The topic for the June Technical Evening, presented by Kallie Bodenstein of Yokogawa, compared the differences between ‘DCS vs. PLC’. From the branch’s perspective, if it was up to us, we would award the prize for best ‘exhibition’ to Yokogawa for the effort taken to setup a comprehensive simulation test bench, affording attendees (who included our peers but also some very clever students) the opportunity for some hands-on practice.
Jurie Weidemann (left) thanks Kallie Bodenstein after the presentation.
Kallie, who has been providing training since 2005, gave a brief history and overview of PLC/scada and DCS systems, however, ultimately there are seven questions one has to ask oneself when deciding which system to use:
1. What is being manufactured, and how? If it is ‘things’ PLC else if ‘stuff’ DCS.
2. What is the value of that being produced and the cost of downtime? High = DCS.
3. What do you view as the ‘heart of the system’? If controller then PLC, if supervisory then DCS.
4. What does the operator need to be successful? Handles exceptions then PLC.
5. What system performance is required? Fast then PLC, high levels of redundancy then DCS.
6. What degree of customisation is required? Extensive libraries then DCS.
7. What are the engineering expectations? Bottom up approach e.g. individual components then PLC or if top down, e.g. upfront design process followed then DCS.
Plant in a box simulation.
The above is only an extract. Kindly contact Petrus Klopper ( petrus.klopper@ai2sa.co.za) should you require a copy of the presentation or for more info on the ’plant in a box’ simulators.
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: Johannesburg branch SAIMC
SAIMC
Hendrik Spies of SICK Automation Southern Africa presented at the SAIMC Johannesburg Technology Evening on 12 August 2026, covering the digital journey from condition monitoring to predictive maintenance.
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: Eastern Cape branch SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Eastern Cape Branch co-hosted a satellite viewing site for ICRA 2026 at Nelson Mandela University, giving postgraduate students, academics and local industry professionals access to premier international robotics and automation keynote sessions.
Read more...SAIMC: Johannesburg Technology Evening SAIMC
SAIMC
The SAIMC Johannesburg Branch July Technology Evening, hosted by WIKA Instruments, covered key level measurement technologies and featured live product demonstrations from area sales manager Anthony Terblanche.
Read more...International robotics conference streams live to Africa
SAIMC
The SAIMC hosted five live-stream viewing events across South Africa for the IEEE International Conference of Robotics and Automation in Vienna, bringing global robotics research and technology directly to local industry and academia.
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