Ann de Beer, SAIMC Johannesburg branch manager, handing a certificate to Hendrik Spies, SICK Automation Southern Africa.
At the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented ‘From condition monitoring to predictive maintenance: the digital journey’.
Spies explained that digitalisation is moving maintenance away from reactive, schedule-based routines towards proactive, data-led strategies. With industrial facilities under pressure to increase uptime, lower costs and operate with leaner teams, real-time asset information is increasingly important. By connecting intelligent sensors, edge devices and analytics platforms, maintenance teams can continuously monitor equipment health, identify abnormal conditions early and base maintenance decisions on actual asset performance rather than fixed service intervals. This improves reliability, cuts unnecessary maintenance and reduces the risk of costly unplanned downtime.
The integration of operational and information technology is central to this shift, enabling data to move from the shop floor into enterprise systems. Modern condition monitoring solutions track and analyse vibration, temperature, energy use and process variables, giving maintenance teams a complete view of asset health. Edge analytics and cloud-based monitoring help identify potential faults early so teams can prioritise interventions, use resources more effectively and focus expertise where it has the greatest impact.
SICK supports this transformation with smart sensors, IO-Link connectivity, integration devices and edge-based condition monitoring technologies. By processing machine health data at sensor level and turning it into actionable insights, SICK solutions help detect bearing wear, imbalance, misalignment and other mechanical faults before they disrupt production. This provides a practical route from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance, helping teams improve plant reliability, extend asset life, increase efficiency and support Industry 4.0 goals.
The event concluded with a lively question-and-answer session and was well received. The SAIMC Johannesburg branch thanks Hendrik Spies and the SICK Automation Southern Africa team for an excellent 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: 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.
printer friendly version