So the year is already one month old and is gathering momentum to whizz by us faster than 2013 did!
Your SAIMC servant-leaders have been hard at work since the conclusion of our long but highly successful meeting on the business plan. The main reason for this 5–10 year plan is to ensure that each successive president and his council build upon the past activities, so that the long-term objectives are achieved. The plan is now finalised and the next step is to prioritise the activities for the 2014 year, which will be driven by the incoming council and president.
The priority items will then be fleshed out into detailed plans with action lists, budgets and time lines, so progress can be measured and monitored. This will cascade down to the branches so that we are all in alignment. We will need to increase our manpower and financial resources significantly in order to achieve these important goals for the industry. Hence sub-business plans will be developed to solicit funding for our activities.
Any organisations out there that are able to assist us with resources are welcome to contact me to discuss how they can contribute to the achievement of our goals.
I am looking forward to meeting members at our various branch AGMs that are taking place this month and will value any comments and ideas they may have. We hope to have a great turnout for the SAIMC AGM in Johannesburg in March. Details to follow shortly or visit our website www.saimc.co.za to stay informed.
Our branch plans have been finalised for the year and we plan to have the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) address every branch this year so our members can get first-hand information regarding the importance of registration due to the impending Identification of Engineering Work legislation (IoEW). They will also share information on the new registration system, which will be based more on competency than the historical training-focused system. We hope this will make it easier for our more mature members to register.
I would also like our readers and members to start considering what we will call our profession, once it is registered as the 10th engineering discipline. The term Control and Instrumentation (C&I) engineer is very common in SA, however, we need to look at international definitions as well.
Currently the American-based ISA defines a Certified Automation Professional as: Automation professionals are responsible for the direction, definition, design, development/application, deployment, documentation and support of systems, software, and equipment used in control systems, manufacturing information systems, systems integration and operational consulting.
So, the first question I ask: Is Control and Instrumentation part of Automation or vice versa?
On the other hand the British Institute of Measurement and Control define themselves (and presumably members) as: The Institute of Measurement and Control is committed to promoting the professional excellence of engineers and technologists at all levels in the automation, instrumentation, control and related industries. Its aims are to advance the science and practice of measurement and control technologies and their various applications, to foster the exchange of views and the communication of knowledge and ideas in these activities, and to promote the professional qualification and standing of its members.
So, the next question I ask: Is Automation part of Measurement and Control or vice-versa?
These questions created a lot of debate in council and I eagerly await the thoughts of you, our industry representatives out there!
What should we call our discipline in future?
I thank you all for taking the time to read this column, please e-mail me your thoughts on vinesh.maharaj@saimc.co.za
Working together, achieving more,
Vinesh Maharaj, President.
| Tel: | +27 11 312 2445 |
| Email: | ina@saimc.co.za |
| www: | www.saimc.co.za |
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