Not just automation - 'intermation'

March 2001 System Integration & Control Systems Design

Throughout the last few years, it has become apparent that customers are becoming more and more reliant on useful and timely production information. The emphasis, which was completely on the availability a system or product could offer the end-user, has now moved to how fast the end-user (who normally is the production and maintenance engineers and their staff) can react to changing variables on the plant floor. Information has to be available in near realtime from the actual processes to not only the operator but also all relevant personnel. Systems Management & Services call this 'intermation' - it is actually the integration and interrelation of information from the automated process with the relevant personnel.

In its quest to become 'intermation' specialists, the company has aligned itself with products that make this dream a reality. One of these products is Siemens PCS7, the Siemens solution to total system integration. Systems Management & Services has been involved in the evolution of PCS7 in South Africa since its inception at Palabora Underground Mining Project. The company is still actively participating in creating the most automated mine in South Africa.

From its humble beginnings in Phalaborwa, Systems Management & Services has moved to Mpumalanga, locating itself in Witbank. It is the company's aim to align itself as the preferred supplier of PCS7 services in South Africa as well as the preferred supplier of automation in the Mpumalanga region.

Systems Management & Services is also thoroughly trained, and able to fully support Simatic S5, Simatic S7, Intouch, Fix-32, iFix and Adroit. Networks supported include Ethernet (Office and Industrial), Profibus DP & PA, ASI, serial RS232 & 485, Modbus and Sinec L1. The company can also provide solutions with the latest technological advances such as OPC, ActiveX, COM and DCOM integrated with any of the Microsoft family of development tools such as Visual Basic, C++ or Web based applications.

Previous project exposure:

* EMS - technical support for Foskor Ext. 8 project

* Siemens - Sappi Usutu (supply and commissioning of equipment: PCS7 engineering station and servers for drying line)

* Rema Tip Top - Automation of steam supply system

* Zuena Stärker - Design and implement a system sourcing binary coded numbers from existing robot controller to barcode printer.

* Sappi Usutu - LT1 Drying Upgrade PH2 - services and site assistance

* Palabora underground mining project - supply and management of resource for implementation of PCS7 at underground expansion.

Systems Management & Services offers factory wide automation of any task from the plant floor to the executive's office, all under one roof.

Systems Management & Services

(013) 697 1884

[email protected]

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