Why OT Cybersecurity Matters

Modern factories rely on connected PLCs, HMIs, SCADA systems, networks and edge devices to maintain productivity and efficiency. While these connected systems provide greater visibility and control, they also introduce new cyber risks.

Potential threats include:

• Unauthorised access to industrial equipment
• Malware and ransomware attacks
• Firmware manipulation
• Communication interception
• Denial-of-Service (DoS) attacks
• Loss of production data
• Production downtime
• Intellectual property theft

Protecting industrial assets requires a layered cybersecurity strategy that spans the entire lifecycle of industrial equipment—from secure product development through to ongoing maintenance and vulnerability management.

Supporting IEC 62443 Compliance

IEC 62443 is the internationally recognised cybersecurity standard for Industrial Automation and Control Systems (IACS).

Mitsubishi Electric develops many of its Factory Automation products using secure development processes aligned with IEC 62443-4-1 while implementing security functions that support IEC 62443-4-2 requirements.

These standards focus on:

• Secure product development
• Risk assessment
• Secure coding practices
• Security testing
• Vulnerability management
• Security updates throughout the product lifecycle

By incorporating these principles into product development, manufacturers can simplify the implementation of secure industrial systems.

Security Features Built into Mitsubishi Electric FA Solutions

Mitsubishi Electric incorporates multiple security technologies into selected Factory Automation products to reduce cyber risk and improve operational resilience.

User Authentication

Restrict system access to authorised users using role-based authentication to prevent unauthorised changes and improve accountability.

Secure Firmware Updates

Maintain system integrity through authenticated firmware updates that help protect against newly discovered vulnerabilities.

Secure Boot & System Integrity

Verify the integrity of trusted firmware at startup to help prevent malicious software from executing on industrial controllers.

Encrypted Communications

Protect data travelling across industrial networks using encrypted communications to reduce the risk of interception or tampering.

Event Logging

Maintain detailed event histories that assist with auditing, troubleshooting and incident investigations.

IP Filtering & Network Protection

Control device communications via IP filtering and bandwidth management to help defend against unauthorised access and network-based attacks, such as DoS attacks.

Backup & Recovery

Protect valuable configuration data through secure backup and restore functionality, reducing downtime following incidents.

Preparing for the European Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)

The European Cyber Resilience Act introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements sold within the European market.

Manufacturers will be expected to demonstrate secure product development, vulnerability management and ongoing security support throughout the product lifecycle.

Mitsubishi Electric’s approach to secure development, vulnerability response and product security aligns closely with these evolving requirements, helping customers prepare for future compliance obligations.

Comprehensive OT Security Solutions

Cybersecurity extends beyond individual devices.

Mitsubishi Electric offers comprehensive OT security solutions covering every stage of the security journey:

• Security assessments
• Vulnerability identification
• Network segmentation
• Industrial firewall solutions
• Secure remote access
• Network monitoring
• Threat detection
• Security consulting
• Ongoing operational support

This holistic approach helps manufacturers improve visibility, minimise cyber risk and maintain reliable production operations.

Key Benefits

• Improve cybersecurity across industrial environments
• Support compliance with IEC 62443 best practices
• Prepare for evolving global cybersecurity regulations
• Reduce operational risk and downtime
• Protect production data and intellectual property
• Strengthen network resilience
• Secure connected manufacturing systems
• Support long-term digital transformation initiatives

Secure Your Manufacturing Environment

Whether you’re modernising an existing production facility or designing a new industrial automation system, Mitsubishi Electric Factory Automation solutions provide the cybersecurity features and OT expertise needed to help protect your operations.

Contact our team to discuss how Mitsubishi Electric and Adroit Technologies can help strengthen the cybersecurity of your industrial automation environment.

Already  Compliant

• MELSEC MX Controller (MX-R models)
• MELSEC MX Controller (MX-F model)
• GOT3000 Series

Planned Certified Products

Mitsubishi Electric is progressing compliance with the European Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) across its Factory Automation portfolio. Planned compliant products include:

PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers)

• MELSEC iQ-R Series
• MELSEC iQ-F Series

HMIs (Human Machine Interfaces)

• GOT2000 Series

Planned compliance date: 27 October (as stated in the Mitsubishi Electric roadmap). Models not listed are currently not applicable or remain under consideration

According to Hugo Pienaar, Director of Digital Services at Adroit Technologies, the company’s journey in mining safety is rooted in decades of industry transformation. “We have traditionally played a large role in the mining industry from a SCADA and automation perspective,” he explains. “These systems have always enabled real-time monitoring, particularly around critical safety elements like fire detection.”

From legacy systems to integrated intelligence

South Africa’s mining sector has a unique history in safety innovation, particularly in underground environments. Early developments, many pioneered by large mining houses, laid the foundation for modern fire detection and monitoring systems. However, as ownership structures changed and in-house R&D declined, many operations were left with fragmented, unsupported legacy systems.

