In this episode, hosts Phil Seboa and Ed Fuentes do a dive deep conversation with Yanesh Naidoo, owner of Jendamark Automation, to explore the evolving landscape of industrial automation. This episode covers the balance between automation and human elements, the journey into IT/OT convergence, and how innovation can help businesses stay competitive. These insights can help manufacturers embrace a more human-centric approach to automation and understand the importance of digitization and adaptability.

Balancing Automation with Human Element

Yanesh believes the future of production lies in finding a balance between automation and human involvement. “There's always going to be a human involved in the story,” Yanesh points out. While automation can drive production efficiency, it’s essential to have humans oversee and manage these processes to handle complexities and unexpected issues. The company sees value in using digital tools to assist operators on the shop floor, making their jobs easier rather than threatening their employment. Yanesh emphasizes, “We have the technology to make it more human, to make production not just automatic but more manageable and less stressful for humans involved.”

The Importance of IT/OT Convergence

The convergence of Information Technology (IT) and Operational Technology (OT) is another crucial topic discussed. This convergence allows for a more integrated and efficient production line management system. Yanesh elaborates, “We had to be more flexible and dynamic, creating applications that change function blocks in the PLC without expensive licenses.” IT/OT convergence enables real-time data gathering and processing, helping operators make informed decisions faster. This integration has also allowed Jendamark to customize and adapt its production lines dynamically, responding to specific customer needs and improving overall efficiency.

Innovation and Adaptability

Innovation is at the core of Jendamark Automation’s success. From mechanical design innovations like reducing change-over times significantly to creating self-verification methods in machines, the company has constantly pushed the envelope. Yanesh explains, “We had to be better to sell our machines into Germany, which means our products had to be more innovative.” The company has also developed a no-code environment allowing process engineers to program production lines without requiring PLC programming knowledge. This democratization of programming fosters a more inclusive and flexible manufacturing environment, pushing the boundaries of traditional industry practices.

Key Quotes From The Episode

Yanesh emphasizes, “We must use technology to make production more human and less stressful,” encapsulating the essence of balancing automation and human work. He also mentions the importance of integrating IT and OT by saying, “Creating a dynamic environment where process changes can be done without coding helps us stay ahead.”

Key Takeaways

1. Human-Centric Automation: Automation should work alongside humans to make industrial processes smoother and less stressful, rather than replacing human workers.
2. Integrated IT/OT Systems: The convergence of IT and OT leads to more efficient and dynamic production lines, allowing for real-time data processing and decision-making.
3. Innovative Adaptations: Continuous innovation, including mechanical and digital advancements, helps companies stay competitive and responsive to market demands.

Wrap Up

In this episode, Yanesh Naidoo discusses the evolution of industrial automation, highlighting the significance of balancing automation with human involvement, integrating IT and OT for dynamic production, and continuous innovation to stay competitive. Understanding and applying these insights can help manufacturers adopt a more human-centric approach and embrace digitization.

To take the next step in your industrial automation journey, consider forming a strategy that marries human oversight with automated processes. Work on integrating IT and OT systems for real-time data processing and invest in continuous innovation to adapt quickly to market demands.

About the Guest

Yanesh Naidoo is the owner of Jendamark Automation, a company known for its innovative approaches to industrial automation. With over two decades of experience, Yanesh brings a wealth of knowledge in balancing human elements with automation, integrating IT and OT systems, and driving innovation to maintain competitiveness. His insights are invaluable for any company looking to navigate the future of industrial automation effectively.

Thank you for joining us on the Unplugged: IIoT Podcast. 

Connect with Yanesh on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/yaneshnaidoo/

Connect with Phil on LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-seboa/

Connect with Ed on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ed-fuentes-2046121a/

Learn more about Jendamark Automation :https://www.jendamark.co.za/