Strategic alignment
On 9 March, the SAIMC held an executive strategy session where all stakeholders within the organisation were represented. The focus was to ensure that the correct strategic initiatives are in place for the next five years to enable the organisation’s appropriate response to change in the future.
That said, I must follow it with a thank you. Thank you to the past leadership and every individual who helped make the SAIMC what it is today, without you we would have nothing to build on. I would also like to thank each person who took the time to attend the session and ensure that all the issues requiring attention were raised. We had members travelling from as far as Zambia.
The focus areas that were identified will now be followed by implementation plans to ensure we deliver in all key areas, which include:
• Automation thought leadership – we need to ensure that we give relevant input to generate the required growth, governance and change in the automation industry.
• Training and development – here we will be involved to ensure that the education system aligns with industry requirements. We will also ensure that we look inward to our own members to facilitate education and skills development.
• SAIMC growth – we are proud of the branches that continue to do well and the members that participate, but we would also like to extend our reach. Growth will ensure that we have the capacity to deliver what is required to better our industry.
Following the strategy session, the AGM was held and the new council for 2018 announced. I would personally like to welcome each member to their new or continuing role, and am looking forward to working with all of you. The new council, along with branch committee members, supporting patron members and individual members, will enable us to drive progress going forward.
Woman in automation
I have had positive responses from females and young millennials in industry regarding the change they wish to see going forward. To you, I would like to say: “Please get involved! Be part of the change. Let your voice be heard and do not sit on the side lines.
As females, and also young millennials, you each bring a different perspective and it makes teams stronger when they have such diverse strategic input. In each initiative that we plan to drive, we need and want your opinions.”
FIRST Tech challenge
The FIRST Tech challenge held a South African qualifying tournament on 3 March. The SAIMC is proud to be a sponsor of this initiative and congratulates all participants, and, of course, the winners. Seeing what our youth can build is inspiring. I would like to thank all those who have volunteered their time to be part of this initiative, and invite those who still want to become a part of it to sponsor a team or get involved as a volunteer.
Looking forward
What I know is that the SAIMC and the change it is driving is bigger than all of us individually. We must ensure progress not only for ourselves, but also for future generations as we navigate the world of automation.
I have made the decision that I want to be part of the SAIMC and today can say that it has exceeded my wildest expectations. Because the SAIMC wants to be part of the future and is engaging to enable change, I can promise that you will not be disappointed. I invite everyone who is not yet a member to contact us at [email protected] and become part of the legacy of the SAIMC, and the goals we are working towards. We need each person’s unique contribution. I also invite all companies who would like to join as patron members, both nationally and locally at branch level, to contact us and become part of the solution.
Yours in automation,
Annemarie van Coller.
| Tel: | +27 11 312 2445 |
| Email: | [email protected] |
| www: | www.saimc.co.za |
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