SAIMC


SAIMC: Secunda branch

October 2018 SAIMC

The July technology evening was presented by Charles Matthews from BCX on the topic “Virtualisation within industrial control systems”. Virtualisation is a hot topic that has moved from being discussed to being implemented at an exponential rate. However, it is easier to adopt within IT environments than within the OT space. In recent years, OT has started moving towards Ethernet-based control, which has had a big influence on the move towards virtualisation.

Johan Maritz (left) thanks Charles Matthews after the presentation.
Johan Maritz (left) thanks Charles Matthews after the presentation.

A couple of benefits of virtualisation include:

• Limited hardware risk as the installed base will be reduced.

• Reduction of environmental footprint (less power needed and less heat generated within datacentre/rack room).

• Virtualise where certain old software applications are not supported on new hardware.

• Quicker turnaround time for application testing and server deployment.

• 100% failback scenarios.

Members enjoy the technology evening.
Members enjoy the technology evening.

The most important aspect of virtualisation is the design. Sufficient time should be allowed for this to ensure faultless design before implementation. The amount of resources required is one of the most important aspects of a virtualisation design, while power consumption and capacity to install these resources must also be considered.

The term ‘hypervisor’ is widely used within virtualisation and refers to computer software, firmware and hardware that creates and runs the virtual machines. There are several types of hypervisors, with each type considered depending on the function of the virtual machine.

Virtualisation is a topic that will be around for the foreseeable future and is certainly an exciting development. The branch thanks Charles and BCX for this informative and relevant presentation.

All instrumentation and control related technicians and engineers are welcome to attend the branch’s monthly technology evenings. The planned dates for the rest of the year are: 11 October and 1 November 2018. All presentations earn CPD points for ECSA registered persons and any enquiries can be directed to the branch chairman, Johan Maritz, [email protected] or +27 82 856 3865.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

SAIMC’s May 2026 KS4I event to spotlight AI-driven industrial automation
SAIMC SAIMC
SAIMC’s May 2026 KS4I event will focus on practical and forward-looking approaches to AI-enabled automation and intelligent industrial connectivity.

Read more...
SAIMC: From the office of the COO
SAIMC SAIMC
We are failing young engineers - not just in classrooms, but as a society.

Read more...
SAIMC: Johannesburg branch
SAIMC SAIMC
Jenine Jansen van Vuuren from Comtest delivered a presentation at the SAIMC Johannesburg technology evening, focusing on electric vehicle charging stations and the key metrics that govern their functionality.

Read more...
SAIMC: Durban branch
SAIMC SAIMC
At the monthly meeting of the Durban branch of the SAIMC, Smunye Memela, project manager and switch gear specialist at Gubhuza 3 Trading presented on the subject ‘From sensors to insights: predictive maintenance in action’.

Read more...
SAIMC’s May 2026 KS4I event to spotlight AI-driven industrial automation
SAIMC
SAIMC’s May KS4I event will focus on practical and forward-looking approaches to AI-enabled automation and intelligent industrial connectivity.

Read more...
SAIMC presents knowledge-sharing session on predictive maintenance
SAIMC
SAIMC is presenting another upcoming knowledge-sharing event as part of its Knowledge Sharing for Industry (KS4I) series, aimed at advancing technical insight and collaboration across the engineering sector.

Read more...
SAIMC knowledge sharing event
SAIMC SAIMC
SAIMC will host a technical knowledge-sharing session by Hendrik Spies from SICK Sensor Intelligence, who will share his insights into ‘From Condition Monitoring to Predictive Maintenance: The Digital Journey’.

Read more...
SAIMC Durban
SAIMC
: At the SAIMC Durban monthly meeting, James Adams from Adroit Technologies presented to a full house on the subject of ‘The intelligent factory: AI, digital twins, zero-defect production, and cybersecurity in modern automotive manufacturing’.

Read more...
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO
SAIMC SAIMC
AI has become part of our productivity platforms, our operations and our decision making environments. The SAIMC NPC Power Hour series is one such initiative.

Read more...
SAIMC: Johannesburg branch
SAIMC SAIMC
The March SAIMC Johannesburg technology event was proudly hosted by Matech and focused on business intelligence made simple.

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved