Fom hardware delays to incredible creativity of local plant teams, Robin Kupper, Team Lead Software Development at aixprocess, reports on his recent trip to South Africa:
I had the opportunity to travel to South Africa to implement the aixProM MILL AIxperT, our AI driven RealTime Optimiser for Vertical Roller Mills, in 2 different sites in Idwala and Sephaku Delmas.This trip was a mixture of intensive work, semi-remote duties and some vacation time. As I reflect on this trip, I am eager to share the insights and experiences I gained during our time there.
Remarkable Experiences and Insights
One of the most striking aspects of this trip was witnessing the ingenuity and dedication of South Africans. Their ability to overcome various challenges and resource constraints was most inspiring. This ingenuity played a significant role in the successful deployment of the MILL AIxperT.
During this deployment, I learned the importance of working directly with plant operators and seeing the facilities firsthand. Each plant has its own unique processes and challenges, and these on-site interactions are invaluable to truly understand and address specific needs. I realized that every plant has its own specifics and hurdles, and understanding these nuances is essential to finding effective solutions.
Challenges and Positive Moments
While the seafood in South Africa was a highlight, not everything went smoothly. We faced delays due to the lack of promised hardware on-site, extending our stay from an initial three weeks to six. In addition, managing my team in Aachen, Germany, remotely over such a long period of time presented its own set of complications. Despite these challenges, the team's resilience and adaptability kept us on track.
Connections and Gratitude
I had the pleasure of meeting Janie Scholtz from Loesche South Africa and her family, showing me the beautiful sites of the Western Cape and offered me hospitality and support when I needed it. I also met staff from Dalog, our partner company on the two sites for process digitalisation, and together we celebrated the successful mission with a walk on the beach in Durban.
Special thanks to Janie for her care and for organizing and motivating the right people, which was crucial to keep the tight schedule. Also a big thank you to Matthias Schumacher and Adlan Omer for their support from Aachen. Without their coordinated efforts and support, managing the project remotely would have been much more challenging.
Overall, this trip was a learning experience highlighting the importance of flexibility, direct communication, and the value of strong local partnerships. It reinforced my belief that successful deployments are built on a foundation of cooperation, understanding, and adaptability.