Allen-Bradley Kinetix 5100 servo drive can run without a controller to meet a range of performance needs. The growing consumer desire for more product variety and packaging sizes is creating a need for smaller, more flexible machines. To provide a more cost-effective option for OEMs building smaller machines, Rockwell Automation is introducing a new Kinetix 5100 servo drive, Kinetix TLP motor and cable that can function as a system without a controller. The new Allen-Bradley Kinetix 5100 servo drive has multiple control modes available to support a wider range of high-speed, low-power motion control applications. The drive can be used with a Micro800 controller, a Logix controller or even by itself, allowing OEMs to choose how the product best functions in their applications. “The Kinetix 5100 servo system works especially well for small- to mid-sized packaging machines that need cost-effective servo control,” said Simon Wong, product manager, Rockwell Automation. “Bundling the drive, motor and cable together creates more competitive system pricing. And the ability for OEMs to select the products based on a machine’s power ratings can save time and effort – and help them get to market faster. This approach and product portfolio positions Rockwell Automation to accelerate our growth in China and emerging markets.” The Kinetix 5100 servo system can also help OEMs make customers more productive. With the explosion of SKUs, manufacturers are faced with multiple changeovers, which are often a manual process. Using the Kinetix 5100 servo drive, OEMs can create a motorised, or automated, system that can help speed up changeovers. Additionally, with built-in safe torque off, users can remove motor torque without removing power from an entire machine, allowing a machine to restart faster after it has reached a safe state. Dual-port EtherNet/IP also supports device-level ring topologies. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
2020 Is the Perfect Vision
South Africa, December, 10,2019 - Paul Stevens, CEO of Just Property, looks ahead to what buyers, sellers and investors can expect from the property market next year. Housing supply is still outstripping demand, and this will, I believe, continue into the new year, which leaves us very much still in a buyers’ market. This presents a wonderful opportunity for first-time buyers and investors alike, as they stand a better chance of securing good opportunities. Properties in South Africa are currently selling for an average 9% below the asking price, and owners wanting to sell quickly are under pressure to accept even lower offers. This, I expect, will continue. Also, a positive for buyers is the evidence that bond-approval rates have risen, and lending criteria appears to be slackening. Making property finance more widely available to people will be a much-needed catalyst for the local market. The FNB Q3 Property Barometer (October 2019) quotes South African Reserve Bank data, saying that these show “that mortgage advances have grown at a progressively faster pace, recording 4.9% y/y in August – the highest growth since November 2010. In fact, since the beginning of this year, mortgage advances have outpaced average house price growth in South Africa for the first time since June 2011. This in turn has boosted transaction volumes, specifically in the R700k–R1.8m and R1.8m– R3.5m price bands.” Third quarter (Q3 19) statistics released by Ooba, South Africa’s leading home loan comparison service, show that their “home loan approval rate increased by 4.3% since the third quarter of 2018, with over 83% of our home buyers successfully securing a home loan. Year-on-year, Ooba also recorded a 5% increase in the approval rate of our 100% finance applications. This demonstrates that banks are meeting the increasing demand for finance from homebuyers who have no access to a deposit. This segment of homebuyers represents almost 60% of our applications processed in Q3 …
Rockwell Automation joins forces with Accenture, Microsoft, PTC, ANSYS, and EPLAN to help businesses simplify digital transformation
New Digital Partner Program streamlines industrial IoT implementations by connecting customers to digital expertise and solutions from market leaders. Businesses that are digitally transforming their operations need an ecosystem of partners that can help them simplify technology deployments and quickly achieve goals like higher productivity. The new Rockwell Automation Digital Partner Program connects companies to expertise and solutions from market leaders like Accenture, Microsoft, PTC, ANSYS, and EPLAN to streamline the implementation and enhance the quality of digital initiatives. Through the Digital Partner Program, businesses can consult with industry advisors to create roadmaps for their digital initiatives and learn how industrial IoT concepts like digital twin, the factory of the future and a connected workforce can improve their uptime and efficiency. During