Rockwell Automation recently announced the Safety Maturity Index (SMI) tool, a self-guided assessment that gives manufacturers visibility into the effectiveness of their safety programmes and the ability to optimise plant performance. Applicable to any industry, any plant size and any location in the world, the SMI tool helps manufacturers see where they measure in safety culture, compliance and capital. Most importantly, it provides recommendations to help achieve best-in-class safety performance.
The three principal components of a successful safe workplace – culture (behavioural), compliance (procedural) and capital (technical) – are equally critical and interdependent in developing a strong, sustainable safety programme. For example, creating and maintaining a robust safety culture but not investing in safety technologies and/or complying with standards lowers a company’s ability to provide a safe workplace. Likewise, the possibility of risk remains when manufacturers invest in safety technologies but fail to emphasise the importance of safety culture throughout the organisation.
Each safety pillar is measureable in the SMI tool using four categories – SMI 1: minimising investment, SMI 2: attaining compliance, SMI 3: cost avoidance and SMI 4: operational excellence. By answering a series of questions, manufacturers can complete the SMI assessment and determine how they measure in each of the four categories. The report also provides recommendations for improvement, if needed.
“The benefits of optimising safety through the SMI assessment can result in fewer injuries and fines, as well as improved plant productivity, greater efficiencies and enhanced employee morale,” said Christo Buys, business manager for control systems, Rockwell Automation, Sub-Saharan Africa. “Achieving best-in-class safety performance begins with assessing current practices companywide, and now customers can do this on their own.”
New generative AI-powered maintenance offering Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The Siemens Industrial Copilot is revolutionising industry by enabling customers to leverage generative AI across the entire value chain – from design and planning to engineering, operations and services.
Read more...Building resilience in extreme environments ACTOM Electrical Machines
IT in Manufacturing
Extreme temperatures, corrosive substances and high pressures are just a few of the elements that make up the unforgiving operational environments characteristic of the petrochemical and oil and gas sectors. A proactive and nuanced approach to industrial maintenance is no longer optional for organisations, it is an absolute necessity to avoid disruptions and create the right conditions for success.
Read more...AI accelerates energy transformation RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
With the rapid expansion of generative AI applications, data centre power demand is reaching unprecedented levels.
Read more...Optimising the product design process Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
OPmobility is partnering with Siemens to adopt its Teamcenter X Product Lifecycle Management software. OPmobility’s increasingly complex products now include electronics and software, to create energy storage systems, which include battery and hydrogen electrification solutions and fuel tanks.
Read more...Smart milling for resilient, sustainable food production
IT in Manufacturing
As the global demand for food continues to rise due to increasing urbanisation, the milling industry faces the challenge of balancing efficiency with sustainability. Bühler is committed to making milling more energy-efficient while maintaining high operational performance. Its solutions allow mills to reduce energy costs and ensure long-term sustainability.
Read more...The evolving landscape of data centres in the age of AI Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The data centre industry is undergoing a period of rapid transformation, driven primarily by the explosive growth of AI. It’s clear that the demands of AI are reshaping the very foundations of data infrastructure. This isn’t merely about incremental upgrades; it’s a fundamental shift in how we design, power and operate these critical facilities.
Read more...SA Food Review
IT in Manufacturing
Food Review is a monthly trade journal for South Africa’s food and beverage manufacturing industry, for industry professionals seeking detailed information on trends, technologies, best practices and innovations.
Read more...Keeping an eye on oil consumption with moneo ifm - South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Manufacturing companies in the metal industry need oils and other fluids that are consumed by their machines. To make this consumption transparent and to establish a link to the ERP system, Arnold Umformtechnik relies on the IIoT platform, moneo, in combination with the SAP-based software solution Shop Floor Integration (SFI) – both from ifm.
Read more...AI accelerates energy transformation RJ Connect
IT in Manufacturing
With the rapid expansion of generative AI applications, data centre power demand is reaching unprecedented levels.
printer friendly version