The Lector 620 Professional image-based barcode reader ensures the plant has technologically up-to-date unit level traceability on all product elements. This helps achieve increased product traceability and improved quality control. SICK Automation South Africa (SICK), one of the country’s leading sensor solution suppliers for industrial applications, recently installed 120 image-based 2D barcode readers across multiple scanning stations in a South African-based tobacco manufacturing plant. The cigarette manufacturer was looking for a solution to move from its manually intensive marking and tracing system, which facilitated human error and lacked a satisfactory verification process, to a modern technological one. The client’s objective was to ensure the plant retained its ability to produce world-class products. This would be achieved through increased product traceability and improved quality control. SICK recommended its Lector 620 Professional image-based barcode readers, part of its Lector 62x product family, specifically designed for improved product and process traceability. The installation of these barcode readers has ensured that the plant has technologically up-to-date unit level traceability on all product elements. This incorporates from the container-stored tobacco blends through the entire production process, ending with cartonised cigarette boxes contained in palletised containers for distribution. The Lector 620 range includes a fail-safe micro SD card in case of device failure, which automatically loads all required device settings when inserted into a new device. “Product traceability allows for safe products to be manufactured while protecting the production process,” points out Mark Madeley, Marketing Manager, SICK South Africa. He adds that among the benefits of the Lector 620 Professional is their automatic parameter switching ability. “This allows the barcode reader to change its settings between four different modes, thereby . . .
2 reasons to automate compliance management. POPIA and GDPR
POPIA was signed into law in 2013. GDPR was adopted in 2016. GDPR came into effect in 2018 and POPIA hasn’t come into force yet. EU regulation concerns every company which has at least one employee or one client who is a European citizen, while POPIA is to be complied by any responsible party domiciled in South Africa or any responsible party who uses automated or non-automated means within South Africa. GDPR covers all the EU members wherever they reside, and POPIA concerns those within the jurisdiction of South Africa only. The requirement seems to articulate clearly the limits of compliance for regional businesses making nearly each South African company subject to both sets of regulations. POPIA makes you accountable for legal processing of personal information in accordance with the purpose. The request for user details shouldn’t exceed the needed amount or be kept more than it is necessary. Collected information is to be relevant and regularly updated. A person whose data is stored should be aware of what details are selected, why and by whom an enquiry was made. A company which processes customer data is required to ensure that proper measures are taken to protect confidential details. A data subject can manage personal information which is used by a responsible party, remove excessive details and correct misleading facts. A person can ask for a record confirming that particular details are kept by an organisation. POPIA has a dedicated rule set for direct marketing and automated assessment process involving data subjects. The scope of POPIA comprises not only confidential details of individuals but also data of legal persons protecting corporate entities from information misuse. GDPR shapes similar standards which should administer personal data usage but comprises some ideas which are not as clear in the POPI Act. Even if South African businesses comply with POPIA successfully they will need to observe GDPR requirements focusing particularly . . .
SPOT plays an integral role in “Lessons from the Edge”
In March this year South African ultra-runners, Ryan Sandes and Ryno Griesel, braved sub-zero temperatures, frost bite, exhaustion and starvation to set a new Great Himalaya Trail (GHT) FKT in a time of 24days 3hours 24min covering a staggering distance of 1504k. Joining Ryan and Ryno on their journey was a SPOT Gen 3 satellite tracking device, which proved an integral tool in not only their safety but also the filming of their documentary – Lessons from the Edge – by film maker Dean Leslie from Wandering Fever. “Logistically, this was one of the most complex shoots I have ever done. Having the SPOT tracking and being able to physically see the dot moving was integral to this trip. In fact I would be inclined to say that it would have been almost impossible to have documented their journey without SPOT!” says Dean Leslie from Wandering Fever. “When we had no comms for days on end it was our only source of “communication” with Ryan and Ryno. We were able to see from the live tracking exactly where they were and if they were safe or not, along with that we were also able to plan our weeks and gauge what sort of distances they were covering each day.” The film sees Sandes and Griesel traverse heavily snow-covered mountains and experience incredibly extreme weather conditions unusual for this time of the year along the way. They suffered frost-bitten fingers, serious tummy bugs, breathing difficulties and a couple of near death experiences. A constant on the route, however, was the incredibly welcoming spirit of the Nepalese people who truly embody the spirit of Namaste, and welcomed the both of them into their homes. “There was no way we could have attempted a challenge like this without SPOT and its tracking,” explains Ryno Griesel. “SPOT allowed us share our journey in real time with the rest of the world, logistically plan our routes and allowed us the confidence to push boundaries, knowing that help was always on hand!” Lessons from the Edge makes it . . .
