Page 3 - EngineerIt February 2021

FROM THE EDITOR

There is no new normal!

s industry emerges from a chaotic The new normal is a shifting target
and difficult 2020, it has no other For some time now we have been talking about the new normal
Aoption but to begin a rebuilding but there is no new normal - it should be a shifting target to
phase; however this rebuilding must go keep in tune with the future. Maybe it refers to social distancing
beyond restoration. There is no point returning and the wearing of masks. In business we cannot settle for a
to the old way of doing things. Due to changes new normal because it indicates that we not exploring the
that no one would have wished for, and fuelled future. What is high-tech today will be obsolete tomorrow, and
by the requirements of a digital society, the tomorrow is much closer than we think.
technology industry will doubtless take on a From where I sit as editor of EngineerIT, I like our policy of
new shape in the coming years. This is not like open-mindedness, exploring the world of tomorrow and bringing
rebuilding to reclaim the past; this is rebuilding our readers up to speed with new developments. Our aim is not
for the future. just to move with the times but to be one step ahead.
But as the digital society is building a new Last month I wrote about our new website that will be as
future, there are many opportunities that are fast as lightning, with stories that open at the click of the
being offered to the entire industrial landscape, button. It is here, and has received some great comments.
and we in South Africa are not immune to this. We also introduced EngineerIT as an e-book, e-zine or
Let’s be honest about it - digital transformation electronic format, whatever label you would like to give it. For
is not something we have put at the top our list readers who want to download a copy of the magazine, there
of priorities. Yes, we have talked and written is still a PDF version available. To flip through the pages and
about it a lot, but there always seems to be jet to the various hot URLs, the e-Book should be your choice.
have been something else that was All these innovations are also offering you better, more
demanding more urgent attention. Just working cost-effective advertising opportunities. If you have started
from home is a good example. So many rebuilding your company for the future, to be successful you
company bosses were only happy with bums need to be seen by your customers but more importantly, by
on seats in the office, rather than concerning your future customers.
themselves with the contribution employees So, there is no new normal, only staircases to the future.
make, and their output. Let us be part of that future. Enjoy the February edition and tell
It may be said that the pandemic and the your friends about it.
long period of lockdown, wisely or Stay safe but be proactive. Share your thoughts with me
excessively depending on which side of the and our readers. I am only a phone call or email away.
fence you are on, forced us into digital
transformation. Reporting from companies Best wishes
who took it seriously indicate that it has
placed them in better rebuilding position for Hans van de Groenendaal
the future, for growth in 2021. In fact, some Editor, EngineerIT
companies continued building their future 012 991 4662 or 082 781 4631
while in the lockdown. hansv@nowmedia.co.za

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