implementation, businesses will have access to integrated hardware, software and turnkey systems from industry leaders that improve business performance leveraging their existing assets. “Seamlessly connecting all levels of a business and turning raw data into powerful insights happens when devices are integrated and data is standardised,” said Blake Moret, CEO and chairman of Rockwell Automation. “No one vendor can do this alone. Instead, companies need an ecosystem of proven partners with the right mix of expertise and technologies to expand what’s humanly possible. We’re proud to expand our work with existing strategic alliance partners like Microsoft and PTC, and add new partners like Accenture, ANSYS, and EPLAN in this effort.” Digital Program partners each bring a unique expertise that collectively creates an ecosystem enabled to deliver a unified, integrated experience. For example, Accenture can work with companies to create a business plan, develop use cases with ROI and maximise the value of those use cases across the enterprise. Microsoft can help companies access high-quality …
The Dynamics of Succession in Family-Owned Businesses
Vector Consulting, in partnership with the Congress of Business and Economics (CBE), is hosting its second international conference,entitled The Dynamics of Succession in Family-Owned Businesses. This informative event will be heldon 7 March 2020 at The Palm Continental Hotel, Johannesburg. Led by renowned businessman and author, Ahmed Seedat, the aim of this conference is to address key concerns and challenges in Southern Africa regarding the blurred lines of control within family-owned businesses. The conference will also address issues around the lack of structure and governance; the impact of generational conflict, as well as how to grow shareholder value within family-owned businesses, among other agenda items. “I belonged to a family business growing up and noticed the dynamics of both success and failure,” explained Seedat, “I have identified many avoidable trends that negatively impact successful businesses, creating a downward spiral. In an economy that cannot afford a higher unemployment rate and knowing that increased entrepreneurship supports employment growth, I wanted to share practical tools to uplift business owners and members of family-owned businesses. The objective is to help them understand all the underlying factors that have a bearing on their daily challenges,” said Seedat. The keynote speaker for this year’s conference is Marius Ungerer, a professor and core faculty member at the University of Stellenbosch (USB). He currently teaches Strategic Management, Leadership and Change Management programmes such as the MBA, MPhil in Management Coaching, and PGD in Leadership at the institute. Since 2009, Professor Ungerer has served as an annual visiting professor at the NUCB Business School’s International MBA Programme based in Nagoya, Japan, and was a visiting faculty member of the University of Johannesburg from 2011 to 2016. His publications include 11 co-authored books, 21 peer-reviewed journal publications and 20 publications in …
12 Tips How to Keep Your Home Safe Over the Festive Season
Johannesburg, December 10th 2019:- Whether you live in a house or flat, if you’re going away soon, then follow these tips.So it’s finally December and you’re going on holiday after the nightmare demanding year that was 2019. Such joy! Such relief! But what happens to your home while you’re away? It’s no secret that many people go on holiday at this time of year and their homes might be more susceptible to break-ins. We’ve rounded up a few tips so you can have peace of mind while you’re away on holiday. “Christmas season is the best time of the year. It’s a time for family, friends, and lots of merriment. Sadly, statistics also indicate that burglaries around this time of the year spike exponentially. This has a lot to do with the fact that burglars are aware that there are lots of gifts in the house and probably extra money lying around. “Says Shaun Rademeyer, CEO of MultiNET Homeloans. Keeping all of that in mind, we’ve put together a list of tips for you to protect your home and keep it secure during the holidays. Make Sure Gifts Aren’t Visible From Outside It’s such a common sight during this time of the year – a frosted window from which you can see a beautiful Christmas tree all lit up, with dozens of gifts underneath it. This sight is enough to make a potential burglar size up your house. With all those gifts in plain sight, how are they supposed to resist? That’s why you need to make sure that your tree and the gifts underneath it are not visible from outside. Remove temptation and you reduce the chances of becoming a burglary victim. Watch What You Post on Social Media Potential burglars are like hawks on social media. They look through posts seeking out information on the types of gifts people have gotten, or when they plan to leave their homes for Christmas shopping or for vacation. The information you choose to post online can be used against you. Therefore, take care not to post about valuables that may be in your home …
