The June Technology Evening attracted a record attendance with everybody keen to learn more about the topic ‘Realising Industry 4.0’. The evening was kindly sponsored by Beckhoff Automation and MD Kenneth McPherson presented.
Chairman Hennie Prinsloo (left) seen thanking Kenneth McPherson.
Industry 4.0 is the German terminology for ‘Industrial Internet of things’, and the presentation included an overview of where this revolution came from and the aim of it. Kenneth said that a good and simplified explanation is the combining of information technology (IT) and automation technology to create a manufacturing process that is able to self-optimise, self-configure, self-diagnose and which gives intelligent support to workers. The purpose of ‘Realising Industry 4.0’ is to achieve flexible, efficient and sustainable manufacturing processes. It is interesting to note this process can not only be implemented on green fields projects, but that it is also very possible to implement this solution on brown fields projects as well.
Team Beckhoff (from left): Aimee Schumacher, (marketing and admin student), Mike van der Walt (sales engineer), Kenneth McPherson (managing director) and Brad Garside (technical engineer).
Kenneth received his National Diploma Cum Laude qualification as an Electrical Engineer (Power Engineering) in 1996 from PE Technikon and immediately afterwards fulfilled his bursary obligations to Siemens as an apprentice. He then worked for AEG Automation as a project technician. 1999 saw a move to Durban where he took on the position of branch manager for SA Power Services (Lenze SA agent). In 2003 he was appointed as sales engineer for the Beckhoff product range by Jendamark, which stood him in good stead when he assisted in opening Beckhoff Automation in Johannesburg in August 2006, becoming managing director six years later. Kenneth’s employers have always been German industrial automation companies (or their South African agents) and this also means that he understands their way of thinking and was eminently suitable to explain the reality of Industry 4.0.
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...Bridging the digital gap in industrial systems SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
Industrial engineers, digital transformation leaders, and operations managers are invited to an exclusive knowledge-sharing event designed to tackle the complexities of digitising large-scale systems.
Read more...SAIMC Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg branch recently hosted the June Technology Evening. The presentation covered HVAC systems through the lens of instrumentation, highlighting how sensor technologies form the backbone of effective monitoring and control, allowing for effective energy efficiency.
Read more...SAIMC Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Durban Branch hosted its latest technology meeting on 4 June.The event drew a strong turnout, highlighting the keen interest in the topic ‘Understanding Level Measurement: Contact vs Non-Contact Methods’.
Read more...SAIMC at KITE 2025
SAIMC
The Society for Automation, Instrumentation, Mechatronics and Control Engineering (SAIMC) invites you to connect with us at the KwaZulu-Natal Industrial Technology Exhibition (KITE) from Tuesday 22 to Thursday 24 July 2025.
Read more...SAIMC User Advisory Council annual summit SAIMC Supplier Advisory Council
SAIMC
The SAIMC User Advisory Council is proud to present the 2025 Annual Summit, formerly known as the MESA Africa Summit. The theme is ‘Mining and manufacturing in South Africa: SMART operations in a disruptive world economy’.
Read more...SAIMC: Durban branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The Durban branch of the SAIMC was pleased to welcome Vusi Sithole, managing member of Hybrid Control Corporation in Richards Bay, who presented\on the very pertinent topic of ‘Infrastructure monitoring and control for water loss management’.
Read more...SAIMC: Sunshine, swings and smiles: Durban Golf Day hits a high note Technews Publishing (SA Instrumentation & Control)
SAIMC
We say it every year, and we’ll say it again: May in Durban is hard to beat; but 9 May, when the Durban Golf Day teed off at Kloof Country Club, was something else. With sunny skies and temperatures in the upper 20s, it was a fantastic day, full of fun and great energy.
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