SAIMC


SAIMC: From the President's desk

November 2019 SAIMC

The end of the year is almost upon us. Have you taken the opportunity to ask yourself what has really changed for you this year? In some areas we have seen significant and exponential change. Automation and Industry 4.0 have shown significant and exponential development. But has this changed anything for you as an individual? Or, maybe the best question to ask is if you understand the impact it has on your future? Are things changing and you are not realising that you are adapting? Or maybe resisting the change?

We are part of a great time in history where innovation is happening at such a rapid pace that we can almost not predict what will happen two years from now. We now have technologies that enable us to use tremendous amounts of data to solve our daily problems. But, I think we have to ask ourselves if we are using this era optimally? Are we collaborating and using every opportunity to be part of multi-disciplinary collaborations to solve problems efficiently? Perhaps a difficult question to answer, especially in the business world, where you might not be the decision maker choosing the way forward.


Within education we are seeing a big drive for change and collaboration between industries to ensure that our educational institutions provide for the future skills needed. We still have a long way to go, but there is hope. People are indeed challenging the old ways of doing things. We are all on a journey of change and each needs to take it at a pace that they can handle. The SAIMC has multiple individuals working towards a common goal to be the ‘voice of automation’, which guides the country to prepare and adapt. If you ever want to be part of this, I urge you to get into contact with us and tell us where you want to contribute.

Sometimes however, it can all be overwhelming. Just dealing with normal life can be a challenge. But, as South Africans, we are very adaptable and have shown the ability to innovate, even in conditions where others would lose hope. So, don’t be too hard on yourself. Take it one day at a time.

Yours in automation,

Annemarie van Coller.


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