The July technology meeting of the SAIMC saw Raegan Ramsunder from ifm presenting on food safety. This is something that affects us all, but that we often take for granted, so it was interesting to hear what goes on behind the scenes to ensure that all the correct food safety measures are in place, resulting in fit-for-consumption products − and on the flipside what happens when products need to be recalled. In this day and age, it is horrifying to think that 600 million people fall ill and 420 000 die each year as a result of contaminated food.
Raegan explained that safety in food processing means that automated systems, technologies, and processes used in food production maintain, and even improve, the safety and quality of the final products. The sensors used in the process can self-monitor their status to ensure accuracy and reliability in meeting food safety standards. He showed that with good digitalisation solutions it is possible to make production, processing, packaging, and cold chain processes transparent and safe from farm to table in accordance with the HACCP concept.
The presentation was very interesting and elicited much reaction and many questions from those present. The Durban management team would like to thank Raegan, and of course ifm, for their kind sponsorship of the evening.
SAIMC: From the office of the CEO SAIMC
SAIMC
The INSPIRE Conference 2026 brought industry and academia together to explore advances in automation, AI, mechatronics and engineering. It also marked a new direction for the SAIMC as it works to build future-ready engineering talent and strengthen South Africa’s automation industry.
Read more...SAIMC Durban takes to the skies SAIMC
SAIMC
SAIMC Durban members went behind the scenes at the ATNS facility at King Shaka International Airport. The visit offered a fascinating look at the sophisticated technology and highly trained people keeping South Africa’s skies safe.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
At the SAIMC Durban branch September 2026 technology meeting, Werner Das of SICK explored how deep learning is moving industrial machine vision beyond rule-based systems into practical, everyday quality control on the factory floor.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the COO SAIMC
SAIMC
The recognition of mechatronics and computer engineering has created both an opportunity and a responsibility. Recognition means little without participation, professional registration without professional conduct, and technical knowledge without the mentorship, implementation and measurable value that industry needs.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, covering the digital journey from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban branch hosted S’yabonga Langa, systems performance engineer at eThekwini Electricity, who presented on applying substation automation to improve operational efficiency and service quality in modern power distribution networks.
Read more...SAIMC INSPIRE 2026 brings together industry, robotics and research
SAIMC
The inaugural SAIMC INSPIRE Conference will bring together the industrial automation, robotics and academic communities for two days of presentations, panel discussions and networking, and will explore developments in smart manufacturing, mining, robotics
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.
Team ifm from left: Mitch Naidoo, Dhashika Ramgolam, (Snow White), Raegan Ramsunder.
Mark Calvert, general manager of the Durban branch thanking Raegan Ramsunder for his presentation.
printer friendly version