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INDUSTRY, TECHNOLOGY, PRODUCTS and INNOVATION you want to read about

Creating factories of the future services like servicing and monitoring.”
For Industry 4.0 technologies to work effectively, however, it will
require shifting the value creation process towards software engineering,
ndustry 4.0 technologies will increasingly be incorporated into the the digitalisation of machines and a comprehensive decentralisation of all
Idesign of factories of the future. Digitalisation, intelligent automation processes, he explains.
and ‘smartisation’ will allow these factories to operate more productivity, “For the most part, the technologies for Industry 4.0 already exist with
efficiently and cost-effectively. computer-integrated manufacturing and lean production systems, resulting
Raymond Obermeyer, managing director of SEW-EURODRIVE South in more efficient and more reliable systems,” he says. “The challenge,
Africa, explains that Industry 4.0 includes all the opportunities for digitally however, is how to network and combine these proven technologies
networked production. It means that networked and centrally controlled into new, autonomous systems which use data and intelligent analysis
machinery and components can make independent decisions. programmes to enable predictions of how technical processes can be made
“Industrial production strategies have traditionally been based more reliable, efficient and even fail-safe.”
on central and hierarchical control entities. Industry 4.0 technologies, Industry 4.0 technologies are nothing new to SEW-EURODRIVE. The
including the Internet of Things (IoT), are changing this, allowing machines, company’s factory in Graben-Neudorf in Germany is a showcase of Industry
components and work pieces to be smart with the ability to self-organise,” 4.0 technologies, intelligently networking people, things, processes,
he says. services and data.
Describing ‘smartisation’ as the fusion of conventional physical “Our Graben-Neudorf factory is part of our vision to shape the factory
products with cutting-edge information technology, Obermeyer of tomorrow,” reveals Obermeyer. “It is a factory which is characterised by
points out that once things are smart and digital, the possibilities system solutions for Industry 4.0 which intelligently links mobile robots and
are endless. “Networking and machine-to-machine communication assistance systems to a loose process module, in the process supporting
becomes possible, as do autonomous and decentralised control employees, raising productivity and implementing smart maintenance.”
mechanisms, the intelligent use of big value data streams, and even Many of these same technologies, he reveals, are being implemented
in SEW-EURODRIVE South Africa’s new R200-million headquarters, based
in Aeroton, Johannesburg. The high-tech facility is key to the company’s
aim of even more efficiently servicing customers both in South Africa
and on the African continent. The company will be using these same
learnings and technologies to help customers develop their own factories
and manufacturing facilities of the future, incorporating state-of-the-art
Industry 4.0 technologies.
“In our opinion, conventional industry boundaries will increasingly be
blurred by the digitalisation of processes and disruptive technologies. As a
result, businesses need to plan for and incorporate these technologies in
order to remain competitive. Get it right and not only will businesses be
more sustainable, but they will have optimised the value creation process,”
concludes Obermeyer.

Manufacturing Expo - another one bites the dust, just for now!

pecialised Exhibitions, a division of Montgomery Group and organisers
Sof the Local Southern African exhibition that showcases locally
manufacturing solutions and services, has announced that the 2021 show
has been cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic. Local Southern African
Manufacturing Expo was due to take place from 2 – 4 November at
Johannesburg Expo Centre.
The next edition of the show will be held in 23 - 25 May 2023 at the
same venue. “Although disappointed that the 2021 show will not go ahead,
it is the right decision for all stakeholders involved. We fully support the
measures taken by Government to limit the size of indoor gatherings.
The safety and wellbeing of our exhibitors, suppliers, visitors and the
industry as a whole continues to be of paramount importance to us”, said
Gary Corin, Managing Director of Specialised Exhibitions.
“Exhibitions post COVID-19 will play an essential role in providing a
fast-track to economic recovery. They will enable the all-important face-to- ideas and innovative plans for more value-add show features across our
face connection between buyers and sellers, bring new products to market, portfolio of exhibitions. These will be in addition to our popular ‘every-day-
drive innovation, forge partnerships, build brands and community, offer a-themed day’ experience, industry conferences, free-to-attend seminars,
immersive experiences and provide intellectual content and educational skills development zone, business match-making and live demonstrations.
opportunities through seminars and workshops,” says Charlene Hefer, So it’s exciting times ahead and we look forward to Local Southern African
Portfolio Director at Specialised Exhibitions. “We have some exciting new Manufacturing Expo, 23 - 25 May 2023.

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