The topic for the June Technical Evening, presented by Kallie Bodenstein of Yokogawa, compared the differences between ‘DCS vs. PLC’. From the branch’s perspective, if it was up to us, we would award the prize for best ‘exhibition’ to Yokogawa for the effort taken to setup a comprehensive simulation test bench, affording attendees (who included our peers but also some very clever students) the opportunity for some hands-on practice.
Jurie Weidemann (left) thanks Kallie Bodenstein after the presentation.
Kallie, who has been providing training since 2005, gave a brief history and overview of PLC/scada and DCS systems, however, ultimately there are seven questions one has to ask oneself when deciding which system to use:
1. What is being manufactured, and how? If it is ‘things’ PLC else if ‘stuff’ DCS.
2. What is the value of that being produced and the cost of downtime? High = DCS.
3. What do you view as the ‘heart of the system’? If controller then PLC, if supervisory then DCS.
4. What does the operator need to be successful? Handles exceptions then PLC.
5. What system performance is required? Fast then PLC, high levels of redundancy then DCS.
6. What degree of customisation is required? Extensive libraries then DCS.
7. What are the engineering expectations? Bottom up approach e.g. individual components then PLC or if top down, e.g. upfront design process followed then DCS.
Plant in a box simulation.
The above is only an extract. Kindly contact Petrus Klopper ([email protected]) should you require a copy of the presentation or for more info on the ’plant in a box’ simulators.
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
The INSPIRE Conference 2026 brought industry and academia together to explore advances in automation, AI, mechatronics and engineering. It also marked a new direction for the SAIMC as it works to build future-ready engineering talent and strengthen South Africa’s automation industry.
Read more...SAIMC Durban takes to the skies SAIMC
SAIMC
SAIMC Durban members went behind the scenes at the ATNS facility at King Shaka International Airport. The visit offered a fascinating look at the sophisticated technology and highly trained people keeping South Africa’s skies safe.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the SAIMC Durban branch September 2026 technology meeting, Werner Das of SICK explored how deep learning is moving industrial machine vision beyond rule-based systems into practical, everyday quality control on the factory floor.
Read more...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: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, covering the digital journey from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance.
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 INSPIRE 2026 brings together industry, robotics and research
SAIMC
The inaugural SAIMC INSPIRE Conference will bring together the industrial automation, robotics and academic communities for two days of presentations, panel discussions and networking, and will explore developments in smart manufacturing, mining, robotics
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