For the last Technology Evening of 2017, the branch was honoured to have Rob MacKenzie, MD of Endress+Hauser and vice president of the SAIMC, on his birthday, present to a full house about the Industrial Internet of Things. The presentation was adapted from a version given earlier in the year as part of the Connected Industries Conference.
Jurie Weidemann (left) thanks Rob MacKenzie after the presentation.
Topics discussed included a definition of the IIoT and Industrie 4.0, practical examples, why we should care about it, and what we should be doing in preparation for it. The presentation also explored what was needed for the fourth industrial revolution i.e. data, communications, etc. It posed questions about whether the IIoT is ‘hype’ or ‘hope’, along with the problems/needs that are addressed by it and the associated risks. An important consideration raised is that the traditional automation hierarchy would be forever changed by the IIoT, in that instruments would now be directly connected to the Cloud, which allows for life cycle management that translates into reduced maintenance costs.
Technology Evenings will resume again early next year, with the first one scheduled for 7 February after the AGM.
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