I was recently afforded the opportunity to attend the Test and Measurement Conference 2002, an annual event organised by the National Laboratory Association (NLA). One of the co-sponsors of the conference, the CSIR's National Measurement Laboratory (NML) used the occasion to launch its 'Measurement Practice Improvement Guide', a document aimed at small, medium and micro enterprises (SMME) in the local manufacturing sector.
"The guide is aimed at improving metrology awareness and empowering companies to instil good measurement practice," said François Denner, NML manager. "Ultimately, this will contribute to an improvement in the competitiveness level within South African manufacturing companies, thereby realising an increase in local and international trade."
The guide comprises three sections. The first analyses the importance of measurement in the company's market segment. Factors including regulations, standards, specifications, product quality, export requirements, product certification and measurement requirements are rated in terms of importance, thereby facilitating a decision-making process. Secondly, an evaluation of the measurement capabilities of the company is initiated and thirdly, recommendations are suggested to improve their measurement practice.
What was patently clear about the conference is that many of the issues facing the NLA have strong parallels with the issues facing the patrons and members of the SA Institute of Measurement and Control (SAIMC). The importance of standards control is critical to South Africa's success in competing in global markets.
The importance of not only physical standards, but also training and education standards are highlighted in Charles Palmer's letter (see 'SA control engineering training establishment found wanting). The desperation of Charles' comments is echoed by many of the major players in the process control and instrumentation market. It seems as if the chickens have come home to roost for an industry that has significantly cut back on training over the past 10 years. These cutbacks were due, in part, to government incentives to train artisans and technicians having fallen away. Many companies dropped their training programs like a hot potato. Down the line they are now suffering the consequences with a drastic shortage of competent engineering staff. Hopefully an effective implementation of the new skills development levy will once again encourage companies to invest in training. Let us pray that we have not missed the boat completely!
In my March and April editorial columns, I bleated about Telkom's repeated late delivery of ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) technology. These high-speed lines promise download speeds well in excess of the maximum 56K available on current analog connections, over your existing telephone lines. Telkom's official Gauteng launch 'on a commercial trial basis' is scheduled while this issue of the magazine is at print. I will report back to you in next month's column.
During the latter part of last year, Technews, the publishers of SA Instrumentation & Control, started a significant upgrade of our reader/circulation system. To this effect, most of our readers should be receiving re-registration forms over the next few weeks. A reminder to all our subscribers to complete the forms and return them to our circulation manager at your earliest convenience.
Graeme Bell
Editor: SA Instrumentation & Control
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