News & events


The convergence of IT and OT

2nd Quarter 2015 News & events

One of the themes arising out of Schneider Electric’s recent international media day held at its Paris headquarters, le Hive, was the increasing convergence of the worlds of information technology (IT) and operations technology (OT). IT is focused on storing and analysing data, while OT focuses on making things work. Schneider Electric’s Michael Sing explains it like this: “From the top down, IT focuses on the business, operations and enterprise information systems required to operate and support a business. Such systems are based on well-published IT standards for the integration of large volumes of information across different applications. From the bottom up, OT concentrates on the plant, processes and equipment required to perform the actual processing operations. These OT systems are often based on vendor-specific, proprietary technologies.”

What struck me was that these are very different disciplines, but Schneider, originally an OT company, is making it work. Senior vice president for press relations, Thierry Nicolet says partnering is a way of life for Schneider. “We differentiate by being customer-obsessive and creating partnership relationships with our suppliers. Even relationships with electricians are important.” This has paid off in the partnerships Schneider has developed with its customers such as Cisco and SAP France.

In this issue we describe how Schneider has recognised the huge opportunity presented by the Internet of Things (IoT), which is creating a step change in its mission to make the world more energy efficient. The company expects IoT to revolutionise its business. “The speed and scale of change is unbelievable,” says chief marketing officer, Chris Leong. “We are combining IT and OT solutions to bring industries to life. Our success is built on our vertical segment expertise.”

Jim Pinto agrees. He says that the new automation leaders will be those who can demonstrate that their products and services can yield significant productivity improvements, and navigate the complexities of global markets; but growth in 2015 will be bottom-up, not top-down. He also quotes predictions that two billion jobs will be jettisoned by 2030, replaced by jobs that are still developing. I can think of a few – energy engineers, robot maintenance technicians, or bionics managers triggered by Festo’s Bionic Learning Network.

In another look into the not-so-distant future, ARC Advisory Group looks at the advent of smart sensors and how they are reshaping the automation landscape through companies such as Schneider. SKF is also up front in the IoT area. We have an account of the company’s wireless shaft alignment system, while in previous issues we have also covered SKF’s intelligent bearing technology, which allows bearings to communicate their operating conditions.

This leads on to our Technews Industry Guide: Maintenance, Reliability & Asset Optimisation, which introduces the benefits of this new technology. Our aim is to provide the maintenance professional with a one-stop definitive resource that covers everything from in-situ sensor-based solutions for condition monitoring, to handheld portable devices for periodic maintenance-related checks, to software solutions for analysis and reporting, to customised services like hoist monitoring and reliability management consulting. Our Industry Guide: Maintenance, Reliability & Asset Optimisation will be posted free of charge to readers of both Motion Control and SA Instrumentation and Control magazines.

A local energy efficiency success story comes from NMMU’s very successful Institute of Chemical Technology, InnoVenton, which has developed innovative algae technology that could turn millions of tons of waste coal dust into high quality clean coal. This project has huge potential for the production of export quality coal as well as biofuel products.

For a bit of fun Motion Control spoke to the vice president for safety engineering at Cedar Fair in Ohio about his extreme ride, Power Tower, which uses pneumatics to launch and drop thrillseekers – ‘pneumatics on steroids’ as he calls it.

Our cover story describes how Beckhoff’s integrated PC control allowed visual inspection to be replaced with a fully automated test cell using delta robots in a complex application in the metalworking industry. Together with this, our metalworking section covers Parker’s contribution about frameless motors for demanding machine tool spindle applications. In the same vein is Tectra Automation’s story about drive components for CNC plasma cutting tables, which greatly improve machine output.

It’s nice to have a larger than usual pneumatics section in this issue. This coincides with the entry into the South African market of Japanese company, SMC Pneumatics, and we are likely to hear a lot more about this new development. Another major international development is the recent joint venture between Hytec and Bosch Rexroth and we have some new appointments to the board here as well.

Kim Roberts

Editor



Credit(s)



Share this article:
Share via emailShare via LinkedInPrint this page

Further reading:

Innomotics certified for innovative mine winder braking system
News & events
Innomotics has achieved SIL 3 certification for the COBRA 02 S braking system for mine winder installations, together with OLKO-Maschinentechnik.

Read more...
BMG backs emerging driver talent in South African motorsport
Bearing Man Group T/A BMG News & events
BMG has reaffirmed its commitment to local talent development through its sponsorship of Karabo Malemela, a driver on the Pablo Clark Racing Development Company’s motorsport development programme.

Read more...
Parker Hannifin brings advanced motion technologies to the World RX
Parker Hannifin - Sales Company South Africa News & events
Parker Hannifin is back on the FIA World Rallycross Championship grid to push the limits of sustainable performance in one of motorsport’s toughest arenas.

Read more...
Prestigious award recognises inventiveness and entrepreneurial courage
Beckhoff Automation News & events
Hans Beckhoff, managing director, owner and founder of Beckhoff Automation, was recently honoured with the widely acclaimed Rudolf Diesel Medal 2025. This medal honours him as a visionary pioneer in automation technology.

Read more...
Epiroc rocks youth development programmes
News & events
Epiroc is not just building equipment - it’s building futures. Through its dynamic internship and learner programmes, the mining equipment and services specialist is shaping South Africa’s next generation of skilled professionals, equipping them with real-world experience, industry knowledge and the confidence to launch successful careers.

Read more...
RS South Africa showcases industrial solutions at MTE Phalaborwa
RS South Africa News & events
RS South Africa recently showcased its latest industrial and electronic solutions at the Mining and Technical Exhibition in Phalaborwa in Limpopo.

Read more...
LH Marthinusen launches new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory
News & events
LH Marthinusen has launched its new industrial fan manufacturing and services factory in Ekurhuleni. THis is a major milestone for South African energy infrastructure growth.

Read more...
Building skills and sharing knowledge for growth in Africa
SEW-EURODRIVE News & events
As a leading provider of drive and automation solutions across the continent, SEW-EURODRIVE recognises that local insight and on-the-ground capability are critical to delivering effective sustainable results. The company continues to invest in people development and technical training within its network of African subsidiaries and partners, supporting the long-term growth of its customers and the broader industrial ecosystem.

Read more...
Schneider Electric drives innovation in Africa
Schneider Electric South Africa News & events
Schneider Electric has officially launched its first Innovation Hub on the African continent, coinciding with the opening of its new regional headquarters in Midrand, South Africa.

Read more...
From the editor's desk: Riding the hype cycle
Technews Publishing News & events
The other day, I came across an entertaining article on the ten biggest tech failures of the last decade. Google Glass, 3D TVs and Elon Musk’s hyperloop have all faded into obscurity. Others, like the ...

Read more...









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.




© Technews Publishing (Pty) Ltd | All Rights Reserved