The latest developments in manufacturing include the adoption of advanced robotics and automation technologies, the use of 3D printing for rapid prototyping and production, the implementation of Internet of Things (IoT) devices for real-time monitoring and optimisation of processes, and the integration of artificial intelligence for predictive maintenance and quality control. Additionally, sustainable manufacturing practices such as recycling and waste reduction are becoming more prevalent in the industry.
Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) play a crucial role in manufacturing by providing real-time data on production processes, tracking inventory, managing quality control, and optimising overall efficiency. MES helps manufacturers make informed decisions and improve productivity. MES can also integrate with other systems, such as Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems and plant control systems, to streamline operations and improve overall productivity in manufacturing environments.
Data will play a significant role in manufacturing by enabling predictive maintenance, quality control, and process optimisation. Manufacturing companies are increasingly using data analytics to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Ensuring accurate data involves various steps, such as data validation, data cleaning, and data quality checks. It is essential to have proper data governance practices in place, and to use reliable data sources. Additionally, implementing data validation rules and regularly monitoring data quality can help ensure the accuracy of the data used for analysis.
In an example, a data scientist analysed a manufacturer’s profit per employer, driven by the stringent labour practices placed on companies in South Africa. The manufacturer had various sites running different processes. It quickly became apparent that one of the facilities could remove a process line and replace it with one similar to a process line at one of the other plants. This resulted in more profit per employee, and the plant could now compete with the other plants within the company.
Do not forget to obtain CPD points in our official publication this month – and if you are doing ‘engineering work’, you have until 31 December 2024 to register.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC was pleased to welcome Vusi Sithole, managing member of Hybrid Control Corporation in Richards Bay, who presented\on the very pertinent topic of ‘Infrastructure monitoring and control for water loss management’.
Read more...SAIMC: Sunshine, swings and smiles: Durban Golf Day hits a high note Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
SAIMC
We say it every year, and we’ll say it again: May in Durban is hard to beat; but 9 May, when the Durban Golf Day teed off at Kloof Country Club, was something else. With sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 20s, it was a fantastic day, full of fun and great energy.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council KS4I event: Bridging the industry/education divide
SAIMC
Horst Weinert, head of Didactic at Festo Southern/Eastern Africa, will be sharing some of Festo’s Didactic experiences of working across industry and education. He will cover training for productivity and employability in the public and private sectors, discussing especially the potential for inter-company training centres.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The local Johannesburg Branch of the SAIMC recently hosted a Technology Evening at Bryanston Sports Club on 9 April 2025.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The April technology meeting for the Durban branch of the SAIMC was kindly sponsored by ProRisk, a subsidiary company of the Proconics Group of Companies. Process safety engineer, Guillaume de Swardt gave a fascinating presentation on the power of operational risk control by utilising CFD software.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council KS4I event SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
The SAIMC User Advisory Council started 2025 with its first event in the ‘Knowlege Sharing 4 Industry’ event series on the 19th of March.
Read more...Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry
SAIMC
In proud partnership with Innomotics, SAIMC will be hosting the first Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry event for 2025.
Read more...Getting your OT data into the cloud – the why and the how
SAIMC
As users recognise the benefits of a digital transformation strategy for their industrial plants and systems and start to adopt it, they soon face the challenge of getting operational technology data securely and reliably to a cloud service provider of their choice.
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