SAIMC Durban’s October 2025 technology evening once again brought members and guests together at the Premier Splendid Inn, with an impressive turnout that highlighted the growing interest from students, a rewarding reflection of the society’s ongoing efforts to engage and inspire the next generation of engineers and technologists.
The evening was generously sponsored by Abacus Automation, with Nico Erasmus delivering a thought-provoking presentation on a topic close to every automation professional’s heart: PLC and Drive Manufacturer Generational Hardware − UpGrades, UpGates or UpRates?
Every few years, PLC and drive manufacturers unveil new generations of hardware, promising enhanced performance, features and future-ready capabilities. But the real question remains: do these new releases always justify the leap? Nico’s session tackled this question head-on, offering a hands-on comparison between an early model of a well-known product and its latest version. Attendees had the rare opportunity to see, touch and experience the differences firsthand, while debating what truly makes an upgrade worthwhile.
Beyond the technical exploration, Nico’s own story is an inspiring one. He began his career in 1998 as a student in process instrumentation at Eskom’s Kendal power station, before broadening his horizons internationally with the Heinz Food Company at their tuna cannery in the Seychelles. In 2007, he joined Abacus Automation as a project technician. Over the past 17 years, in his words “gracefully guided”, he has grown into his current role as director and shareholder. His journey is a testament to dedication, growth and the value of mentorship in the automation industry.
The October meeting proved to be both insightful and engaging, leaving attendees with not only a deeper understanding of hardware upgrades, but also an appreciation for the people and passion driving progress in the automation field.
As always, Whitney Mtolo and Sicelo Bele wrapped up the session by posing a few insightful questions to encapsulate the evening’s discussion. Their summary and the full Q&A; can be viewed at https://vm.tiktok.com/ZMAh4sb5w/
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Branch manager, Mfanasibili Nkonyane thanking Nico Erasmus.
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