IDC industrial automation conference
July 2012
News
IDC Technologies’ recent Industrial Automation Conference in Johannesburg was a well received success. With the themes of cyber security and convergence much in focus, presentations covered a wide range of topical automation issues. Here is a selection:
Scada communications consultant, Andrew West, gave a keynote presentation on the potential of Smart Grid to meet the challenges of managing energy flow. He used a conceptual model of how a smart grid can merge power networks with existing communications to illustrate the concept.
Doron Kowensky from H3iSquared covered the considerations for network auditing in both reactive and proactive contexts. The message was how to save time and money.
Tony Lange from Optin gave a fascinating account of how artificial intelligence can be used to leverage relationships for more powerful and correct decision making in process control. He showed how relationships can describe complex tacit knowledge, which can then be embedded in computers to complement explicit physical knowledge.
Greg Chantler from Exida Consulting covered the growing importance of control system security and gave a practical 7-step process to improve cyber security practices.
Arthur Bosman from GE Intelligent Platforms talked about new innovations in scada and PLCs. Having leading edge technology is only one element of a successful automation business, the real risk lies in the application programming and engineering. He described the benefits of a solution with PLC and scada applications integrated with embedded vertical domain expertise and cloud computing. This was followed by various case studies, which included a steam cycle solution on a power plant.
Robert Wright from RJ Programmable Techniques talked about a paradigm shift in industrial networking from legacy to converged systems and showed how it is possible to integrate a network from edge to core in a wide variety of industries and applications.
Jaco Hoogenboezem from SCE SA covered distributed network protocols and a toolbox on when to use them, and Noel Walker from Matrikon Moore discussed a case study outlining a robust solution for recording data from a remote site in a poor communication environment with limited bandwidth.
Some of the conference presenters take a moment for the camera, (l to r), Doron Kowensky, Andrew West, Tony Lange, Robert Wright, (front), Arthur Bosman, Greg Chantler, Peter Diamandis and Gary Friend.
Another highlight was the presentation by Gary Friend from Extech Safety Systems on cyber security in a modern process network. He talked about the myths surrounding network security and how control system security differs from IT security. He also covered firewall technology and the dangers of relying on the Bastion model, followed by guidelines on how a network should be protected.
For more information contact Thuli Zulu, IDC Technologies, +27 (0)11 024 5520, [email protected], www.idc-online.com
Further reading:
The unseen crisis in our taps
News
South Africa’s water crisis is no longer looming. It is already here. To move forward, water treatment must become part of a broader infrastructure renewal agenda. This includes decentralised solutions, private-sector innovation and long-term investment.
Read more...
German experts for bulk solids measurement technology join forces
Mecosa
News
MÜTEC Instruments in Germany has acquired DYNA Instruments. the German manufacturer of inline moisture and mass flow measurement systems.
Read more...
Specialised Exhibitions transitions to new name: Montgomery Group Africa
News
As part of a strategic move to streamline operations, strengthen regional alignment and support long-term growth, Specialised Exhibitions has transitioned to a new name: Montgomery Group Africa.
Read more...
RS South Africa and Qhubeka empower learners through the gift of mobility
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa, in partnership with Qhubeka Charity, is continuing to make a tangible difference in the lives of South African learners through its bicycle donation initiative.
Read more...
A technical partnership that lasts
Omniflex Remote Monitoring Specialists
News
Ian Loudon, international sales and marketing at remote monitoring specialist, Omniflex reflects on the longevity of the partnership with Sasol, the key technology milestones along the way, and the most recent project in South Africa.
Read more...
From the Editor's Desk: The human side of automation
Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
Spring is here, holidays are getting closer and there’s a new energy in the air. With this in mind, in this issue we cover the very important topic of ECSA registration. SAIMC’s COO, Gerhard Greeff,
...
Read more...
RS South AfrIca empowers student innovators
RS South Africa
News
RS South Africa is helping young engineers turn ideas into impact.
Read more...
VEGA’s Lunch-and-Learn success in KZN
VEGA Controls SA
News
VEGA has rolled out its new Lunch-and-Learn series to the coastal regions of South Africa, designed to bring practical training and real-world insights directly to engineers and technicians.
Read more...
New Würth Elektronik location in South Africa
News
A new Würth Elektronik branch has opened in Brackenfell, Western Cape. The location operates under the name Wurth Electronics South Africa and will serve local customers, as well as being responsible for markets in Botswana, Mauritius, Namibia, Tanzania and Zambia.
Read more...
John Thompson and BECS partner to deliver biomass energy solutions
ACTOM Electrical Machines
News
John Thompson, a division of ACTOM and South Africa’s leading provider of industrial energy solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Berkeley Energy Corporate Solutions, a specialist developer and supplier of biomass energy projects. Together, the companies aim to accelerate the deployment of reliable, renewable steam solutions to industrial customers across Africa.
Read more...
printer friendly version