Gadgets on the Go from Homemation
Denon Bluetooth Speaker: Premium Water and Dust proof Bluetooth Speaker. This Denon Bluetooth speaker, from Homemation, are both practical and effective. Whether you want a soundtrack to your cooking, to fill your front room with music or pack a speaker in your bag and enjoy your tunes on the move, on the beach or by the pool – this does it all. Dust and waterproof! Tuned by Denon’s class leading audio engineers, each speaker has been painstakingly crafted to achieve an unmatched musical performance. Implementing innovative digital sound processing techniques, powerful amplifiers and high-quality speaker chassis, the range is capable of creating an immersive soundscape that easily annunciates the subtlest of high notes, whilst simultaneously having the ability to deliver deep bass tones with complete control and clarity. Enjoy simple connectivity from your smartphone. Priced from: R 1 350 Denon Wireless Headphones: For those who want their music all to themselves or perhaps want cable free headphones for gym or exercise Denon have a great set of sports orientated headphones to meet this need. They feature high-quality drivers with digital signal processing, Bluetooth Class 1 connectivity for tangle-free use and reliable connection, Clear Voice Capture noise reduction for phone calls, plus voice prompts, Earhook technology and a choice of eartips for comfort and a secure fit, tough construction for life on the move and sweat and moisture protection for long-term durability. Sports earphones can inspire you to greater efforts in your daily run or workout, or simply make the commute more tolerable – and with the combination of a design built for comfort, durability and superb sound, Designed to give you the freedom to move with the music. PRICED FROM R 1 550 The Polk Boom Bit: The World’s First Truly Wearable Bluetooth Speaker. When working out in the gym, headphones make sense but when out for a run or cycle on the road, headphones . . .
All The Mobile Need-To-Knows This Holiday Season
From mobile data-saving tips to numbers to call in a roadside emergency, the Festive Season’s the time of year when mobile-related advice flies almost as fast as those trolley races down aisles. Need to know how to trim your mobile spend in anticipation of those heavy grocery bills this December? Want to restrict your children’s app usage in favour of some Grandma and Grandpa time between Christmas and New Year? South Africa’s vibrant mobile sector is sure to publish reams of useful consumer information over the holidays. Keeping up with all these varied mobile hints and tips across so many media platforms can be tricky, as our attention turns towards tinsel, turkeys and (so many) treats. The Wireless Application Service Providers’ Association of SA (WASPA) represents over 384 of the firms that develop the lion’s share of mobile content, applications and value-added services we enjoy as we laze at the beach, berg and bush during this time of year. WASPA’s been publishing consumer-related mobile information since its inception, almost a decade and a half ago, as part of its consumer protection mandate aimed at building confidence in the industry. Here’s the best of the bunch as we zoom towards the silly season: Knowledge is Power - Downloading your mobile network's usage app, opting to receive SMS data usage updates and downloading special data-saving apps will all help you to remain on top of data usage in order to make informed decisions. The more you save on background data, the more data you’ll have to use on mobile apps you really want to use. Protecting Children - SA’s mobile networks offer practical ways for parents to protect their children from accessing adult content over the holidays. Ask your cellular network operator what measures they have put in place to protect children in this regard. Vodacom, for example, enables parents to block adult content from being received on their child's cellphone by dialing *111*123# from the . . .
