Electricity + Control May 2019

CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

Industrial 5G and establishing several 5G inter- operability test centres under actual OT conditions.

In process automation, Siemens introduced Si- matic PCS neo, a new software package which uses the hardware portfolio and application architecture of the powerful Simatic PCS 7V9.0 process control sys- tem. It offers companies in the process industries ac- cess to global web-based cooperation in engineering and operations. The system is scalable from small process modules through to big process plants. Looking to the future, Siemens also presented a number of potential industrial applications us- ing new and developing technologies. Blockchain, for example, can be used to improve traceability in the food supply chain. And the new 5G com- munications standard will provide the powerful communications infrastructure – delivering relia- ble, high-performance broadband transmission to enable the efficient transfer of high volumes of OT and IT data – required for Industry 4.0 applications. Siemens is running its own research projects for

Siemens presented a number of new additions to its Digital Enterprise portfolio at Hannover Messe 2019.

For more information contact Siemens: https://new.siemens.com/global/en.html

round up CONTROL SYSTEMS + AUTOMATION

Change management key to Industry 4.0 transition

At the opening of the Connected Industries Conference, which will run alongside the Africa Automation Fair, 4 to 6 June in Johannesburg, Toubøl will present some of Lego’s Industry 4.0 learnings in his area of expertise, with practical advice on key technologies, managing change and the competencies needed in the workforce. Marius Smit, event organiser at Reed Exhibitions, says Indus- try 4.0 is a priority for South African enterprises seeking to grow efficiencies and become more competitive internationally. “Ad- dressing local concerns and Industry 4.0 ambitions, the Connected

While South African enterprises are moving to embrace Industry 4.0 models and technologies to enhance efficiencies and remain competitive, adapting to these new models is not without chal- lenges. However, migration to this new world does not have to take place in a ‘big bang’ manner. Jesper Toubøl, Vice President, Elements and Moulds at Lego, says traditional business culture and a lack of effective change man- agement can test efforts to move to an Industry 4.0 environment. Toubøl was speaking ahead of the Africa Automation Fair and Con- nected Industries Conference coming up in June, where he will de- liver the keynote address on Industry 4.0. “Key to transitioning to Industry 4.0 effectively is to shift from a traditional waterfall approach to an agile approach. It is not necessary to do massive rollouts: development and change can be implemented faster in small stages,” he says. “It is also important to demystify what Industry 4.0 means, particularly among workforces, and to emphasise the business case and workforce benefits of moving to an Industry 4.0 environ- ment. So effective change management is crucial.” Toubøl notes that industry is confronted with the rapid advent of Industry 4.0 at the same time as older pre-internet management faces the arrival of a wave of millennials and ‘digital natives’ in the workplace, resulting in myriad cultural and operational changes in industrial environments. “Enterprises need to accept new ways of working,” he says.

Industries Conference will assess South Africa’s progress in this re- gard and consider Industry 4.0’s potential impact on South African manufacturing. For more information, visit: www.reedexpoafrica.co.za or www.africaautomationfair.com

Jesper Toubøl, Vice President, Elements and Moulds at Lego.

Electricity + Control

MAY 2019

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