Irony of our industry

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IBG - SA Instrumentation & Control Buyers' Guide

December 2002 News

One of the ironies of the control and instrumentation industry is that even though the levels of implemented technology are rising exponentially, the boundaries between the various electrical disciplines are blurring.

Instead of becoming more of a 'specialist' in a field, instrumentation professionals are expected to have an increasingly broad understanding of the electrical shenanigans within a plant. 20 years ago it would have been almost unthinkable for the instrumentation technician in a plant to be responsible for the replacement of a motor drive - that was clearly the role of the electrical department, with the electronics department looking after the control circuitry. Modern reality is that the current version of the drive is a fraction of the physical size of its predecessor, is far more efficient, infinitely more user-friendly due to digital interfaces and can probably be replaced with a new unit at a cost approaching the repair cost of the old drive. The result is that the responsibility for the drive maintenance/replacement is no longer solely within the bounds of the electrical department. The irony is further compounded by the massive rationalisation of staff - a smaller maintenance team is being required to repair all manner of things, not just the narrow area of expertise that was once expected of them.

Readers of SAI&C may not be aware that Technews is also the publisher of a number of other 'related' magazines that might well be of interest to you, the instrumentation professional:

* Dataweek ( dataweek.co.za) is focused on the electronics industry, a look at the nuts and bolts of the technology we use.

* Hi-Tech Security Solutions (securitysa.com) addresses the needs of high technology security applications.

* CG (née Computer Graphics) ( cgweb.co.za) looks at the latest computer-aided design and engineering graphics trends.

* Network Times ( networktimes.co.za) focuses on technology issues of the IT industry.

* eSecure ( ebiz.co.za) focuses on business issues of the IT industry.

During November 2002, Technews launched the new look of its online magazines. The online version of this publication, SA Instrumentation & Control ( intrumentation.co.za), is sporting a new 'skin', as well as improved functionality. The associated online directory, SA Instrumentation & Control Buyers Guide ( ibg.co.za) has also received a meticulous makeover and sports some wonderful new features.

As an increasing number of companies give their employees access to the Internet for business purposes, Technews is determined to make use of leading edge technologies to bridge the communication gap between suppliers and end-users. The company's sites have been designed for ease of use and speed of access. No user registration is necessary and access is free and unlimited.

The early part of 2003 will see the launch of a regular e-mail news-brief, designed to bring members of the South African instrumentation fraternity the latest, relevant, breaking-news. Users can register for this free service at instrumentation.co.za.

On a closing note, can you believe that it is time once again for the annual 'lemming' migration to the coast? From the 'Team at Technews' we wish you a restful and rejuvenating time over the holiday season and every success in the coming year!

Graeme Bell

Editor: SA Instrumentation & Control

[email protected]

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