Companies are facing optimisation pressures from all directions. It’s a question of productivity, shorter process cycles and, at the same time, faster product changes. One way to this goal is with a manufacturer- and fieldbus-independent tool such as the one offered by the PACTware Consortium for field devices in automation. Familiar, intuitive and simple user interfaces reduce the effort needed for learning while also allowing users to work more efficiently. In practice, for process automation this means greater reliability and process stability for machines and plants.
Holger Sack.
When more attractive is also more efficient
It was the relationship between ‘more attractive’ and ‘more efficient’ that drove the member companies of the PACTware Consortium to make a fundamental revision of their joint user interface. True to the motto ‘as simple as an app – and always up-to-date’, PACTware placed the focus on easy handling. From the very start, a user-oriented development process ensured that all the aspects of use are in harmony. The key question here was: what must the interface look like to give the user optimum support and to project the functional scope as simply as possible?
Everything becomes easier
High contrasts, a concise layout and clear presentation of the contents – the new user interface version, PACTware 6.0, is convincing in its design and intuitive user guidance. Operable via a touch display with clear, coloured highlighting, the team of developers has created the best conditions for fast and sensible operation.
To turn the tables on a well-known adage, with PACTware there is no longer more than one way to skin a cat. “Instead of several ways to the same goal, there is now only one, and this is vividly clear,” says PACTware chairman and VEGA head of product management, Holger Sack. “We have become much slimmer and offer our users more orientation. And the result also looks good.”
Good usability is measurable
“With PACTware 6.0 we reduce the clicks and intuitively enable reliable handling with accurate results,” Sack sums up. “And that is what is most fascinating: everything becomes a little easier. This is a decisive factor because it saves time, creates process reliability and is important for recruiting staff who are, statistically, less familiar with technology but have increasingly grown up with mobile devices.”
Green IT practices: cutting costs while saving the planet
IT in Manufacturing
Sustainable IT practices are proving that companies can reduce their carbon footprint and operating costs simultaneously. The financial benefits are significant, offering a promising outlook for businesses.
Read more...Coolant distribution unit for high-density data centres Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Motivair by Schneider Electric has introduced a new, industry-leading 2,5 MW coolant distribution unit designed to cool high-density data centres reliably and at scale.
Read more...Sustainable aviation fuel Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens and the cleantech company CAPHENIA have entered a partnership to scale the production of sustainable aviation fuel.
Read more...Using AI to solve South Africa’s biggest challenges
IT in Manufacturing
Unlike global superpowers that invest heavily in sheer compute capacity, South Africa doesn’t need to be the largest computing market to lead in innovation. What matters today is how we apply computing to accelerate insight, discovery and socio-economic progress.
Read more...Unearthing AI’s real value in African mining
IT in Manufacturing
At Mining Indaba 2026, where miners and technology innovators explored how partnerships are turning AI’s potential into meaningful operational impact. For Siemens, the answer begins with a clear-eyed view of what AI can and cannot do, and a commitment to deploying it where it matters most - keeping people safe.
Read more...Digital innovations reshaping the future of mining in Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Africa’s mining sector is stepping into a new era, driven by the accelerating pace of digital transformation. Digital tools are making operations smarter, safer and more efficient, laying the groundwork for a more competitive and sustainable industry.
Read more...Siemens drives next-generation vehicle development Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The Siemens PAVE360 Automotive technology is a new category of digital twin software that is pre-integrated and designed as an off-the-shelf offering to address the escalating complexity of automotive hardware and software integration.
While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.