Engen and Clicks partner in a winning loyalty formula
Engen and Clicks have announced an exciting new partnership which rewards motorists every time they fill up and swipe their Clicks ClubCard at participating Engen service stations nationwide. This partnership brings Engen, South Africa’s favourite petrol station brand*, and Clicks ClubCard, the country’s leading retail loyalty programme** together in a boon for motorists. “This winning formula will now provide all Clicks ClubCard `customers with a truly convenient loyalty engagement and easier cashback earn, one we are extremely excited and proud to be a part of,” says Seelan Naidoo, Engen General Manager: Retail. Engen operates over 1 000 service stations across South Africa, far exceeding its nearest competitor. Adds Naidoo: “As Engen continues to have South Africa’s largest service station footprint, it makes sense for us to partner with Clicks ClubCard, which is South Africa’s number one retail loyalty programme.” To sweeten the deal, for the first two months of the partnership - during December 2019 and January 2020 - Clicks ClubCard members can earn double points every day when they fill up with Engen Primax Unleaded or Engen Dynamic Diesel 50ppm at participating Engen service stations. “It’s simple: the more litres of fuel you buy, the more points you earn, the greater your cashback,” says Naidoo. Chief Commercial Officer at Clicks, Rachel Wrigglesworth says the company has heeded customer’s requests and is pleased to offer them even more convenience. “With Engen having the largest network in the country, it is now even easier to visit, fill up and earn cashback on your Clicks ClubCard,” says Wrigglesworth. Engen’s enduring brand promise ‘With us you are Number One’ is about always going the extra mile and delighting customers. Naidoo assures that this is the focus of every decision and action of Engen. “This partnership with Clicks ClubCard further strengthens our winning recipe by adding to our already exclusive premier …
Kwikspace: Preferred supplier for petroleum company shutdown 2019
For 20 years, Kwikspace has been a preferred supplier for one of South Africa’s leading petroleum company’s shutdown. This is due to its ability to provide modular buildings in high volume, in short turn-around times and adhere to the strict petrochemical shutdown health and safety standards. Every year, for one to three months, the company shuts down in the Free State as a global statutory requirement for petrochemical industries. All equipment must be shut down for inspection, repair and overhauling to ensure both process and equipment integrity, while maintaining safety as the highest priority. Kwikspace provides plug-and-play, prefabricated rental buildings, delivered to site, to meet clients’ specifications, timeframes and requirements. “Our products are very flexible in terms of size and versatility”, says Cookie Nandlall, Kwikspace Rental consultant. “Our prefabricated buildings are a fast, cost-effective and convenient solution for under-roof space.” Kwikspace provided offices of varying sizes, kitchens and canteens, as well as ablutions during the shutdown that took place this year from April to June. There is a planned shutdown schedule that allows forward-planning and preparation. “We have been working on this project for many years so we know many of the stakeholders and what their requirements are”, says Nandlall. Safety remains the first priority during such shutdown projects and Kwikspace is very proud of their health and safety standards and achievements in line with client’s guidelines. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. …
Top Employers Institute Announces the Coveted Group of Africa’s Top Employers 2020
Johannesburg: Top Employers Institute, a global organisation dedicated to accelerating the impact of people strategies to enrich the world of work, has announced Africa’s Top Employers for 2020. The announcement was made on the 21 November this year, with over 1200 people coming together to celebrate this recognition. CEO David Plink says: “We are extremely honoured to showcase this year’s regional Top Employers. Their dedication to enriching the world of work through outstanding people practices sets the bar extremely high. We hope to see more organisations following their lead in years to come”. Top Employers Institute certify organisations in single countries, regionally and globally. We recognise Top Employers based on a global 4-stage programme governed by a strict standardised process which includes a rigorous Validation & Audit of each organisation. The leading-edge international research conducted by the Top Employers Institute each year determines whether an organisation meets the required standard of HR excellence for certification as a Top Employer. A record 230 organisations officially registered to participate in this year’s programme, 210 organisations spanning 32 African countries and 23 industry sectors were certified throughout the evening. 