By Meryl Eckersley, Secure Power Channel Manager at Schneider Electric

Modernisation is not a one-time event, but rather an ongoing process that includes several phases such as assessment, planning, implementation, and optimisation, with each stage demanding detailed attention and collaboration across departments.

Companies that embark on modernisation journeys often tend to overlook the crucial need for secure and reliable power infrastructure, and this can create serious challenges. Secure and reliable power is key in guaranteeing continuous operation of critical systems, preventing disruptions and data loss.

Yet, the proliferation of power-hungry, mission-critical processes in industrial and manufacturing applications demands secure and reliable power, which makes power optimisation a crucial part of a comprehensive modernisation strategy.

While an unstable and unreliable power supply could result in costly downtime, equipment failure and inefficiency, this is not the only downside that local companies must contend with. South Africa’s ongoing energy crisis, coupled with rising energy costs, also means that businesses are exposed to increased operational costs and potentially unexpected capital expenditures. This is because they are forced to rely on backup power sources such as diesel generators to ensure the continuous operation of critical processes and systems.

Reluctant to change

However, aside from often overlooking the importance of secure and reliable power infrastructure as part of their modernisation efforts, companies can also be reluctant to embrace change. A major concern for many businesses is that modernising their infrastructure could result in disruptions and downtime that will impede productivity.

Given the tough economic environment in which businesses operate, it is not surprising that cost is also a major pain point for many, making them hesitant to invest in solutions that they do not fully trust. However, this does not have to be the case.

By following an effective modernisation strategy, businesses can mitigate costs by plotting their modernisation journeys in line with their budgets and prioritising processes and solutions that must be modernised based on business impact, user demand, technical viability and return on investment. 

Collaborating with trusted partners that specialise in power solutions can facilitate the seamless integration of secure and reliable power into the modernisation strategy. Partner integration also ensures careful planning and a comprehensive approach, mitigating risks and enhancing the likelihood of successful outcomes.

Well-rounded strategy

A well-rounded modernisation strategy should address the entire lifecycle of the process, with a focus on maximising performance, availability, and cost-effectiveness. Trusted partners can provide valuable expertise, insights, and support throughout the modernisation journey, contributing to improved service, customer loyalty, and profitability.

By prioritising power infrastructure optimisation and partnering with experts, businesses can overcome modernisation challenges, enhance operational resilience, and achieve long-term success.

A partner’s digital services can help businesses with their secure power modernisation strategy, while also providing tailored maintenance offers that result in optimisation of running costs. With many businesses opting for scalable maintenance plans to achieve year-on-year cost reductions, look for a partner that has a wide range of maintenance plans provides flexibility and scalability without compromising the offer.

By guiding a business’s modernisation process from start to end, a specialist in the field can ensure that power infrastructure optimisation is not overlooked. It can also ensure that rising energy costs do not impact efficiency as they can be managed with its flexible maintenance offers and robust analytics, providing 24/7 support, 365 days a year.