System Integration & Control Systems Design


KVM Tech focuses on product excellence and superior support

January 2019 System Integration & Control Systems Design

The intellectual property of KVM Tech was acquired by Alwyn Rautenbach in 2010 and a short while later current MD, Reghardt Rautenbach, joined the company. The intervening years have seen the company grow with 10 engineers/technicians now employed within the Somerset West, Pretoria and Port Elizabeth branches.

Reghardt Rautenbach says that the company has developed a niche for its KVM (keyboard, video, mouse) systems for various control rooms within southern Africa. These systems, which are characterised by their ability to integrate with other business and productivity platforms, are customised to match specific needs and applications. The KVM solutions are essential for mission critical environments that depend on complete reliability and uptime.

“Since our products are renowned for their longevity, we believe it is important to equip clients with the ability to self-maintain them for the long term,” he adds. “By transferring our knowledge to the client, we provide them with all the tools they will need to create sustainability within the control room environment.”

KVM Tech supplies both high-end and entry level KVM solutions. Founded 30 years ago, Guntermann and Drunck has built a reputation as a manufacturer of sophisticated enterprise-level KVM systems for broadcasting, air traffic control, industry and maritime industries around the globe. KVM Tech is the exclusive distributor for the company in southern Africa.

Recognising the need for KVM systems for the more cost-conscious client, Rautenbach visited kvm-tec electronic in Austria and returned with an exclusive dealership agreement to distribute for the company’s product range in southern Africa.

“We have a very strong footprint in southern Africa with both product ranges, having installations in all the air traffic control towers in the country as well as in Multichoice’s command centre, and a number of other broadcasting centres,” says Rautenbach. “We have also installed a system at NCP Chlorchem’s chlorine manufacturing plant in Kempton Park. This ongoing project involves the removal of all current PCs from the corrosive working environment and the addition of new KVM products.”

Eurotherm agency

As a result of a long-standing working relationship, Iritron was asked by Eurotherm UK in late 2017 to assist the company in finding a solutions provider who could comprehensively support the product and not just move boxes. KVM Tech was subsequently approached by Iritron in mid-2018 and a collaborative relationship developed to provide a complete Eurotherm solution.

Rautenbach says that the relationship is synergistic and provides the local customer base with a complete automation design, engineering and support base. Iritron will conduct all engineering and panel building will be undertaken by Referro.

Eurotherm’s lead trainer in the UK spent a number of days training KVM Tech and Iritron engineers at KVM Tech’s local premises. In addition, a number of Eurotherm’s key clients in South Africa received hands-on training.

“We are excited about growing the presence of the Eurotherm brand in southern Africa,” concludes Rautenbach. “It is a stable and reliable product range, and with a dedicated engineering and support complement in South Africa, we believe it will go from strength to strength.”

For more information contact Reghardt Rautenbach, KVM Tech, +27 21 855 1622, [email protected], www.kvmtech.co.za





Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Powering southern Africa’s industrial evolution for over five decades
Oilpower System Integration & Control Systems Design
Established in 1974, Oilpower is a recognised name in South Africa’s hydraulic and pneumatic sector. What started as a small, family-run business has matured into a highly structured operation with specialised teams, experienced engineers and a reputation for technical excellence and reliability. Oilpower is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year

Read more...
Metal plant automation upgrade
ABB South Africa System Integration & Control Systems Design
A combined compressor house (CCH) control system replacement project, undertaken by NJC, an ABB Authorised Value Provider (AVP), has won high praise from client ArcelorMittal.

Read more...
SIs - the channel’s conductors of light
Schneider Electric South Africa System Integration & Control Systems Design
Today’s original equipment manufacturers are innovators in the truest sense, driving the absolute newest in technological advancement. While they develop advanced and often groundbreaking solutions, it is the system integrators who bring these innovations to life.

Read more...
The state of the SI industry remains strong and is expanding
System Integration & Control Systems Design
The system integration (SI) industry is expanding with the adoption of AI, automation and data sharing, allowing companies to improve operational efficiency and competitiveness across diverse sectors.

Read more...
The symbiotic relationship between OEMs and SIs
Schneider Electric South Africa Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
While businesses tend to turn directly to original equipment manufacturers OEMs or vendors when embarking on IT projects, the role of the SI as a key facilitator and partner cannot be overstated.

Read more...
Flexible and precise dispensing technology
Beckhoff Automation System Integration & Control Systems Design
The Scheugenpflug ProcessModule axis system forms the basis of Atlas Copco’s dispensing and screwing cells and a flexible integration platform for general contractors and machine builders. Precise process sequences are ensured by TwinCAT CNC and servo drive technology from Beckhoff.

Read more...
The time is now for systems integrators
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
Integrators combine sophistication regarding technology innovation with practical, hands-on experience. Collaborating with systems integrators is the means to significant productivity improvement, powered by the convergence of automation and information and operations technology.

Read more...
System integrators are a diverse market
Editor's Choice System Integration & Control Systems Design
System integrators (SIs) combine expertise on emergent technologies with real world experience. Working with SIs, it’s inevitable that at some point someone will say, “We’re not a typical SI.” And in many ways, it’s true. SIs come in all shapes and sizes.

Read more...
Avoiding the pitfalls of PLC and scada control system integration
Iritron System Integration & Control Systems Design
Upgrading your control system by integrating PLCs with scada systems should be a simple seamless process. Regrettably, the industry is plagued with control system integration and upgrade myths and misconceptions that can lead to liability issues, project delays, cost overruns and decreased plant performance.

Read more...
EtherCAT measurement terminals for vehicle development at Mercedes-Benz
Beckhoff Automation System Integration & Control Systems Design
At the Mercedes Technology Centre plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, car axles are examined with the highest precision on four test benches, in parallel with road tests and simulations. All data is acquired using PC-based control from Beckhoff.

Read more...