Ann de Beer, SAIMC Johannesburg branch manager, handing a certificate to Hendrik Spies, SICK Automation Southern Africa.
At the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented ‘From condition monitoring to predictive maintenance: the digital journey’.
Spies explained that digitalisation is moving maintenance away from reactive, schedule-based routines towards proactive, data-led strategies. With industrial facilities under pressure to increase uptime, lower costs and operate with leaner teams, real-time asset information is increasingly important. By connecting intelligent sensors, edge devices and analytics platforms, maintenance teams can continuously monitor equipment health, identify abnormal conditions early and base maintenance decisions on actual asset performance rather than fixed service intervals. This improves reliability, cuts unnecessary maintenance and reduces the risk of costly unplanned downtime.
The integration of operational and information technology is central to this shift, enabling data to move from the shop floor into enterprise systems. Modern condition monitoring solutions track and analyse vibration, temperature, energy use and process variables, giving maintenance teams a complete view of asset health. Edge analytics and cloud-based monitoring help identify potential faults early so teams can prioritise interventions, use resources more effectively and focus expertise where it has the greatest impact.
SICK supports this transformation with smart sensors, IO-Link connectivity, integration devices and edge-based condition monitoring technologies. By processing machine health data at sensor level and turning it into actionable insights, SICK solutions help detect bearing wear, imbalance, misalignment and other mechanical faults before they disrupt production. This provides a practical route from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance, helping teams improve plant reliability, extend asset life, increase efficiency and support Industry 4.0 goals.
The event concluded with a lively question-and-answer session and was well received. The SAIMC Johannesburg branch thanks Hendrik Spies and the SICK Automation Southern Africa team for an excellent evening.
SAIMC: From the office of the COO SAIMC
SAIMC
The recognition of mechatronics and computer engineering has created both an opportunity and a responsibility. Recognition means little without participation, professional registration without professional conduct, and technical knowledge without the mentorship, implementation and measurable value that industry needs.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted S’yabonga Langa, systems performance engineer at eThekwini Electricity, who presented on applying substation automation to improve operational efficiency and service quality in modern power distribution networks.
Read more...SAIMC: Eastern Cape branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Eastern Cape Branch co-hosted a satellite viewing site for ICRA 2026 at Nelson Mandela University, giving postgraduate students, academics and local industry professionals access to premier international robotics and automation keynote sessions.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg Technology Evening SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch July Technology Evening, hosted by WIKA Instruments, covered key level measurement technologies and featured live product demonstrations from area sales manager Anthony Terblanche.
Read more...International robotics conference streams live to Africa
SAIMC
The SAIMC hosted five live-stream viewing events across South Africa for the IEEE International Conference of Robotics and Automation in Vienna, bringing global robotics research and technology directly to local industry and academia.
Read more...From the office of the CEO: Introduction to GRIP SAIMC
SAIMC
Industry has long been concerned about graduates who have no understanding of the modern equipment they will face in industry. This has triggered an investigation into the possibility of creating a facility whereby graduates register with the SAIMC and rotate through all the vendors to obtain experience on modern equipment.
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.
printer friendly version