ICT Must be Declared an SOE Non-Negotiable, Says Otel
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) like Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and other cost-conscious digital technologies must be declared absolute non-negotiables for immediate implementation across all cash-strapped State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs). That’s according to independent telco Otel, a longtime provider of digital voice, data, software and hardware solutions. “Immediate savings of some 45% are routine, for example, when organisations make the switch to IP-based communication, while productivity improves in leaps and bounds when employees get to grips with state-of-the-art digital workplace tools that enable their potential,” says Rad Jankovic, Otel CEO. Struggling SOEs needn’t continue to drown in a sea of analogue ineffectiveness. ICT, for example, improves Internal Communications by automating routine tasks and greatly expanding the communications platforms available to staff, transparency is boosted as easy file sharing becomes commonplace and the organisation begins to interact with stakeholders across the most common digital touchpoints that customers actually use. Otel’s pronouncement follows Finance Minister Tito Mboweni’s highlighting of the current liquidity challenges at SOEs during his recent mini budget speech. “ICT in general and VoIP in particular has the potential to immediately improve the financial position of SOEs by slashing their costs to communicate,” adds Jankovic. “When the Minister of Finance says SOEs with a poor financial position pose a fiscal risk, all efforts must be made to restructure for better performance. Part of this restructuring is the restructuring of SOE cost bases by implementing proven ICT technology,” Mr Jankovic explains. VoIP is possibly one of the best examples of a digital technology that delivers the twin benefits of high-functionality and low-cost. From enabling videoconferencing and shared-screen sessions, to its immediate positive bottom line effect, VoIP could easily boost . . .
New Operator Interface Helps Increase Efficiency in Large Applications
PanelView 5510 graphic terminals provide enhanced software integration, greater connectivity and larger screen options End users and OEMs are seeking human machine interface (HMI) solutions that simplify and streamline visualisation, especially in larger applications. With the new Allen-Bradley PanelView 5510 family of graphic terminals, companies have an HMI solution designed to fit the needs of large-scale applications, improve user experience and increase performance. “The PanelView 5510 terminal was designed for users needing a high degree of integration between their HMI and controller,” said Christo Buys, Business Manager – Control Systems, Rockwell Automation Sub-Saharan Africa. “This new terminal is the right option for end users and OEMs with sizeable applications.” Display sizes on this new graphic terminal range from 7 to 19 inches (18 to 48 cm) with wide screen, touch and keypad options. EtherNet/IP with device-level ring and embedded switch technology help to support network fault tolerance and reduce downtime. On-screen buttons and enhanced navigation help to increase operator efficiency. Using the Rockwell Software Studio 5000 View Designer application, the PanelView 5510 HMI features Logix tag-based alarms, a PDF viewer, a terminal emulator, VNC remote access, and real-time and historical trending. An upcoming release of Studio 5000 View Designer will include increased application limits, multi-controller support, support for Logix tag-based alarms and an alarm log viewer. The PanelView 5510 graphic terminal is the latest addition to the PanelView 5000 HMI portfolio from Rockwell Automation. The PanelView 5000 HMI portfolio also includes the PanelView 5310 series and features enhanced integration with Logix software. CLICK HERE to submit your press release to MyPR.co.za. . . .
World Class Keynote Speaker Announced for Africa Tech Week
Cape Town, South Africa, 21 November 2018 - Host Topco Media is pleased to announce Salim Ismail as Keynote Speaker for the inaugural Africa Tech Week (4-6 March 2019, Century City). Ismail is the founder of tech companies including Confabb, PubSub Concepts and Ångströ (acquired by Google in 2010); an XPRIZE Foundation Board member; Founding Executive Director of Singularity University; Chairman of ExO Works and co-author of Exponential Organizations, which reached no. 1 on Amazon’s Best-Sellers in Business Management. He has been profiled by The New York Times, Bloomberg BusinessWeek, Fortune, Forbes, WIRED and the BBC. Ismail co-founded ExO Works in 2016 to catapult organisations into the world of exponential thinking. An “exponential” organisation is one whose impact (or output) soars to ten times that of peers, through its leveraging of rapidly accelerating technologies. For example, think of the very companies that first jumped onto personal computers, the internet and cellular technology. Companies today need to be adopting the accelerated technologies of tomorrow - or risk fading towards obsolescence. ExO Works helps companies articulate, adopt and effectively own the future of technology, thereby becoming exponential. The advisory counts numerous global Fortune 100 companies as clients and has more than 120 certified consultants in 28 countries. “We’re excited to broker the introductions between the ExO ecosystem and Africa's leading organisations,” says Topco Media CEO Ralf Fletcher. “We founded Africa Tech Week with a vision to showcase Africa's success stories, through innovation, to the world - and the success of these organisations is integral to driving that innovation. We have ourselves implemented, and believe in, the ExO framework and methodology and look forward to sharing it with Africa.” In advance of Africa Tech Week, ExO Works is surveying JSE Top 100 companies through the very same Exponential Quotient (ExQ) methodology it used . . .
