Industrial audits identify improvement opportunities
19 November 2003
News
Although independent audits are generally regarded by the market in somewhat of a negative light, Keops Altech believes that this is a misconception as the main focus of any audit is to identify improvement opportunities and risks within the operation and to establish where the most value can be added utilising the minimum amount of time, effort and resources.
Keops Altech performed and successfully completed a number of audits on industrial control and information systems at various industrial plants of large mining and manufacturing companies over the past six months. This has already resulted in the initiation of projects that will exploit value and implement improvement opportunities on not only the control systems, but also all related systems and operations.
Some of the audits focused solely on the clients' control systems (hardware, software, networks and instrumentation), whilst the scope of others covered from instrumentation through integration into the ERP systems including: soft PLCs and PLCs; SCADA configuration; security access to all systems; distribution of data for management information systems; system look and feel; control room layouts and HMI; alarm set-up and configuration; system backup procedures; disaster recovery plans; documentation and change control; staffing levels; training and skills; standards and safety and lockout procedures in relation to the systems.
Although numerous systems were still functional, some were due for replacement with new hardware to facilitate greater stability, reliability and redundancy. Poor utilisation of systems was also identified.
Findings were varied, but in all cases three common areas of improvement were identified. Skills development and training of operational and technical staff had to be performed, disaster recovery and backup procedures needed attention and systems documentation had to be upgraded.
Says Keops Altech project manager, Dries van Schalkwyk, "All the audits we performed were requested by the client without having been approached by us and in all cases the client made available the necessary time and resources to enable us to conduct our business professionally. I believe that this is a pro-active way of managing an industrial business and that, as a result of a little effort now, the operational and financial rewards will be reaped very shortly."
For more information contact Dries van Schalkwyk, Keops Altech, 012 643 6900, driesvs@keops.altech.co.za
Further reading:
From the editor's desk: Yes, it’s that thing everyone’s talking about
25 March 2020, Technews Publishing
, News
Call me a pessimist, but I’m absolutely, 100% certain that I’m going to catch COVID-19 (or the ‘novel coronavirus’ if you prefer to call it that) – if I haven’t done so already. At least the mortality
...
Read more...
Electronics news digest
25 March 2020
, News
Overseas Business
• ams reported record revenues and results for full year 2019, with revenues up 32% year-on-year, and fourth quarter revenues exceeding expectations with strong adjusted operating
...
Read more...
XinaBox – Reaching for the stars
25 March 2020, RS Components (SA)
, News
From collecting data in sub-zero Antarctica to rapid circuit prototyping on the International Space Station this South African company is reinventing the way we approach IoT while inspiring students to follow STEM careers.
Read more...
Electrocomp launches new website
25 March 2020, Electrocomp
, News
Electrocomp is inviting visitors to explore its new website, which has been designed to offer a user-friendly experience with improved navigation and functionality while allowing customers to see their
...
Read more...
Looking beyond radar, the car’s virtual eye
25 March 2020, Altron Arrow
, News
Faster, higher-resolution radar sensors have enabled the next generation of driver assistance technologies through improvements in vehicle safety and comfort in view.
Read more...
Disposing of e-waste in space
26 February 2020
, News
According to BBC, there are over half a million pieces of debris floating around the Earth’s orbit. Most debris within the atmosphere are lost parts from space crafts, disused rocket stages or waste from
...
Read more...
IPC revises five standards
26 February 2020
, News
IPC announced the release of five newly revised standards covering several areas of the supply chain:
· IPC/WHMA-A-620D, Requirements and Acceptance for Cable and Wire Harness Assemblies.
· IPC-2223E, ...
Read more...
Testerion to represent ITW EAE in SA
26 February 2020, Testerion
, News
ITW EAE announced a new extended partnership agreement with Testerion South Africa to represent and distribute all ITW EAE equipment including MPM printers, Camalot dispensers, Electrovert soldering systems,
...
Read more...
Würth helps produce PCBs for ventilators
25 March 2020, Würth Elektronik eiSos
, News
The worldwide spread of the coronavirus is not only increasing the demand for personal protective equipment, but also for medical ventilators. In order to ensure the supply in Germany, the German government
...
Read more...
u-blox acquires Thingstream
25 March 2020
, News
u-blox has acquired IoT communication-as-a-service provider, Thingstream. Thingstream provides a comprehensive, end-to-end solution for global IoT connectivity using the industry standard MQTT protocol.
...
Read more...
printer friendly version