Adroit identified this gap and worked to bridge it. “We were approached to integrate legacy systems onto a modern platform and make provision for new technologies,” says Pienaar. “What we developed was not just a replacement, but a scalable, standardised EMS solution.”

At the core of this approach is flexibility. The system allows mines to integrate a wide range of sensors and equipment through configurable plug-ins, regardless of manufacturer. “Irrespective of the equipment, we provide a platform that communicates with those devices,” notes Pienaar. “It becomes a standardised layer across very diverse operations.”

Safety as a catalyst for technological advancement

The modernisation of mining safety cannot be separated from regulatory pressure and industry-wide reform. South Africa’s push to reduce fatalities, particularly during the early 2000s, was a turning point. “There was a very distinct drive around mine safety,” Pienaar says. “Fatalities were extremely high at one stage, and that forced a major shift in how safety systems were implemented and monitored.”

Today, that legacy continues, but with new dimensions. While acute risks such as fire and gas detection remain critical, there is growing emphasis on occupational health, environmental exposure, and the integration of digital technologies across the mining value chain.

This shift is also reflected in the rise of Adroit’s Smart Mine initiative, where real-time data, automation and connected systems are used to improve both safety and operational efficiency. By integrating EMS capabilities into a broader digital ecosystem, mines can move beyond reactive safety measures towards predictive risk management, enabling faster decision-making and greater visibility across the entire operation.

“The onus has shifted,” explains Pienaar. “Operations now need to prove that workers were not exposed to harmful conditions, rather than the other way around. That requires deep, continuous data recording and analysis.”

Expanding into occupational health and environmental monitoring

Adroit’s EMS platform has evolved to address these emerging requirements. Beyond real-time alerts, it now incorporates advanced reporting and decision-support tools that track long-term exposure to factors such as dust, noise and diesel particulates.

“These are now part of mining licences and social responsibility frameworks,” says Pienaar. “There is no option as mines must monitor and report on these conditions.” The system captures and aggregates data from both fixed and portable sensors, enabling comprehensive exposure analysis.

“We are extending the system to record and analyse long-term, time-weighted exposure data,” he adds. “That is essential for compliance and for protecting worker health.”

Enabling the future of autonomous and connected mining

As mining operations become more automated, the reliance on digital systems intensifies. Mechanised and autonomous mining environments introduce new risks but also new opportunities for integrated monitoring.

“In autonomous mining, you are relying on systems 100% as there is no human intervention,” says Pienaar. “That increases the importance of robust detection and monitoring platforms.” At the same time, the rise of industrial IoT is expanding the scope of EMS systems.

“You now have asset tracking, people tracking, and a wide range of connected devices feeding into the system,” he says. “It creates a far more comprehensive view of the operation.” Adroit’s platform is designed to accommodate this complexity, functioning not only as a safety system but as a broader information management solution.

“It is not just an EMS system but a full enterprise suite,” adds Pienaar. “We can integrate safety data with operational systems, enabling better decision-making across the mine.”

Driving standardisation in a fragmented industry

One of the key challenges in mining remains the lack of uniform standards, particularly in emerging areas such as environmental exposure monitoring. “We have been involved in standards development, including SANS 1515 for underground early warning systems,” says Pienaar. “But in some areas, regulation is still catching up.”

In this context, technology providers play an important role in shaping best practice. “We are effectively helping to establish a standard through the platform itself,” he notes. “It provides consistency across operations, even as ownership and personnel change.”

A scalable solution for a changing industry

As the mining sector diversifies, with a growing number of junior and independent operators, accessibility and scalability have become critical. Adroit’s EMS system is designed to be equally applicable to large mining houses and smaller operations.

“Our pricing model is consistent, and we don’t differentiate based on device type,” says Pienaar. “That makes the system accessible and scalable across the industry.” Importantly, the platform is built to evolve alongside technological advances.

“We do not replace systems; we extend them,” says Pienaar. “Whether it is edge computing, IoT, or future AI capabilities, it is about adding value to what already exists.”

Safety, data and the bottom line

While safety remains the primary driver, the business case for advanced EMS systems is equally compelling. Downtime resulting from safety incidents can have severe financial consequences. “If a safety system fails, operations can be stopped and evacuated,” says Pienaar. “In some cases, that can wipe out margins for the year.”

By contrast, improved monitoring and early detection not only enhance safety but also support operational continuity and efficiency. “Data is gold. It drives both safety and performance.” Ultimately, the evolution of mining safety is not a one-off transformation but an ongoing process.

“It is a journey. We work with our clients to manage that journey, adapting to new risks, new technologies, and new regulatory requirements,” concludes Pienaar. As the industry continues to modernise, integrated EMS platforms like Adroit’s are set to play a central role, ensuring that safety, sustainability and productivity advance together.

