The last Technology Evening was held on 4 June at the Umhambi Lodge and was sponsored by Yokogawa where KZN regional sales manager, Andre Verreyne, gave a presentation on the topic 'How C&I diagnostics benefit the industry'.
Mervyn Govender (right) thanks Andre after the presentation.
Andre gave an in-depth overview of how to manage diagnostic data. To illustrate the extent that downtime has on the productivity, he stated that according to recent statistics, it was estimated that downtime contributed almost $20 billion in lost revenue – hence the need to identify and predict problems through analysis of diagnostic data.
Starting from the field level, he explained various types of data residing in instruments and showed the hierarchy with which this data moves from the field level, and the processing involved until it gets to the high level MES and ERP systems. Of interest was the integration into systems like SAP. Different systems are available such as CMMS (computerised maintenance management systems) that provide core information and allow the user to do an analysis to identify repeat offenders and pinpoint losses. The information can be analysed by employing techniques such as regression analysis, and the data can be used to help reduce downtime or breakdowns by developing appropriate maintenance schedules.
Mangosuthu University of Technology site visit to Tata Steel
Group photograph with the technicians at Tata Steel.
On Friday 5 June, the branch hosted a successful site visit to Tata Steel KZN for a group of S3 and S4 students from the Mangosuthu University of Technology. The 24 students, accompanied by lecturer James Rwafa, were taken through the smelting process operation by the Tata steel technicians, from raw materials handling right up to the finished product sections. Most of the students had never been in a plant before and the visit gave them the opportunity to see and experience the instrumentation and processes in practice. Unfortunately the plant was off for winter shut-down, so they could not witness the tapping of molten metal from the furnace.
Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry event SAIMC
SAIMC
The last of SAIMC’s Knowledge Sharing 4 Industry (KS4I) events for 2025 will be held in September.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the COO: Enabling AI-ready manufacturing in South Africa SAIMC
SAIMC
Last month, I wrote about the ethical use of AI in our daily lives. This month, I want to explore two concepts, backed by different architectures and technologies, that can assist our manufacturing facilities to exponentially increase the pace of their digital transformation.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch hosted its June Technology Evening at the Bryanston Sports Club, where attendees explored a topic beyond the usual scope of process automation.
Read more...SAIMC: Zambia branch
SAIMC
SAIMC Zambia recently facilitated an industrial visit to the Zamefa Cable Manufacturing Company in Luanshya for twenty automation students from Sinozam. The visit gave students valuable exposure to the advanced technology used in copper and aluminium cable production.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The August technology meeting was jointly presented by Pusetso Sentle and Suvern Moodley on the subject of ‘Universal Automation: Open, Flexible and Vendor-Agnostic Industrial Control’, and drew a record attendance.
Read more...Digitise what matters and leverage
SAIMC
SAIMC has been invited to partner with technology leaders 4Sight and NextGenOpX for a one-day industry event aimed at unlocking the full value of OT investments in the mining sector.
Read more...SAIMC: From the office of the COO: Ethical and practical use of AI SAIMC
SAIMC
In this day and age, we all have access to AI tools. A lot of people claim that if you are not using AI tools in your daily job today you are falling behind. But would it be ethical to use AI tools to write an article per day and sign my name to it?
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC held its July technology meeting at the familiar Premier Splendid Hotel, drawing a strong turnout of industry professionals.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch recently hosted the July Technology Evening at the Bryanston Sports Club.
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