Sitting here writing another article on my cellphone, realising it’s 2019 and we have technology available to us that people could not even imagine when I was born, is quite a revelation. A sobering moment as we look at the world around us and see the opportunities that are opening up. Opportunities that will use data in ways that right now we cannot fully comprehend.
Sadly though, the technologies that are evolving can also change the world for the worse. This is not new, there are many examples in history where technology that was developed for the benefit of society, was used by despots to cause catastrophic harm. As professionals in the automation fraternity, we have to find a balance.
On the positive side, ubiquitous connectivity and data availability bring us the benefit of cloud computing and the ability to manage anything from anywhere. Today we have the ability to automate almost any mundane task, be it work or home related. If we resist automation our competitors may beat us to it and we risk being at a disadvantage in the marketplace. We have access to the technology that others have developed, which in many instances is freely available online. But remember, if it is free online there is almost certainly a risk. So ensure that you understand that risk, particularly if it involves data security. Do this in order to reach a level of understanding that gives you the freedom to choose your own path going forward.
It is a fascinating topic, and also a very necessary one. I recommend that you be sure to evaluate your skills development and growth in line with emerging technology trends. And above all, make sure you stay on top of cybersecurity developments. Cyber-attacks are the downside of our connected society. Be sure you are in a position to protect yourself in both your personal and professional capacities.
SAIMC 2019 AGM
The AGM will take place at Park Inn Hotel, Sandton on 8 March at 15h00, where the newly elected council will be announced. All members are invited to attend and be part of the future decision-making process. We value your insights.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC was pleased to welcome Vusi Sithole, managing member of Hybrid Control Corporation in Richards Bay, who presented\on the very pertinent topic of ‘Infrastructure monitoring and control for water loss management’.
Read more...SAIMC: Sunshine, swings and smiles: Durban Golf Day hits a high note Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
SAIMC
We say it every year, and we’ll say it again: May in Durban is hard to beat; but 9 May, when the Durban Golf Day teed off at Kloof Country Club, was something else. With sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 20s, it was a fantastic day, full of fun and great energy.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council KS4I event: Bridging the industry/education divide
SAIMC
Horst Weinert, head of Didactic at Festo Southern/Eastern Africa, will be sharing some of Festo’s Didactic experiences of working across industry and education. He will cover training for productivity and employability in the public and private sectors, discussing especially the potential for inter-company training centres.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The local Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC recently hosted a Technology Evening at Bryanston Sports Club on 9 April 2025.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The April technology meeting for the Durban branch of the SAIMC was kindly sponsored by ProRisk, a subsidiary company of the Proconics Group of Companies. Process safety engineer, Guillaume de Swardt gave a fascinating presentation on the power of operational risk control by utilising CFD software.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council KS4I event SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
The SAIMC User Advisory Council started 2025 with its first event in the ‘Knowlege Sharing 4 Industry’ event series on the 19th of March.
Read more...Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry
SAIMC
In proud partnership with Innomotics, SAIMC will be hosting the first Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry event for 2025.
Read more...Getting your OT data into the cloud – the why and the how
SAIMC
As users recognise the benefits of a digital transformation strategy for their industrial plants and systems and start to adopt it, they soon face the challenge of getting operational technology data securely and reliably to a cloud service provider of their choice.
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