“The system is fully integrated, from materials and recipes through to batching and reporting,” explains Dominik Zabiegaj, MAPS Project Engineer. “Everything is built into the platform, which means you don’t need separate systems or add-ons.”

Integrated SCADA and PLC Layers

“From a project perspective, one of the biggest advantages is the reduction in engineering time,” says Bradley Campbell, National Sales Manager. “As the SCADA and PLC layers are integrated, you effectively halve the engineering effort, reduce complexity, and improve quality of the system. That translates directly into cost savings for the customer, along with the benefit of strong local support.”

The project, which began in 2019, was implemented in phases, allowing Sovereign to align the system rollout with broader operational goals and capital planning. By the time Senior Production Manager Neil Hewitt joined the business in late 2020, the system had been installed but was not yet fully operational.

“I came on board to manage the mechanical and electrical aspects of the project. I was involved in the commissioning phase and understanding how the system interacts with the plant,” explains Hewitt. “From there, it was about refining the system to ensure it works optimally from an operator and maintenance perspective.”

Significant reduction in engineering complexity

Unlike traditional automation deployments, the integrated SCADA and PLC functionality on the MAPS platform in a single environment significantly reduces engineering complexity. A key requirement for Sovereign was to ensure that the system was intuitive and accessible for operators at all levels.

According to Hewitt, this has been one of the standout successes of the project. “From an end-user point of view, the system is far more user-friendly than others I have worked with,” he says. “The graphics are clear, it is easy to see where faults are, and operators can quickly understand what is happening in the plant.”

This usability extends beyond operations into maintenance and troubleshooting. “It is not just about running the plant, it is also about maintaining it,” adds Hewitt. “The system makes fault-finding and troubleshooting very straightforward, which reduces downtime and keeps the plant running efficiently.”

Capturing and Processing Live Operational Data

One of the most powerful aspects of the MAPS implementation is its ability to capture and process live operational data. This provides Sovereign with deeper insight into performance, energy usage, and production efficiency. “The system allows us to gather a significant amount of live data that we can use to continually improve our processes,” says Hewitt.

“We can extract it into reports, track efficiencies, and monitor electricity usage. We have only scratched the surface of what is possible.” This data-driven approach enables more informed decision-making and supports continuous improvement across the operation.

In a highly regulated industry such as animal feed production, traceability is critical. The MAPS system provides full visibility across the production process, from raw material intake to final product delivery. “Traceability is one of the most important aspects for us,” says Hewitt.

Complete Traceability For Quality Control

“We can track materials from the point they enter the plant, through batching and processing, all the way to the final product delivered to farms.” This level of detail supports both quality control and risk management.

“If there is ever an issue, we can trace exactly what was used, where it came from and where it went, down to within minutes. If something is out of specification, the system will stop the process immediately. That allows us to address issues in real time, rather than after the fact.”

From a technical perspective, the MAPS platform delivers a high degree of integration and standardisation, simplifying both initial deployment and future modifications. This standardisation also benefits long-term maintenance and scalability.

Easy Fault-Finding and Operational Consistency

“By standardising on MAPS, any contractor can come into the plant and quickly understand the system,” highlights Zabiegaj. “It makes fault-finding easier and ensures consistency across the operation.”

The architecture further supports expansion without significant re-engineering. “It is based on a client-server model, so if the plant grows, you can simply upgrade licences and add more I/O or PLCs. You do not need to redesign the system,” says Zabiegaj.

Sovereign designed the system with future expansion in mind, ensuring that additional capacity and functionality could be added with minimal disruption. “We took a phased approach and built in the capability for expansion from the start,” says Hewitt.

“That means we can add new equipment and functionality without major changes to the infrastructure.” This flexibility has already been demonstrated, with additional plant capacity introduced in 2023.

Advanced Automation Features

“It is largely a matter of programming and commissioning, rather than extensive new hardware,” says Hewitt. The system also offers advanced automation features that can further enhance efficiency over time.

“There are capabilities around automated routing, prioritisation and production optimisation that we haven’t fully utilised yet,” notes Hewitt. “But the functionality is there, and it gives us a clear path for future improvements.”

Beyond the technology itself, the success of the project has been underpinned by strong collaboration between Sovereign and Adroit Technologies. “There was a lot of communication throughout the process, especially during commissioning,” says Hewitt. “Any challenges were addressed quickly, and the support has remained strong.”

A Broader Shift In Delivering Automation Projects

For Campbell, this reflects a broader shift in how automation projects are delivered. “It is not just about supplying a product. It is about building a long-term partnership,” he says. “As the customer’s needs evolve, the system evolves with them.”

Today, the MAPS implementation is delivering tangible benefits across Sovereigns operations, including improved efficiency, reduced downtime, and enhanced product quality. “From my perspective, the system is reliable, user-friendly and continues to improve as we build on it,” concludes Hewitt. “It has made a real difference to how we operate.”

