In his comment upfront in this August 2025 issue of Electricity + Control, Technical Editorial Consultant Professor Ian Jandrell, proposes the view that Industry 4.0, rather than being seen as a revolution (bringing with it some sense of chaos and danger) is essentially about the digitalisation of all those steps that have always been part of optimising plant operations: a process of progressive transformation, making modern plants smarter and faster.
Digitalisation also gives rise to a lot more data than has ever had to be managed by plants before. And for plants looking to use artificial intelligence to optimise efficiencies and performance, relevant data is fundamental. In our feature on Industry 4.0 + IIoT, Sam Veng of Belden sets out the steps for building a data foundation to enable AI in manufacturing, as he shared in a recent blog post.
We also see how cloud hosting of data is shifting increasingly from public to private cloud environments. Noting South Africa’s introduction of the National Data and Cloud Policy just over a year ago, Digital Parks Africa says this is a significant step for the country in terms of digital transformation and, although it may seem to set yet another compliance hurdle, it presents advantages and opportunities, localising cloud data storage and enhancing data sovereignty.
Lee Syse of local cloud platform provider, Routed, highlights that just a few years ago it seemed public cloud was the answer to everyone’s needs. But once the initial rush plateaued, many users realised there were quite a few gaps between the promise of public cloud and the reality. Now, he says, the pendulum is swinging back the other way.
And in the context of industrial control and instrumentation technologies, we celebrate Iritron, a South African-born systems engineering company that this year marks its 25th anniversary. Through the past 25 years it has kept pace with all the technology changes that have emerged since the threat of Y2K to today’s digital transition driven by Industry 4.0. Leigh Darroll spoke to CEO Alwyn Rautenbach about the key factors that have enabled Iritron grow successfully.
In Drives, motors + switchgear, we bring you some of latest news on products and services developed to support industrial efficiency.
Designing and producing complete mine hoists in-house, including the mechanical, electrical and control systems, ABB ensures they are engineered to optimise productivity and safety.
SEW-EURODRIVE, another leader in automation and drive technology, has introduced TrueDNA®, a complete power pack from a single OEM, which means all components work together to deliver optimum performance. The company also reports on the ongoing expansion of its facility in Gqeberha, which will enable it to better serve key industries in the Eastern Cape.
Designers use the D1 motor controller from igus for electric linear drives, handling systems and robot axes. The company has now increased the flexibility of its D1 motor control with the integration of PROFINET / PROFIdrive, making it possible to integrate the D1 into higher-level control systems from major manufacturers.
These are just some of the news highlights in Drives, motors + switchgear.
Plant maintenance, test + measurement are fundamental to optimising plant performance, maximising uptime and output.
Did you know that remote monitoring specialist Omniflex is another successful South African-born company? Founded as Control Logic (Conlog) in Durban, in 1965, it now operates internationally, and this year celebrates its 60th anniversary.
In this issue of Electricity + Control, Omniflex Director Gary Bradshaw highlights the advantages that remote monitoring systems offer for maintaining the widespread infrastructure assets of utilities, as well as on mines or other distant sites, in sometimes hard-to-reach and often harsh environments.
As businesses face growing pressures locally and internationally, costs are under constant scrutiny. For mining companies, as for many others, the focus is on streamlining operations without sacrificing output. In this context, Mamiki Matlawa of ACTOM argues the case for working with one integrated services provider rather than many different providers to deal with maintenance and other services; it enables simplified processes, time- and cost-savings, and more.
Craig Fitzgerald of ISO Reliability Partners flags the widespread issue of fuel adulteration and its impact on plant and machinery. He emphasises that businesses need to be aware of this and take action to ensure reliable fuel quality.
A critical aspect of plant maintenance is ensuring safety. Dr Andrew Dickson of CBi electric: low voltage highlights the importance of including ELPDs – earth leakage protection devices – in electrical installations.
And there is always more of interest in our regular columns on Cybersecurity, Reskilling, Engineering the future and Write @ the back.
CLICK TO DOWNLOAD AND READ THIS ISSUE IN PDF FORMAT.