96 organisations will now carry the South African certification, while 114 Top Employers from 31 other African territories will carry their country specific certification. Top Employers Institute also recognised 17 continental Top Employers who have achieved certification in 4 or more countries. Billy Elliott, Top Employers Institute Regional Manager: Africa, says that the certification provides employers with an important quality metric that enables them to position their brands more effectively in the attraction, retention, and engagement of top talent. “The Top Employers Institute is not just about certifying Africa’s Top Employers. We have seen a progression of HR in Africa over the last few …
Chainsaw guru celebrates 42 years
Mention the word chainsaw, and Innocent Sefolo’s heart probably beats just a smidgen faster. That’s because this particular granddad has been employed by Husqvarna in Pietermaritzburg for a mindboggling 42 years – most of which have involved working with the world-renowned brand’s chainsaws. To say he is passionate about his job is an understatement. “I love what I do,” he says with heartfelt enthusiasm. Sefolo said the past four decades with Husqvarna have been wonderful. Highlights, said the Imbali father-of three (and granddad of five), include a trip to Husqvarna’s global headquarters in Stockholm, and attending a conference in Munich, Germany. “But I also love travelling up north, and seeing other parts of Africa, like Zimbabwe and Zambia, and I’ve also been to Swaziland.” More recently he was in Stellenbosch, which he also enjoyed. Sefolo is the company’s chainsaw guru, and a whiz at training people on how to use Husqvarna’s range of super-efficient machines: think foresters (privateers as well as major forestry companies), and students (Cedara Agricultural College, Stellenbosch University wood science/forestry students), among others. He also sells equipment. “I started my career repairing chainsaws for a Sandvik franchise, a small family-owned company in Pietermaritzburg, with just the manager, his wife and I, when I was 25. They used to import the equipment from Sweden and I learned to repair and sell the machines. Back then, in 1977, the business was run from a small 50sqm shop.” The company was bought out by Husqvarna, and Sefolo continued with the new group, becoming more involved in the training and sales of equipment. “But the chainsaws have always been my favourites,” he confessed. He conceded, however, that the chainsaws with which he started his career are now on display in the museum at Husqvarna’s Pietermaritzburg headquarters. “They are very different from what is available today and what I train people on!” Sefolo is …
CWDi – Committed To The Future Of SA Entrepreneurs
2019 has proved to be “The Year of the Entrepreneur”, with President Cyril Ramaphosa citing Small-to-Medium Enterprise as one of our economy’s primary driving forces. This has intensified the media focus on SMEs. And Brand innovators, CWDi, couldn’t be more pleased about the rejuvenated national interest in entrepreneurship. Award-winning marketing, creative events and activations experts, CWDi, have always made a habit of looking ahead. And in 2019, they took their future focus to a whole new level. CWDi’s involvement in entrepreneur-centred initiatives intensified this year, in the interest of helping young South Africans announce their unique business ideas to the world. And the results have been extremely positive. I AM ENTREPRENEUR (IAAE), in association with FNB, is series of conferences geared at arming entrepreneurs with the critical business and leadership skills they need to make it in the real world. When organisers approached CWDi to run the marketing and manage the events, the team embraced the opportunity. The scope and potential impact of the IAAE project also required brand building, and CWDi rose to the challenge. From the outset, the team knew that a stand-out approach was needed. And that is how the “unconference” came to be. The traditional conference approach had to be turned onto its head. First and foremost, the IAAE conferences needed to provide an inclusive networking and participation opportunity for up-and-coming SA entrepreneurs looking to upskill and learn. CWDi’s more interactive “unconference” approach meant that networking, audience participation, Q&A and access to speakers, sponsors and knowledge was not just encouraged, it was built into the conference’s DNA. Innovative seating plans and activations made networking much more organic, meaning unscripted opportunities were far more likely to pop up. Even though IAAE hosted several events across the country, no two events were the same, and the entrepreneurial spirit …