We have reached the half-way point of 2019 and I am shocked at how time has just flown by for me personally. But, that is usually the result when you are fully engaged and busy with things that occupy your mind and align with your interests.
Today I want to talk about something different. As the president, I have the privilege of being invited to many conferences and discussions around the future of technology. What I have realised, is that there are end users who are not 100% on top of the new technologies with regard to infrastructure in the IT environment. Of course they attend these conferences to educate themselves, but personally, I do not think you should leave the infrastructure knowledge to other parties as this could cost you money in the long run.
Knowing how to manage your legacy systems and making decisions on how to maintain and support them while developing new systems is a balance, which can end up being costly if it goes wrong.
Keeping this in mind, I urge you to look at some basics again. Maybe you understand them and just need to see what has changed: concepts like Software as a Service (SaaS), Platform as a Service (Paas), Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Docker technology, Kubernetes, and the changes that will come with IPv6. Restructure your organisation to be future-proof. As an individual, you should also educate yourself to ensure that you stay relevant and can contribute to effective decision making. New laws like the PoPI act have also changed the constraints and use of information. Make sure you know the risks, but also understand the new opportunities that have opened up for you.
The world is changing at a rapid pace – don’t get left behind.
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.
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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.
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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.
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The SAIMC Eastern Cape Branch co-hosted a satellite viewing site for ICRA 2026 at Nelson Mandela University, giving postgraduate students, academics and local industry professionals access to premier international robotics and automation keynote sessions.
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The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch July Technology Evening, hosted by WIKA Instruments, covered key level measurement technologies and featured live product demonstrations from area sales manager Anthony Terblanche.
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The SAIMC hosted five live-stream viewing events across South Africa for the IEEE International Conference of Robotics and Automation in Vienna, bringing global robotics research and technology directly to local industry and academia.
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