and involving them in the design process, nVent aims to develop solutions that align closely with real-world applications.
