iSPEC 2023
CSL raises the bar with iSPEC 2023
Cuthbert Stewart delivered its 3rd annual Innovative System Partner Educational Conference (or iSPEC) to over 40 industry participants over two days in late July.
The theme for this year’s excellently received event was digitalisation with day one treating attendees to an in-depth showcase of digital twin technology and the opportunities it can provide.
The first day began with Siemens Australia’s Marcus Riley presenting a live demonstration of the DEX digital twin based in Sydney before producing a live digital twin in real-time with the help of CSL Automation Product Manager Sam Siddawi.
iSPEC guests were delighted with this ‘no smoke and mirrors’ example of a true digital twin experience. Being able to see the challenges and how Riley and Siddawi analysed and overcame them gave the demonstration some real authenticity and insight into the practical applications and potential of this exciting technology.
The first keynote speaker, Callaghan Institute’s Sean Doherty, then took the stage to provide an overview of what Industry 4.0 means to New Zealand with particular focus on the value behind the hype.
Well known NZ economist and political commentator, Bernard Hickey then shared his views on the economic factors New Zealand businesses should be considering presently and in the future.
The panel discussion following both presentations generated excellent engagement and was well utilised by participants, continuing iSPEC’s track record of bringing entertaining and engaging experts and leaders to CSL’s NZ based customers and partners.
After a morning packed with information and technology it was time to let the competitive juices flow with the annual iSPEC Cup go-kart race. Competition was fierce and stories of near misses, risky passing maneuvers and excuses for not placing were featured heavily during the drinks and dinner that followed.
With a permanent place on the brand-new iSPEC Cup on offer three winners emerged victorious:
iSPEC23 Fastest Customer – Shane Husband, Bishop Electrical
iSPEC23 Fastest Supplier – Serge Maillet, Siemens
iSPEC23 Fastest CSL Team Member – Koloa Hau
Our three winners will be forever immortalised on the cup which will sit in pride-of-place in CSL’s new innovation centre – Brewlab.
iSPEC23 Day Two took place back at CSL’s Auckland headquarters, beginning with coffee and breakfast followed by the unveiling of our exciting new robotic demonstrator in the newly completed TechLab engineering centre.
Built and engineered in collaboration with Dalton Electrical using Siemens automation hardware and digital twin software, alongside best-in-class products from Weidmuller, Rittal and Baumer, the robotic demonstrator showcases the latest products and engineering techniques offered by CSL’s world-class technology manufacturers. It features Siemen’s G115D distributed drives and motors, connectivity components, electronic fusing, DC UPS and surge protection from Weidmuller and support arm and panel enclosure systems from Rittal.
Like CSL’s 2-Pump Controller that received so much positive feedback at iSPEC22, the robotic demonstrator is another fantastic example of how CSL’s best-in-class product offerings, tools and equipment and engineering capability can be brought together to provide a complete automation and electrical solution.
The afternoon session saw attendees break-out into groups where technology topics were covered in greater depth by local and international experts.
Group workshops included Cyber Security, IIoT meets Industrial Automation, Siemens Machine Safety Solutions, and Optimised Workflow Solutions using EPlan Integration with TIA Portal.
This year’s iSPEC continues CSL’s track record of running engaging events with valuable content. Feedback from customers who attended iSPEC23 has been overwhelmingly positive with many requesting further information on the topics.
The success of this year’s event has prompted the CSL team to quickly confirm dates for iSPEC24 and early-bird registrants will receive a special goodie pack upon arrival as well as entry into an exciting prize draw. Please register your interest using the form below.
Many thanks to all of our guests and in particular the CSL team members who put so much work into to raise the bar and continue making each iteration of iSPEC and complete success.
