System Integration & Control Systems Design


Autotronix keeps the water flowing for Rand Water and Umgeni Water

October 2010 System Integration & Control Systems Design

Autotronix is a leading system integrator in southern Africa, engineering small to multimillion Rand projects for diverse industries in the region. In a short space of time, it has established itself as a leading contender for large systems projects, having secured multimillion rand contracts for major water utilities and petrochemical installations as well as a host of other operations.

Autotronix engineers systems for diverse markets including water, mining, iron and steel, aluminium, electricity demand management, municipalities, automotive, food and beverage, petrochemical and general manufacturing. Its mission is to provide added value solutions through no-compromise quality engineering that sustains long-term reliability and functionality for its clients.

All systems are supported by a competent team of technically qualified engineers and technicians who understand the key to a successful project is the relationship that is developed with the client. Headquartered in New Germany, KwaZulu-Natal, the company also has a branch in Vereeniging that was formed to deal specifically with the company’s ongoing, long-term contract for Rand Water.

Using a multidisciplinary approach and focusing on factory automation, energy management and telemetry/data acquisitions systems, the company has developed both proprietary and open solutions for many industrial applications.

Expertise in automation

One of the company’s strengths is the experience and knowledge of its staff. The team has extensive experience in automation design and also PLC and scada configuration of all popular packages. Although the company is a total systems integration solutions provider, its core business has always been in the selection, installation and commissioning of PLCs from Rockwell, Schneider and Mitsubishi.

The management of Autotronix (seated) with some of the team: Rudy Pungavanam (sales manager), Collin Chetty (project manager and a director), Haroon Bassa (project manager and a director)
The management of Autotronix (seated) with some of the team: Rudy Pungavanam (sales manager), Collin Chetty (project manager and a director), Haroon Bassa (project manager and a director)

Autotronix has developed a reputation for engineering excellence in PLC projects, and is well positioned to engineer any solution, even those that demand the most advanced mathematical and motion control algorithms. Because there is currently very little expertise available in motion control in South Africa, Autotronix is in demand in the marketplace, especially as an increasing number of production machines now use motion control and robotic platforms.

Networking of PLCs and other equipment has become a major strength of the company and many of the larger projects now feature fibre-optic-based Ethernet LANs connecting PLCs, scada and other systems. In addition, Autotronix has extensive experience in Profibus, Modbus, Controlnet, Devicenet and radio-based networking in diverse industries.

Autotronix’ systems integration offering includes:

* Allen Bradley, Schneider and Mitsubishi and PLCs application and programming.

* Supply and configuration of scada and front-end systems.

* Control and PLC panel design.

* Energy management systems.

* Programmable remote terminal units.

Every step of a project, from conceptualisation to commissioning is handled in accordance with the Autotronix professional code of business. This ensures that the right relationships are formed at the right levels, reporting channels and processes are established up-front key project milestones are realistically pegged and proper engineering procedures are adhered to throughout the project.

The company also develops large energy management systems, distributed over wide geographic areas such as those found in the mining industry.

The company recently completed the large-scale water projects for Rand Water in Vereeniging and Umgeni Water in Hazelmere which involved removal of dated control systems and replacement with state-of-the-art control and scada systems. As a result of the success of the latter project, Autotronix has since been involved in a number of similar projects for the same clients.

Another notable achievement is a project completed in 2009 at Sasol Secunda which involved the design, supply, installation and commissioning of a large networked fire alarm system.



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Why cloud-ready BMS is reshaping building operations
Schneider Electric South Africa System Integration & Control Systems Design
Smart sensors and non-contact radar are reshaping industrial measurement, feeding connected platforms that predict failures before they happen.

Read more...
Flotation system modernisation for a gold processing and mineral recovery plant.
Moore Process Controls System Integration & Control Systems Design
Moore Process Controls has successfully modernised a gold processing plant's flotation control system, replacing obsolete I/O hardware with Schneider Electric's latest M580 X80 platform.

Read more...
Project and industry
Schneider Electric South Africa System Integration & Control Systems Design
Transforming crushing plant operations through integrated automation.    Controlgear Instramac was engaged to deliver the electrical control and automation systems for a new crushing plant within the ...

Read more...
Project and industry
EXEL Electrical Engineering System Integration & Control Systems Design
EXEL EE was contracted to deliver the complete electrical, control and instrumentation scope for the upgrade of a gold mine's water treatment facilities in Tanzania.

Read more...
Turning system integrators into trusted technology partners
Schneider Electric South Africa IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design
Schneider Electric’s Alliance Partner Programme is repositioning system integrators from hardware suppliers into lifecycle-value partners. Oriel Soupen explains the competency framework, certification model and real-world results that are already helping African system integrators win higher-value, longer-term engagements.

Read more...
When digital twins move from concept to critical tool
IT in Manufacturing System Integration & Control Systems Design Maintenance, Test & Measurement, Calibration
Digital twins are moving out of the lab and onto the mine, the factory floor and the transport network where they predict failures before they happen. Amritesh Anand looks at where they earn their keep, the data and integration work behind them, and the security questions every organisation should ask before switching one on.

Read more...
Best practices for managing the MRO supply chain in Africa
RS South Africa System Integration & Control Systems Design
RS South Africa outlines how strong data governance and digital tools can turn maintenance, repair and operations procurement into a strategic advantage across Africa.

Read more...
Containerised Solar Solution Accelerates Delivery of Riverside 3 MW Power Plant
Proconics System Integration & Control Systems Design
Proconics was engaged by NewFields to deliver the electrical integration solution for the Riverside 3 MW Solar Power Plant in Zimbabwe. The project required a compact, modular approach that could simplify deployment, minimise site works, and support rapid commissioning in a remote location.

Read more...
Modern Energy Metering Solution Enhances Reliability and Reporting for Major Power Utility
SAM Systems Automation & Management System Integration & Control Systems Design
This project involved the implementation of a modern energy metering system for a major power utility operating within the industrial automation and energy management sector. The objective was to improve the reliability, accessibility, and accuracy of energy data while simplifying infrastructure and reducing system complexity.

Read more...
PCS Global
PCS Global System Integration & Control Systems Design
PCS Global led a digital infrastructure initiative in a southern African data centre setting, aiming to merge several essential operational systems into one cohesive platform. The objective was to break down silos, enable real-time decisions, and ensure seamless operation in a mission-critical environment.

Read more...









While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained herein, the publisher and its agents cannot be held responsible for any errors contained, or any loss incurred as a result. Articles published do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers. The editor reserves the right to alter or cut copy. Articles submitted are deemed to have been cleared for publication. Advertisements and company contact details are published as provided by the advertiser. Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd cannot be held responsible for the accuracy or veracity of supplied material.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved