The Fred Davis Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), an information systems theory released in 1989, is as relevant today as it was almost 35 years ago. Addressing delegates at the recent Manufacturing Enterprise Solutions Association (MESA) Africa international summit, Dr Suven Ramsunder, digital transformation expert at Schneider Electric, emphasised that individuals’ perception of what technology can do for them continues to influence their decision-making process.
Dr Suven Ramsunder.
This perception also forms an important part of the Davis TAM theory, which hypothesises that when users are presented with a new technology, there are two basic factors that influence their decisions on how and when they will use it: perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEOU).
“Our choice in cell phones is a good example. It is often based on how easy it is to use; we don’t want to waste our time relearning simple tasks. Furthermore, it should also meet our unique aesthetic preferences and provide us with the requisite functionality to make our lives easier,” he explained.
In his presentation, Ramsunder also focused on the evolving relationship between man and machine, and its impact in the workplace. “In our personal lives we tend to embrace technologies quickly, however, in the workplace we’re often reluctant to adopt new systems, which again boils down to perception. It is vital to utilise technology to work alongside humans, to make lives easier. Interestingly, we underestimate the constant state of change in our lives, assuming everything remains static. We are in a continuous state of change, however, this doesn’t have to be monumental.”
Addressing change in the workplace, he said: “Initiating small-scale implementations, fostering open communication, embracing failures as opportunities to learn, and adapting quickly are key principles that should be maximised in the workplace. By applying these principles, workplaces can unlock the potential for swift and effective innovation. Change has always been a constant in our work lives. Embracing and adapting to these shifts is an integral part of our professional journey.”
Schneider Electric was a platinum sponsor of this year’s MESA International Summit, which was held at Kloofzicht in Johannesburg.
Africa’s net-zero ambition must become operational Schneider Electric South Africa
Electrical Power & Protection
Schneider Electric’s Rohit Chashta argues that the biggest gap in Africa’s green transition is not ambition but execution, and outlines how advisory services, bankable project roadmaps, digital visibility and SF6-free switchgear can turn sustainability commitments into measurable progress.
Read more...Helping mines get results from water improvements
News
South African mines operate under constrained, water-scarce conditions where every investment must be justified. Xylem’s Chetan Mistry explains how the right water technology partner helps mines prioritise high-value water systems across the mining lifecycle.
Read more...Even in autonomous systems, human insight is important Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
As AI, IIoT and digital twins reshape industrial operations, Schneider Electric’s Kobus Vermeulen and Bafana Msibi argue that the operator’s role is shifting from controlling equipment to interpreting intelligence, validating AI recommendations and making decisions that improve
Read more...Designing the modern AI cooling stack Schneider Electric South Africa
Industrial Computer Hardware
As average rack densities in data centres climb from 16 to 27 kW in a single year, Schneider Electric’s Canninah Dladla outlines the six liquid cooling architectures available to operators, seven design factors, and three operational practices that determine energy and water efficiency.
Read more...Software-defined automation is overcoming hardware interoperability limits Schneider Electric South Africa
SCADA/HMI
Schneider Electric’s Kobus Vermeulen and Sydney Higgo explain how open communication standards and software-defined architectures are enabling industrial operators to integrate legacy equipment, new control systems, and cloud platforms without disrupting operations.
Read more...Calcamite partners with Schneider Electric and 4Sight for smart water management Schneider Electric South Africa
Editor's Choice
Schneider Electric, AVEVA and 4Sight OT Automation are helping South African wastewater specialist, Calcamite, digitalise its modular treatment plants through a scalable edge-to-cloud automation platform, with the award-winning Gourikwa pilot now scaling to hundreds of remote sites.
Read more...AI in industry is an early warning system, not a guarantee Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric’s Paul Steyn argues that AI in industrial maintenance is only as good as the infrastructure and people behind it, and explains the three layers a facility needs before predictive maintenance can deliver on its promise.
Read more...From the editor's desk: Pushing engineering to the limit Technews Publishing
News
Among the many things robots can do, it’s a lot of fun to follow how fast they are. They go from the Boston Dynamics cheetah, which first reached a record-breaking speed of 45,5 km/h, to the robot Charlie ...
Read more...Schneider Electric concludes Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa Schneider Electric South Africa
News
Schneider Electric's Innovation Summit Middle East and Africa, held in Abu Dhabi with more than 2500 attendees, explored the convergence of energy, AI and industrial software, launched an Industrial AI study and announced the NEST Accelerator Programme for energy and industrial tech startups.
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.
printer friendly version