Taking the puzzle out of Governance, Risk and Compliance
Guideline BizTech wins award in recognition of its outstanding work in risk management for its RUBiQ initiative Johannesburg, 20 November 2018 - The risk management industry celebrated leaders and innovation in the sector at a gala dinner earlier in November. Coming out tops for the outstanding work it has carried out in risk management, was Guideline BizTech (Pty) Limited for its innovative ‘RUBiQ GRC Knowledge Community’, winning the Industry Initiative Award for Risk Management System Provider for 2018. Conceptualised by Guideline’s executive director, Nicky Downing, the cloud-based smart technology platform is an affordable solution to small and mid-size businesses, as well as large Tier 1 corporations, in meeting the rigorous challenges related to Governance, Risk and Compliance. It brings together an expert subject-matter advisory community built into cutting-edge technology to service all manner of clients in dealing with the onerous task of ongoing business compliance. “RUBiQ is a true milestone in the future vision of Artificial Intelligence-enabled, on-demand GRC Platforms. We have created a live platform that is available to any company, in any industry, anywhere in the world – giving immediate, when-needed, access to critical GRC advisory, and good GRC practice, through intuitive smart tools that guide users through the critical activities of Governance, Risk and Compliance within any business. Importantly, these are also easily and affordably accessed,” explained Downing. “We are extremely grateful to have been acknowledged by our peers for the work that has gone into creating this platform and for the impact it can have.” Businesses the world over now operate in a data-intensive, technology-driven, always-on world. Taking cognisance of this, RUBiQ incorporates leading modern technology enablement through a live chat service with Help BOTs – with an underlying architecture that will enable a full Machine Learning Artificial Intelligence . . .
Compucart refreshes brand identity to align with strategic service deliverables
Compucart Anything Office, leading provider of boutique services and support to the SME market, has launched a fresh brand and identity aligned with vibrant and dynamic vision. With more than 17 years of experience, the company has been a trusted supplier of products and services that run from end to end office supplies and outsourced procurement through to superlative technology implementations and solutions. “The foundations of our business are made up of three core areas – Supply, Managed IT Services and Specialised solutions. As part of our rebrand, we have allocated colours to each of these pillars so they are easy to identify and engage with,” says Rowan Fine, Managing Director, Compucart Anything Office. “This ensures that our customers can instantly recognise our areas of expertise. It also allows us to showcase the comprehensive ecosystem of solutions we offer to the small to medium enterprise market.” Compucart has been working with small to medium enterprises (SMEs) in the South African market for more than 17 years. The company specialises in providing niche and tailor-made solutions to help SMEs overcome the most common challenges they face on a daily basis. Its goal is to alleviate client pain points as not all SMEs have the budget for a dedicated office manager, IT manager and procurement office. “We offer software and hardware as a Service, manage office fit outs, and provide hands-on support to our clients,” says Fine. “We work with customers to assess their specific needs and create solutions that match. This allows us to provide our clients with the help they actually want, where they want it, and at an excellent price point. Our relationships with strategic suppliers, vendors and manufacturers has meant that we can create packages that save our customers’ money.” The company has developed a procurement health check assessment tool to determine exactly where a company is spending more than it should and how systems or expenses can be . . .
- 1
- 2
- 3
- …
- 94
- Older Posts
