Industry 4.0 – smart new automation tools and technologies – is rapidly changing the face of manufacturing and industry around the world. Without a concerted effort to change industry processes and infrastructure, and upskill the workforce, South Africa risks falling behind the world in its efforts to become a player in the global manufacturing market. How- ever, new industry initiatives are emerging to address the skills short- fall and help propel South Africa into a smarter era of manufacturing.
“Industry 4.0 is having a profound impact on the electrical contracting industry,” writes Sarah Boisvert in her book, ‘The New Collar Workforce,’ which explores the jobs needed today in the digital world. “No longer are simple installations enough. Customers expect the industry to come fully into the digital world, incorporating technologies that improve performance through simulation, real-time tracking, analysis of big data, and more. Our old view of blue-collar workers has to change if we are to provide 21st century services to our customers. ‘New collar’ workers need to tap into digital skills, which means specialised training. New digital badges and microcertifications provide just this, and the industry must support innovative programmes that will allow for our staff to rapidly adapt to a changing workplace.”
In a nutshell, in this era of control and digitisation, new technology requires installation by electrical contractors. The evolution of engaging Industry 4.0 is the next chapter in global industrialisation; it will change the tempo and efficiency of how world production moves, and the electrical contractor is at the centre of this, ready to perform a new job: enable systems, equipment, and operations to automate with Industry 4.0, and exploit this lucrative opportunity. In this issue we also introduce our new section devoted to Industry 4.0.
Elsewhere in March, Sparks Electrical News focusses on Tools of the Trade, Energy Measurement and Supply, as well as Lighting.
Personality of the Month
Randal Wahl, Managing Director at Regent Lighting Solutions (RLS) has overseen the growth of the company from one with a desire to develop lighting for domestic homes in the early 1990s into a multi-disciplinary lighting company with world-class design and manufacturing capabilities. His passions include lighting, developing his staff, and his family.
2019 lighting trends
When it comes to giving a space a fresh look, lighting is often overlooked although it is one of the easiest ways to spruce up a room. Lighting impacts the overall feel of a home – and not just when it’s turned on. Well-considered lighting fulfils a functional and decorative role and it is important that lighting designers, interior designers and architects select a design that ‘speaks’ to the space.
Working knowledge with Terry Mackenzie Hoy
This month Terry Mackenzie Hoy discusses the requirements for a Certificate of Compliance (CoC) for an electrical instillation and its inherent problems; if you come across a switchboard that has been modified and you have to install a new circuit breaker, do you write out that your certificate only covers the new circuit breaker or do you tell the client that the whole board has to be wired to specification? Tricky.
Buyers Guide
The March 2019 Buyers’ Guide lists manufacturers and distributors of products and services for tools and instruments.
