ABB has launched ABB Ability SmartMaster, a comprehensive asset performance management platform for verification and condition monitoring of instrumentation and field devices in the water, wastewater, chemical, oil and gas industries. SmartMaster remotely gathers, analyses and verifies diagnostic data from instruments, without interrupting current measurement tasks. The platform can be used with a range of ABB and third-party instruments, such as flow meters, level meters, and temperature and pressure sensors. Available as an on-premise or cloud-based solution, SmartMaster sends a valuable fleet level overview from the field straight to the customer’s phone, tablet or other device.
SmartMaster addresses key challenges such as managing the sheer volume of instruments that are installed on any given plant. Many facilities typically have hundreds or even thousands of devices, some of which may be installed in hard to reach or hazardous areas. Another big challenge is applications and data running in silos. This limits insights and efficiency of operations. By getting better, actionable insights, operators can see both increased efficiency and environmental benefits.
Managing director, Amina Hamidi said: “With hundreds of field devices working in the background, optimal performance is impossible to achieve without digital service technology. The ABB Ability SmartMaster connects the physical and digital worlds, ensuring that instruments perform optimally.” With SmartMaster, plant operators can access data on instrument status and identify in advance any potential issues that could affect measurement performance or result in unplanned downtime. This knowledge helps them to plan servicing, spare part orders and device replacement.
Buildings in Africa’s urban evolution Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Africa is now an urban continent. How does the continent mobilise to accommodate urban dwellers and maintain and implement critical infrastructure that allows for this expansion? Building management systems provide a tangible solution to optimise resource use, lower operations costs and ultimately contribute to a growing continent that also employs green practices.
Read more...Black Rock Mining centralises mining operations with AVEVA
IT in Manufacturing
Black Rock Mine Operations replaced and upgraded its existing infrastructure, and installed additional capacity to expand production from 3 to 4,6 million tons in three years. The new system is powered by a suite of AVEVA solutions.
Read more...The strategic role of technology in today’s economy
IT in Manufacturing
In an era of economic uncertainty and persistent market volatility, businesses are under immense pressure to manage costs while maintaining operational effectiveness. The role of chief information officers and chief technology officers has never been more critical, as they are tasked with leveraging technology not just as a tool for efficiency but as a strategic asset in navigating these turbulent times.
Read more...Minutes to meltdown: surviving a cyber attack
IT in Manufacturing
Commvault recently hosted its Minutes to Meltdown event. Led by the company’s security experts, this was an interactive and detailed ransomware attack simulation designed to help companies understand how to respond in the event of a cyber attack.
Read more...Siemens elevates automotive and aerospace simulation Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Siemens Digital Industries Software has announced the latest update to its Simcenter portfolio, delivering advancements in aerostructure analysis, electric motor design, gear optimisation and smart virtual sensing. These enhancements are designed to streamline workflows, accelerate certification and provide deeper insights into system performance.
Read more...Automation in 2025: Navigating manufacturing innovation without the risk
IT in Manufacturing
During 2025, a wave of innovative technologies is expected to disrupt and change the way IT is applied to automation systems. The challenge lies in balancing the reliability of proven techniques with the potential of new technologies, all while minimising and controlling risk. This article explores ways to approach the latest information technologies effectively in a manufacturing context.
Read more...Safer, simpler temperature measurement ABB South Africa
Temperature Measurement
ABB has launched an enhanced version of its NINVA TSP341-N non-invasive temperature sensor, delivering safer and simpler temperature measurements for applications in the chemical, oil and gas industries.
Read more...South Africa’s AI revolution is here – but are we secure?
IT in Manufacturing
South African businesses are sprinting to embrace generative AI, lured by its potential to drive efficiency, productivity and innovation. But here’s the stark reality: without a rock-solid cybersecurity foundation, AI will become a Trojan horse, opening the floodgates to sophisticated cyber threats.
Read more...Shaping data resilience strategies with AI and hybrid cloud solutions
IT in Manufacturing
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, organisations are under growing pressure to secure their operations against increasingly sophisticated cyberthreats, including those that leverage AI to enhance the success rate of attacks. In this landscape, it has become essential to ‘fight fire with fire’ – harnessing AI as a means to counter these threats.
printer friendly version