New software - new strategy
July 2010
IT in Manufacturing
Do not change systems at warp speed.
Installation of a new software system requires the implementation of changes to the current system to improve productivity or efficiency. The change includes not only using a new software system, but also new methods and work practices. Initially, productivity and efficiency will more than likely reverse thrust, this is why it is necessary to anticipate and be prepared to deal with problems as they occur.
Asking people to do things differently means involving them early in the process otherwise they may not understand what is required of them. People establish ‘zones of stability’ and perform their tasks within these comfort regions. Management has the responsibility to get them to accept new ideas, for involving them and making them understand the changes that will take place and the benefits that will accrue.
When installing a new system, you inherently install change. Problems can occur in the technical and ‘how to’ functional areas of the change, as well as in the behavioural aspects. The technical problems are often the easiest to recognise and resolve. The ‘how to’ issues are by no means simple though and are usually strongly interrelated with the behavioural aspects. This is why managers must take responsibility for their people and constructively guide them towards the new objectives.
Readers interested in learning more about installation and change management projects written in a futuristic ‘Star Trek’ style can visit: http://instrumentation.co.za/+C13988A
For more information contact Gerhard Greeff, Bytes Systems Integration, +27 (0)11 205 7000, [email protected], www.bytes.co.za
Further reading:
Development of motor control units for automotive industry
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
SEDEMAC has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software, which is used in the development of its motor control units and engine control units. The motor control units are used in EVs, hybrids, ebikes and power tools, while the engine control units are used for off-road and on-road engines.
Read more...
Cybersecurity and cyber resilience – the integrated components of a robust cyber risk management strategy
IT in Manufacturing
Organisations continuously face numerous cyberthreats in today’s digital landscape, and while many prioritise cybersecurity to safeguard digital assets, their strategies for cyber resilience often become neglected.
Read more...
Sustainable last-mile delivery electric trucks
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Workhorse Group, an American technology company focused on pioneering the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industrial software as it builds electric trucks for sustainable last-mile delivery.
Read more...
South Africa’s role in the AGI revolution
IT in Manufacturing
AI has found its way into general conversation after the emergence of large language models like ChatGPT. However, the discussion is increasingly turning to the search for Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), which could entirely change the game.
Read more...
Predictive asset performance management with ABB Ability Genix
ABB South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
The ABB Ability Genix APM suite is a comprehensive asset management platform powered by AI, IIoT and model-based predictive data analytics. This enables a paradigm shift towards a more proactive and predictive asset management approach.
Read more...
Intelligent automation primed for $47 billion revenue by 2030
IT in Manufacturing
According to GlobalData, the intelligent automation market is set to grow from $18 billion in 2023 to $47 billion in 2030, driven by advancements in AI, particularly the rapid adoption of generative AI.
Read more...
Chocolate manufacturing with Siemens Xcelerator
Siemens South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Freybadi, one of the largest chocolate manufacturers in Indonesia and a trusted supplier of chocolate in the Asia-Pacific, Middle East and African regions, has adopted the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software to optimise its manufacturing and production processes.
Read more...
A CFO’s guide to unlocking the potential of gen AI
IT in Manufacturing
CFOs of leading global organisations understand that their role extends beyond mere financial oversight; they are pivotal in steering organisation-wide transformation, particularly in the realm of technological advancement.
Read more...
Higher level cybersecurity certification for Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric South Africa
IT in Manufacturing
Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT NMC3 platform has obtained a new and higher level of cybersecurity certification, making it the first data centre infrastructure management network card to achieve SL2) designation from IEC.
Read more...
Industrial automation edge AI
Vepac Electronics
IT in Manufacturing
Teguar, a leading provider of industrial computer solutions, has announced an innovative partnership with Hailo, an AI chip maker renowned for its high-performance edge AI accelerators. This marks a significant step forward in Teguar’s mission to provide powerful and reliable computing solutions for a wide range of industries.
Read more...
printer friendly version