Page 19 - Energize December 2022

NEWS

Now a new race has emerged to pair Units), an initiative created as part of the industry 4.0 revolution, relates to the creation
that hardware and software with ML of a globalised system to transmit calibration certification information electronically. This
and AI algorithms. Companies like Fluke is critical as the exchange of data and the data itself are the basis of highly automated
are working to combine technologies so industrial processes. The system ensures measurement traceability from all calibrations
that the software can identify trends, performed and enables sharing of information in a paperless manner. This speeds up the
recognise data patterns and make integration of measurements that can be performed using critical test equipment as part
specific recommendations for equipment of an integrated factory enhancing maintenance and plant efficiency.
maintenance. “The tests we have faced within the last 24-36 months are delivering a growing
awareness among top management that fundamental changes in maintenance best
3. Digital SI speeds the integration of practice need to occur in order to protect the bottom line,” said Paul Feenstra.
critical equipment measurements “This is music to the ears of progressive industrial managers who have been
The accelerated uptake in digital advocating for investments to improve efficiencies and reliability of systems. Now is the
measurement solutions for industrial time to make the case to adopt innovative technologies, tools and processes to ensure
applications can save time and money, your company maintains a competitive edge and thrives in this new environment.”
whilst facilitating a shift towards
predictive maintenance for systems. Contact COMTEST on + 010 595 1821 or sales@comtest.co.za or www.comtest.co.za
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Ian Kidson retires from Hytec South Africa

after 31 years

R enowned industry expert stalwart, Ian Kidson, Repair Manager at Hytec South

Africa (Hytec SA), has retired after 31 years of dedicated service.
Beginning his career as a motor mechanic, Ian joined the Chamber of Mines
where he qualified in mechanical engineering and worked as a design engineer in
underground mechanised mining for their research and development division. Ian always
had a keen interest in the hydraulics side of engineering and when the Chamber of Mines
closed their R&D division, he jumped at the opportunity to join Hytec SA in 1991 as the
Johannesburg branch’s repairs manager.
In 2008 Ian moved across to Hytec Group’s supply chain and logistics company, Bosch
Rexroth Africa Logistics, as technical manager to assist with group technical information
and product training. He later returned to Hytec SA where he oversaw the Johannesburg
branch’s quality standards and ensured that all employees were trained to Bosch Rexroth
Group’s high standards. He was responsible for the Group’s Service Centre of Competence
programme, as well as being involved in training delegations from across the continent in
the repair of Bosch Rexroth’s hydraulics components.
When asked about his career highlights, Ian lists returning to the Johannesburg Ian Kidson
branch after his stint at Bosch Rexroth Africa Logistics as the highlight of his career and he the time.” She eventually became his
is proud to have worked for a world-renowned company. He was awarded the company’s wife, and the couple has been married
long service award in 2021. for 38 years. They have three daughters
Ian points out that if it were not for his wife he may have ended up in a different and three grandchildren.
career. “The decision to change my career prospects from motor mechanics to hydraulic The Group wishes him a long,
engineering was largely inspired by a young law student who I was trying to impress at fulfilling retirement.

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