“We need more thought leadership content in the magazine,” announced Technews’ managing editor, Graeme Bell, at a recent SAI&C team meeting. “I want you guys to think of something topical and then host a round table discussion on the subject. Find the right people, and get something set up no later than a month from now.” The features editor wiped his brow and the product manager coughed nervously. I nodded sagely, thereby scoring my full quota of Brownie points for the rest of the year.
We did come up with an idea we thought topical. And we received mixed responses when we set about inviting ‘the right people’ – much to the dismay of the product manager. Some champed at the bit in their enthusiasm to join the debate while others scoffed at the idea that scada technology may change substantially in the future. “This is good,” I thought. “We do not only want people who are in agreement. We want lively, even opinionated debate, and the contrarians out there should be welcomed to our table.” Well, I guess we will all find out if I was right in a couple of days when Andrew Ashton chairs the first SA Instrumentation and Control round table discussion and our panel of experts air their views.
The idea is to create a non-sales forum where vendors, system integrators and end users meet to present their different points of view in response to a technology related question. This time it is: ‘Where is scada technology headed in the future?’ Our objective is to unlock the ‘voice of knowledge’ and broadcast it to those who otherwise may not have access. We hope you, the reader, will benefit from what promises to be balanced feedback on the subject, without the usual attempts to influence through marketing speak and other trickery.
The product manager has got over her initial attack of cold feet and has come to realise that you are all fair game now. So do not be surprised if at some point in the future you receive the call to action. We hope you will grasp the opportunity to interact with your peers and share your hard-earned knowledge in ways that establish you all as credible voices on the subject – even if at times, you have to agree to disagree.
We also plan on having a whole lot of fun along the way, so join us. I look forward to reporting more on the subject next month.
Steven Meyer, editor: SA Instrumentation & Control
New Würth Elektronik location in South Africa
News
A new Würth Elektronik branch has opened in Brackenfell, Western Cape. The location operates under the name Wurth Electronics South Africa and will serve local customers, as well as being responsible for markets in Botswana, Mauritius, Namibia, Tanzania and Zambia.
Read more...John Thompson and BECS partner to deliver biomass energy solutions
News
John Thompson, a division of ACTOM and South Africa’s leading provider of industrial energy solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Berkeley Energy Corporate Solutions, a specialist developer and supplier of biomass energy projects. Together, the companies aim to accelerate the deployment of reliable, renewable steam solutions to industrial customers across Africa.
Read more...Academy pumps out the next generation of experts
News
KSB Pumps and Valves has invested in a specialised training centre designed to equip internal and branch staff and certified partners with in-depth knowledge of KSB products and systems.
Read more...Celebrating the power of diversity in the engineering sector
News
The engineering sector has historically been a male-dominated field, and to a large extent it still is. However, this is changing, and the shift is gaining significant momentum as more women begin to take up leadership roles, spearheading innovation and driving inclusive growth.
Read more...From the Editor's desk: What happened to the metaverse? Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
News
One of the most interesting technical crashes in recent years is the metaverse. As recently as 2022, it was white hot, with massive hype led by Meta. Even Bill Gates was saying that in two to three years ...
Read more...Nidec adopts Siemens Teamcenter for electric motor development Siemens South Africa
News
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced that Nidec Corporation, a Japanese manufacturer and distributor of electric motors, has adopted Teamcenter X software from the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software to achieve innovative motor development and supply to set new industry standards, including automotive.
Read more...Yaskawa Southern Africa and Sol-Tech advance industrial robotics training Yaskawa Southern Africa
News
Yaskawa Southern Africa has announced a strategic collaboration with Sol-Tech, a private vocational training institution based in Pretoria, to strengthen technical education in industrial robotics and support the development of future-focused talent for South Africa’s evolving manufacturing sector.
Read more...Building skills and sharing knowledge for growth in Africa SEW-EURODRIVE
News
As a leading provider of drive and automation solutions across the continent, SEW-EURODRIVE recognises that local insight and on-the-ground capability are critical to delivering effective sustainable results. The company continues to invest in people development and technical training within its network of African subsidiaries and partners, supporting the long-term growth of its customers and the broader industrial ecosystem.
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