Futuristix-Wonderware's X-change 2003 open awards
June 2003
News
Residential Estate (Industry)
Futuristix-Wonderware's 11th User Conference highlighted some of the best industrial automation implementations in South Africa and the people responsible for their success.
"As usual, the level of entries was world-class," says Mike le Plastrier, director of Futuristix Advanced Control Systems, a member of the EOH group of companies. "The X-change Open Awards are presented to end-users and system integrators who excel in the application of Wonderware solutions to address complex and sophisticated industrial automation and industrial intelligence problems."
Top system integrators
Jim Brown of Wonderware awarded the prizes for the top performing Integrators of Wonderware software in southern Africa. These are the integrators who have done the most work with Wonderware products over the past year and, in so doing, have earned experience and recognition from clients across the country.
* 1st place - Keops Altech.
* 2nd place - CS System Solutions.
* 3rd place - Hatch.
Jim Brown (left) from Wonderware, hands Ghalib Rassool, operations manager at Keops Altech, the award for Top System Integrator
Leading implementation award winners
Avgold Target Mine received the award in two categories; best HMI/scada/process visualisation and best realtime relational database and analysis application. Presented by Jan Fourie.
The award for best flexible batch management application went to APV Solutions and Services (a division of Invensys SA) for its batch management implementation at Appletiser's juice preparation plant. Presented by Deon Barnard.
Keops-Altech won the award in the best-integrated FactorySuite Solution category for its system implementation at a metal refinery. Presented by Reneé Sumner.
Ex-Mente won the award in the most innovative use of a Wonderware product category for its implementation of InControl as an advanced controller for a smelter. Presented by Johann Kruger.
Other successful implementations included:
The use of DT (down time) Analyst at Iscor's electric furnaces. Presented by John Bordalo of Iscor.
The first SA implementation of ArchestrA at a leading brewery's training facility. Presented by Thinus van Schoor.
Use of InControl as an expert system for controlling ROM mills at Implats' Rustenburg concentrator plant. Presented by Duane Muller of Impala Platinum.
The use of IndustrialSQL as the key to information at the Debswana diamond mine. Presented by Mark Mabhudhu of Debswana.
Terminal services for InTouch at Richards Bay coal terminal. Presented by Anton van Es of RBCT.
"While the closing decade of the 20th century may have been categorised as the age of ERP, the first decade of the 21st century is definitely that of the industrial automation industry as manufacturers focus on their wealth-creating processes," says le Plastrier. "This is also the decade when industrial intelligence will merge indistinguishably with business intelligence to provide the seamless enterprises everyone's been waiting for. Given this stimulating and evolving environment, it's predictable that next year's awards promise to be even more impressive."
For more information contact Mike le Plastrier, Futuristix Advanced Control Systems, 011 723 9900, [email protected], www.futuristix.co.za
Further reading:
Reinstatement opportunity for ECSA registration
News
In 2023 the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) announced a special opportunity for engineers in South Africa to reinstate their registration status if it had been cancelled. This exclusive offer is available until the end of August 2024.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: A good servant and a bad master
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
In our new AI-generated world it was inevitable that the Nobel Committee would have noticed. And last November two pioneers of artificial intelligence, John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton, won the Nobel Prize
...
Read more...
Festo 100th Anniversary: Celebrating a century-long legacy of innovation and commitment
Festo South Africa
News
Festo has officially begun celebrating 100 years of groundbreaking technology, commitment and enduring partnerships. To kick off this historic milestone celebration, their Customer Innovation Day and ThankYou Party series brought together customers, partners and employees to reflect on their journey and look ahead to an exciting future.
Read more...
German Chancellor visits Beckhoff at Hannover Messe
Beckhoff Automation
News
As part of the traditional Hannover Messe opening tour, Federal Chancellor of Germany, Olaf Scholz visited German company, Beckhoff Automation. Hans Beckhoff, managing director and owner of Beckhoff Automation, presented his company and its comprehensive expertise in the field of software and AI.
Read more...
Iritron celebrates 25 years of excellence
Iritron
News
When Iritron, a leading provider of engineering and industrial solutions was founded in 2000, it was on the principles of exceptional service and lasting part-nerships. Today, Iritron has grown from a small team of four into a company of over 120 employees, serving clients across South Africa and beyond.
Read more...
A racing partnership
SKF South Africa
News
In one of motorsport’s most demanding arenas, a partnership forged in engineering precision and high-performance ambition has proven its worth. SKF, a global leader in bearing technology and innovation, celebrated a remarkable milestone in partnership with SVR Toyota GAZOO Racing, taking second position overall at the 2025 Dakar Rally.
Read more...
Question and Answer: Martin Hiller, portfolio director of AATF
News
AATF is here.
Read more...
Two weeks to go: AATF 2025 welcomes Africa’s industrial future
News
With less than two weeks to go, the countdown to Africa Automation Technology Fair 2025 is on - and there’s never been a better time to register.
Read more...
SEW-EURODRIVE grows its African footprint to become a leading force on the continent
SEW-EURODRIVE
News
Momentum continues to grow behind the ambitious plans of SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa to become a leading force in the continent’s industrial gearbox business, drives and automation solutions.
Read more...
Schneider Electric at AATF
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric will be participating in the 13th edition of the Africa Automation and Technology Fair
Read more...