IAONA now represented in South Africa
September 2004
News
The SA branch of IAONA has recently begun operations, with Malcolm Findlay (of Penmac) as the Chairman. Errol Mann is responsible for marketing and will respond to any queries.
IAONA is the independent platform organisation for industrial Ethernet Standardisation and harmonisation of innovative technologies - the competence centre for information, publication and training.
IAONA was founded in 1999 at the SPS/IPC/Drives in Nuremberg as an alliance of more than 130 leading international manufacturers and users of automation systems. It pursues the aim of establishing open communication standards in every industrial environment at an international level. The ultimate goal is to realise general, interfaceless communication through all levels of an enterprise. This refers to all fields of plant automation, process automation, and building automation.
The organisation works out specifications and guidelines to be used in order to force the spread of Ethernet - and the development of new, market-appropriate applications based on Ethernet are fostered through a regular and mutual exchange of information. IAONA expects the use of Ethernet to expand to all levels and fields of enterprises.
IAONA takes the view that a realisation of these aims can only succeed by applying the principle of the 'open source' model. That means a consequent spread out of all specifications over a broad public.
IAONA as platform organisation aims to guarantee the compatibility of different solutions as far as possible. IAONA in its new role as a neutral platform organisation for industrial Ethernet has the goal to extend existing commonalties in the different protocols and approaches for industrial Ethernet and to prevent further incompatibilities of the existing solutions. For this reason Open Device Vendor Association (ODVA), Modbus-IDA, EtherCAT Technology Group, Ethernet Powerlink Specification Group and Interests Group SERCOS Interface collaborate with IAONA.
The six organisations have defined a common strategy for the further development of Ethernet based products for industrial automation. As a medium-term goal for example, security aspects, cabling and wiring, the use of IEEE 1588 and system aspects will be topics that shall be worked on together.
For more information contact Errol Mann, IAONA SA, 011 885 2572.
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...
Africa Automation Indaba 2026
News
A bold new chapter in Africa’s industrial evolution begins with the launch of the Africa Automation Indaba, set to take place from 13 to 14 May 2026 at the prestigious Radisson Collection Hotel in Cape Town.
Read more...
EtherCAT Technology Group holds another Plug Fest
News
Recently, the EtherCAT Technology Group (ETG) once again invited its members to a Plug Fest, this time specifically targeting developers and manufacturers of devices with Safety over EtherCAT (FSoE) functionality.
Read more...
BMG powers up at Nampo 2025
News
The BMG team was highly prominent at this year’s Nampo agricultural show, held near Bothaville recently. This prestigious event, which is one of the largest agricultural exhibitions in the southern hemisphere, is a highlight for manufacturers and suppliers of farming equipment, as well as for farmers, families and the entire community.
Read more...
Epiroc rocks youth development programmes
News
Epiroc is not just building equipment - it’s building futures. Through its dynamic internship and learner programmes, the mining equipment and services specialist is shaping South Africa’s next generation of skilled professionals, equipping them with real-world experience, industry knowledge and the confidence to launch successful careers.
Read more...
Schneider Electric drives innovation in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first Innovation Hub on the African continent, coinciding with the opening of its new regional headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.
Read more...
Schneider Electric South Africa certified as 2025 Top Employer
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric is proud to announce its South African operation has been awarded Top Employer 2025 certification by a global authority in HR excellence, Top Employers Institute.
Read more...
100 years of safety leadership
News
DEKRA Industrial and its adult-based education and occupational skills training division, the Institute of Learning (IOL) will showcase a milestone at A-OSH 2025, as the company celebrates DEKRA Global’s 100 years of safety leadership.
Read more...
Drakenstein Municipality aces Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Impact Award
Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Drakenstein Municipality in the Western Cape has won a Sustainability Impact Award for Schneider Electric’s Anglophone Africa region, shining the spotlight on its unwavering commitment to sustainable leadership and its forward-thinking approach to ensuring a sustainable future for its coming generations.
Read more...
LH Marthinusen launches new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory
News
LH Marthinusen has launched its new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory in Ekurhuleni. THis is a major milestone for South African energy infrastructure growth.
Read more...
printer friendly version