Following the fifth and most successful TIA (Totally Integrated Automation) User Forum in 2005, which saw almost 400 systems integrators and end users gathering at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Johannesburg to hear the latest news and to share information with Siemens' experts, the company has announced that this year's forum will be held at the same location from 23-25 October 2006.
This year's event once again promises to be 'bigger and better than ever before', offering delegates a host of local and international experts delivering presentations and educational talks about the advancements in the automation and controls, drives, and distribution fields. In addition, certain Siemens end users and partners will be presenting case studies highlighting how Siemens makes automation a reality in a variety of industries.
Apart from the regular keynote sessions that will start every day, there will be additional streams of information users can follow in breakaway sessions. This year will see a total of 10 different streams on offer compared to the six in 2005. These sessions are designed to provide a platform offering deeper insights into products, vertical industry solutions and case studies. An additional reason to attend in 2006 is the ability of delegates to attend Siemens-certified training courses in the breakaway streams. Not only will attendees leave the conference with new knowledge that can be applied in their businesses, but will also add new certified skills to their personal and corporate proficiency portfolios.
"The purpose of the conference is to provide partners and users with the opportunity to learn what Siemens is doing in the TIA space in their industry while away from the day-to-day pressures of work," says Hentie Dirker, channel manager for Siemens SA. "Attendees at this year's conference will once again be able to exchange experiences, collect first-hand information and experience innovative products and technologies live."
As usual, the core topics will focus on integrated systems, such as:
* Totally integrated automation for electrical, motor variable speed drive, automation, instrumentation and analytical requirements.
* Totally integrated power: Planning and power management throughout industrial plants and commercial buildings;
* Vertical markets where Siemens has many applications targeted at specific verticals;
* Manufacturing execution systems (MES) and manufacturing information systems (MIS).
The TIA User Forum is targeted at decision makers, engineers and technologists in the field of integrated systems and automation and control. Regardless of whether attendees are in management or involved in the technicalities of the industry, the TIA User Forum will be of value.
TIA value proposition
Siemens' customers will gain enormous value from the forum, as they will be able to collect hands-on experience and insight from different real-life solutions and projects that will be discussed in detail. They will additionally be able to meet experts to discuss and share experiences, which is one of the best ways to learn.
From Siemens, customers will be able to find out first hand about the latest product news, trends and innovations. All this while increasing their professional network of contacts in similar industries and environments, and discovering innovations that have helped others overcome obstacles.
Siemens' partners will also benefit by being exposed to a number of different customers. Partners will also be able to increase their professional network as they learn about real-life case solutions and projects from other systems integrators and users. The forum will also be hosting an exhibition centre in which system integrators will set up their own booths from where they can engage with existing and potential customers and discuss their solution offerings in more depth.
"For Siemens, the TIA User Forum is a vital tool in helping us understand what our customers are experiencing, what they need to accomplish and the optimal manner in which we can assist them," adds Dirker. "The conference also affords us the opportunity to meet customers and discuss further opportunities we may have of working together making use of some of the solutions presented at the forum."
Additional value add
Apart from the conference as discussed above, the forum will also host the Siemens' Cyber Junkyard Challenge. In this competition, various educational institutions will be sponsored with R100 000 worth of Siemens equipment and tasked with building a solution to a problem set by Siemens. The winners will be announced at the Gala Evening, which will be held at Emperor's Palace on 24 October. The winning team will receive a further R100 000 as a donation to their university.
As an addition to the user forum, Siemens will also be hosting a distribution conference for electrical distributors. This will be a one-day event held on the first day of the TIA User Forum and attendees will have the opportunity to join the forum's breakout sessions on that day - some of which will be slanted towards the distributors.
"Although the forum is taking place in Johannesburg, Siemens has not forgotten customers and partners in other areas of the country," adds Dirker. "We have held various one-day events around the country as well a two-day sleepover event in Port Elizabeth, Pattended by about 80 people, focusing on the automotive industry. These events have all been a success and proved a valuable information resource for all concerned."
The TIA User Forum is about Siemens getting together with its partners and customers, away from the normal office routine, in an environment where information can be shared openly and personal networks strengthened and expanded. Dirker believes this year will see the number of attendees approaching 500 as more partners and users take advantage of the opportunity to expand their knowledge and find innovative ways to enhance their businesses.
For more information contact Keshin Govender, Siemens Southern Africa, +27 (0)11 652 2412, [email protected], www.siemens.co.za
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