The intelligent automation users group
July 2003
News
Since its introduction in 1987, Foxboro's I/A Series (intelligent automation) system has continued to undergo a process of evolution. The I/A Series was founded on the principle that a system can remain perpetually up to date if it can be made to continuously accommodate the latest developments in both hardware and software as they evolve, while allowing the original system to carry on as originally intended.
Because of the rapid advancement into the South African market, Protea Automation Solutions, which represents Foxboro in SA, formed an I/A users group consisting of representatives of all the companies and establishments who now use the I/A Series. So far, the Foxboro I/A Series system is in operation on 13 sites throughout the country, in widely different plant facilities. At present, chairman of the group is Jon Simon of Lever Ponds, and the Foxboro contact is Graham Malloy at Protea Automation Solutions.
The users group meet on an annual basis, when they feel they have a need to compare notes and obtain information from Protea Automation Solutions on latest developments. The meetings are held in various parts of the country where there are user sites. The most recent meeting was held in Johannesburg when Foxboro's Alain Ginguene, marketing consultant, Foxboro I/A Series platform visited SA and conducted a one-day seminar for the users group at the Protea headquarters.
Alain Ginguene addressing some of the Foxboro I/A Series users group at Protea Automation Solutions in Johannesburg
Every new I/A Series development programme begins with a customer request or review. This means users, by helping to identify and drive forward specific upgrade programmes help to shape the form and functionality of I/A Series systems. Thus the users group plays an important part in this role and benefits from the experiences and ideas from similar users all over the world.
For more information contact Graham Malloy, Protea Automation Solutions, 011 719 5700.
Further reading:
BMG achieves GBCSA Net Zero Waste Level 2 Certification
Bearing Man Group t/a BMG
News
BMG has achieved Green Building Council South Africa Net Zero Waste Level 2 Certification after diverting more than 90% of operational waste from landfill, demonstrating how practical sustainability measures can deliver measurable environmental and commercial benefits.
Read more...
Pump spares and parts for Africa
News
KSB Pumps and Valves explains how its decentralised stockholding and local manufacturing keep spares and parts available across its installed base in Africa.
Read more...
Inspiration for times of change
Endress+Hauser South Africa
News
More than 2000 customers, partners and experts gathered in Basel, Switzerland, for the Endress+Hauser Global Forum in April 2026. Under the theme of driving sustainable transformation together, the event combined keynote sessions on strategy, technology and the future of work with practical case studies from across the process industry.
Read more...
Local energy solutions rewiring resilience across Africa
News Fieldbus & Industrial Networking
Engineers across Africa are developing practical, scalable energy and mobility solutions supported by the Africa Prize for Engineering Innovation.
Read more...
The gender gap in SA’s engineering sector
News
South Africa’s engineering sector is facing a critical gender imbalance, with women making up just 16% of registered engineering professionals compared to 84% of men.
Read more...
Safe removal of the historic US 181
News
Mammoet provided the heavy-lift expertise that helped remove the 2300 ton centre span of the historic US 181 Harbor Bridge in Corpus Christi, Texas, using a precision lift-and-lower method that protected nearby marine environments and reopened navigation channels swiftly.
Read more...
Going Green initiative sees African Group Lubricants adopt electric forklift fleet
News
African Group Lubricants is transitioning most of its forklift fleet to electric power, a move expected to cut diesel consumption by around 85% and improve conditions across its manufacturing facility while delivering a positive return on investment in the near term.
Read more...
Africa Energy Indaba 2027 aims to ignite the power revolution
News
Africa Energy Indaba 2027 takes place from 2 to 4 March 2027 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, bringing together ministers, utilities, investors and developers to accelerate energy generation, unlock investment and drive the continent’s industrial future.
Read more...
Major bearing tender for SKF
SKF South Africa
News
SKF has secured a major bearing supply tender from an Algerian steelmaker, reinforcing its position in the metals segment across North Africa.
Read more...
Mining’s decarbonisation journey requires putting ESG commitments into action
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric specialists explain how mining and heavy industry can turn environmental, social and governance commitments into measurable decarbonisation results.
Read more...
printer friendly version