Not just automation - 'intermation'

March 2001 System Integration & Control Systems Design

Throughout the last few years, it has become apparent that customers are becoming more and more reliant on useful and timely production information. The emphasis, which was completely on the availability a system or product could offer the end-user, has now moved to how fast the end-user (who normally is the production and maintenance engineers and their staff) can react to changing variables on the plant floor. Information has to be available in near realtime from the actual processes to not only the operator but also all relevant personnel. Systems Management & Services call this 'intermation' - it is actually the integration and interrelation of information from the automated process with the relevant personnel.

In its quest to become 'intermation' specialists, the company has aligned itself with products that make this dream a reality. One of these products is Siemens PCS7, the Siemens solution to total system integration. Systems Management & Services has been involved in the evolution of PCS7 in South Africa since its inception at Palabora Underground Mining Project. The company is still actively participating in creating the most automated mine in South Africa.

From its humble beginnings in Phalaborwa, Systems Management & Services has moved to Mpumalanga, locating itself in Witbank. It is the company's aim to align itself as the preferred supplier of PCS7 services in South Africa as well as the preferred supplier of automation in the Mpumalanga region.

Systems Management & Services is also thoroughly trained, and able to fully support Simatic S5, Simatic S7, Intouch, Fix-32, iFix and Adroit. Networks supported include Ethernet (Office and Industrial), Profibus DP & PA, ASI, serial RS232 & 485, Modbus and Sinec L1. The company can also provide solutions with the latest technological advances such as OPC, ActiveX, COM and DCOM integrated with any of the Microsoft family of development tools such as Visual Basic, C++ or Web based applications.

Previous project exposure:

* EMS - technical support for Foskor Ext. 8 project

* Siemens - Sappi Usutu (supply and commissioning of equipment: PCS7 engineering station and servers for drying line)

* Rema Tip Top - Automation of steam supply system

* Zuena Stärker - Design and implement a system sourcing binary coded numbers from existing robot controller to barcode printer.

* Sappi Usutu - LT1 Drying Upgrade PH2 - services and site assistance

* Palabora underground mining project - supply and management of resource for implementation of PCS7 at underground expansion.

Systems Management & Services offers factory wide automation of any task from the plant floor to the executive's office, all under one roof.

Systems Management & Services

(013) 697 1884

[email protected]

Further reading:

Seamless underground-to-surface truck automation
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Epiroc has extended its autonomous underground mine trucks to operate in surface environments, using 3D lidar for localisation, mapping and obstacle detection. A single Deep Automation system can now manage the full hauling cycle, from underground production areas to surface dumping locations.

Read more...

---

The Eplan Platform 2027 has arrived
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Eplan Platform 2027 is now live, bringing more than 500 enhancements across pre-planning, electrical engineering and control cabinet design, along with the new Eplan Copilot AI assistant and cloud-based, bidirectionally synchronised device management.

Read more...

---

Extending the life of a Milacron 500 through control system modernisation
Abacus Automation System Integration & Control Systems Design
A complex control system modernisation has given a mechanically sound Milacron 500 injection moulding machine a new lease of life. By replacing obsolete SCADA and hydraulic motion control technology, the project improved reliability and maintainability while minimising downtime and avoiding the cost of a new machine.

Read more...

---

Grid connection design for solar IPP in De Aar
System Integration & Control Systems Design
   De Aar Grid Connection Design Grid Connection Design for De Aar Solar IPP    Project & Industry NewFields was engaged to provide the concept and detailed design for the grid connection of a solar Independent ...

Read more...

---

How certified industrial automation channels become co-creators in the AI era
Schneider Electric South Africa System Integration & Control Systems Design
As industrial automation becomes software-driven and AI-enabled, the role of channel partners is shifting from equipment supply to outcome-based consulting, software integration and lifecycle services that require continuous certification and capability development.

Read more...

---

Why integration defines the next competitive edge in pulp and paper
System Integration & Control Systems Design
ABB’s Arvin Ramjee argues that fragmented automation, assembled from different suppliers at different stages of a plant’s lifecycle has become one of the pulp and paper industry’s most overlooked commercial risks, and that true integration, rather than surface-level connectivity, is what delivers measurable business value.

Read more...

---

Integrated automation enhances water treatment at dairy facility
Process Dynamics System Integration & Control Systems Design
Process Dynamics delivered the electrical, instrumentation, control and automation integration for an advanced water treatment and reverse osmosis system at a major South African dairy processing facility, achieving a 50% reduction in the client’s water utility costs.

Read more...

---

Intelligent process control is reshaping cement production in Africa
System Integration & Control Systems Design
Advanced process control, predictive analytics and automation are helping African cement producers cut energy use and stabilise output as they contend with rising electricity costs and tighter margins.

Read more...

---

Schneider Electric’s Alliance Programme turns system integrators into trusted technology partners
Schneider Electric South Africa System Integration & Control Systems Design
: Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partner Programme is helping system integrators across Africa move beyond one-off projects and build the skills and service models needed to become long-term industrial technology partners.

Read more...

---

Process Dynamics – Integrated Automation for Dairy Water Treatment
Process Dynamics System Integration & Control Systems Design
   Project and industry Process Dynamics delivered the electrical, instrumentation, control and automation integration for an advanced water treatment and Reverse Osmosis (RO) system at one of South Africa’s ...

Read more...

---