Electricity + Control July 2019

INDUSTRY 4.0 + INDUSTRIAL INTERNET OF THINGS (IIOT)

brings unique benefits to the Rockwell offering. It operates on open standards, aiming for the best in class in each segment. Government support Craukamp says President Ramaphosa and the South African government have recognised the imperative of embracing Industry 4.0 or 4IR. The question is how best we do this and make it work to the country’s benefit. The term 4IR has become something of a catchphrase and it means different things to different people. Craukamp puts it into context. “If we look back in history, the first industrial revolution was driven by steam, the second by electricity, the third by the plc, and now we are in the fourth industrial revolution, which is driven by digitalisation.” Rockwell Automation is determined to be involved in the Presidential Commission on 4IR, which has been set up as a discussion forum to draw on the insights and guidance of academia, industry leaders, private sector players and government to guide South Africa forward on this learning journey. He notes that at this stage it is a fledgling forum, but he believes it can make a valuable contribution going forward. Craukamp says technological advances and digital transformation in industry can support, among other things, government’s drive to boost economic growth by increasing beneficiation at home so that as a country South Africa reaps the benefits of exporting finished products as

opposed to raw materials and commodities. It has the potential to advance South African industry to a stronger competitive platform. Skills sets He says it’s clear that the younger generation, having grown up with digital technologies, are and can be early adopters of these technologies in industry and other sectors of the economy. He cautions however, that there is something of a dilemma in SA in terms of skills. “We need to look at reapplying existing skills and upskilling the existing workforce. We also need to recognise this as a journey of continuous learning.” Among the key challenges currently are: to educate and inform local industry, to clarify the concept of 4IR, and to develop a shared understanding of its potential. Concluding, Craukamp emphasises again that South African industry needs to move forward or we will fall behind as a country, increasingly reliant on imports rather than producing goods that can compete globally. He views Industry 4.0 as an opportunity rather than a threat and highlights again its potential to stimulate economic growth. Acknowledging that it is critical to address labour concerns, he says Germany and other countries have faced similar resistance in some areas – yet studies show that the digital transition creates new jobs and other economic spinoffs, overriding job losses. As with any revolution, new opportunities, skills and services emerge to drive industry forward and meet the needs of the new economy.

It’s important to recognise the transition to

Industry 4.0/IIoT as a journey. Different solutions apply in different industry operations and related business models.

Henry Craukamp, Rockwell Automation.

Rockwell Automation at Africa Automation Fair 2019.

Electricity + Control

JULY 2019

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