“With globalisation, the world is becoming increasingly interconnected through technology, society and the economy,” says Raymond Padayachee, vice president Siemens industry sector Africa and Middle East. “Development cycles in the manufacturing industry are becoming shorter and shorter, and with this, the complexity of products and associated volumes of data are increasing. Energy has become a huge cost factor, resources scarcer, environmental requirements stricter, service activities are demanded over the entire lifecycle and customers expect comprehensive solutions from a single source. These challenges provide opportunities for Siemens to leverage on its worldwide expertise and provide tailor-made products, solutions and services to its clients across the industrial value chain. Optimisation of automation, motors and drives is backed up by a dedicated customer services division within Siemens Industry.
“One example of our consistent search for market innovation is the launch of the integrated drive systems (IDS) approach. The IDS from Siemens is based on totally integrated automation (TIA): it is the integrated portfolio of Siemens drive technologies that enables an optimal configuration of the drive train for any specific task. It covers all process and production related elements, thereby achieving optimal added value and maximum reduction in time to market. We are talking here about products, their combinations, and the accompanying software solutions, as well as automation components for drive tasks (from TIA).”
For this, Siemens relies on three-fold integration:
1. Horizontal integration – the functional, mechanical, and energy efficient integration of the drive train. This ensures the smooth interaction of all components.
2. The integration of control all the way to MES based on TIA.
3. Enhancement of the drive system through service and software that support the entire lifecycle. This is decisive for a short amortisation period and long-term cost-effective operation of the drive technology.
“What this means is that our customers are afforded a world-class system tailored and engineered to their unique requirements,” concludes Padayachee. “Siemens IDS can boost the competitive edge of production facilities in any branch of industry.”
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