Sub-Saharan Africa could benefit from a plan by Siemens AG to build a fully automated water management system.
Using advances in automation, the Internet of Things (IoT) and sophisticated data management and analysis, the company aims to give plant operators in the region better access to information to serve communities. Utilities and industrial plants will be able detect and react to problems and predict with others may occur.
In 2016, Siemens and Bentley Systems, which provides software solutions for infrastructure, began a strategic alliance to catalyse new business through digitalisation.
“Bentley’s advanced knowledge in the field of water infrastructure means that customers are able to simulate processes in water plants allowing for predictive maintenance, resource optimisation and energy data management,” Siemens said in a statement.
Siemens also recently hosted a 48-hour hackathon themed on developed disruptive technology within Africa. The company brought together its own engineers with IoT and digital industry experts from companies including IBM, IoT.Nxt, Atos and Wits University.
The winners presented a decentralised water management system that links a mobile app capable of monitoring flow and pressure to an in-house cloud-based system.
Siemens has also said the threat of climate change makes major innovations crucial, highlighting the uses it sees for 3D virtual technology. 3D rendering of existing water plants could, for example, test the functionality of automation and electrical components “to ensure positive outcomes”.
