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 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