As the poultry sector continues to face increasing pressure to optimise performance while maintaining strict quality standards, integrated automation solutions such as MAPS are set to play an increasingly important role in enabling sustainable, scalable growth.

“South Africa’s water infrastructure challenges demand smarter, data-driven solutions,” stresses Kok. “Our current R&D is focused on developing next-generation AI capabilities that will, in time, complement our existing water management technologies, which are already helping utilities reduce water losses and make informed operational decisions today.”

Addressing a National Challenge

Urban growth, vandalism, and limited monitoring capacity have severely strained South Africa’s water systems. In many municipalities, leaks and pump failures are discovered only after outages occur.

Adroit Technologies’ ongoing research aims to integrate new AI tools seamlessly with existing SCADA and telemetry systems to deliver predictive analytics, real-time alerts, and actionable insights, helping engineers identify hidden losses and optimise operations before crises arise.

The AI-driven ‘pseudo-metering’ can infer consumption and pressure data where physical meters are missing or damaged. This innovation has the potential to help under-resourced municipalities monitor network conditions that were previously ‘data blind.’

Research with Real-World Impact

Adroit Technologies’ current research is focused on developing a scalable, national-level AI framework that leverages forecasting, anomaly detection, and digital twin modelling to enhance decision-making and support more efficient water use.

A hybrid neural network architecture (CNN-LSTM) and self-healing data middleware are being designed to operate effectively even with incomplete or delayed data, a common challenge across South Africa’s municipalities.

At the heart of this collaboration is one of the largest Adroit SCADA environments ever deployed, used for both fire and gas detection across the entire Synfuels plant. The system monitors hundreds of fire panels, gas detectors, and alarms in real-time, enabling the central fire station to respond immediately to any risk event within roughly 136 operational units at the site.

National Sales Manager Bradley Campbell explains that Adroit Technologies is known for the flexibility of its SCADA platform, which supports rapid connectivity to diverse devices and industrial technologies. According to Campbell, this adaptability is particularly important in sectors that operate numerous siloed systems.

Unifying All Operational Processes Across a Plant

“Adroit Technologies is ideally suited to unifying all operational processes across a plant, providing a single, coherent layer of visibility and control,” he says. Production, Building Management Systems (BMS), and environmental systems can all be unified into a single operational environment, simplifying support, reducing training requirements, and ensuring that all decision-critical data lives in one place.

In large-scale operations, it is common for multiple independent systems to support different processes across the plant. The key challenge is enabling these systems to operate as a cohesive whole without disrupting existing workflows. Adroit Technologies’ architecture is designed specifically to address this, allowing organisations to either progressively modernise or retain existing systems, while centralising visibility and control.

A Single, Intuitive Operational View, Reducing Complexity for Operators

Using native communication protocols or custom integrations where required, the SmartUI Portal delivers a single, intuitive operational view, reducing complexity for operators, improving response times, and ensuring that critical information is always accessible for faster, more informed decision-making.

This consolidation also aligns with a major workforce challenge in South Africa, where dwindling technical capacity has caused many operators to prioritise ease of use and standardisation. Campbell notes that Adroit Technologies’ recent projects reflect a shift from simple software supply to providing full architecture guidance.

“Clients require technology partners that stay involved throughout implementation and support. With Sasol, we were there every step of the way, from engineering to commissioning, to ensuring round the clock uptime through a service level agreement. It is a relationship built on trust and ongoing innovation,” highlights Campbell.

Modular Architecture Supporting Vertical Solutions

Adroit SCADA objects provide a modular approach to modelling individual process functions or entire process areas. These object libraries can be used directly in core SCADA deployments. They also form the foundation for Adroit Technologies’ vertical solutions, including BMS, energy management, fire detection, and Environmental Management Systems (EMS). This approach enables faster deployment, consistency across applications, and easier long-term maintenance.

James Adams, Key Account Manager at Adroit Technologies, notes that real time data visibility is becoming the foundation on which future digital transformation is built. “We are preparing for the wider use of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics in areas such as predictive maintenance. By getting the data architecture right now we are unlocking long term value for customers who want to shift from reactive decisions to proactive insights,” he says.

Adroit Technologies anticipates that demand for integrated digital control solutions in the mining and petrochemical sectors will continue to rise, particularly as industry embraces cloud connectivity, IoT technologies, OPC UA, and unified namespace strategies. The company’s position as a South African engineering success story, with the ability to develop new drivers, communications and features in house, sets it apart in a market that often relies on imported solutions.

Using Technology to Derisk Major Operations

The evolving partnership with Sasol stands as a compelling example of how technology suppliers can help de-risk major operations while contributing to continuous product improvement for the wider industry.

“We see Sasol as a long-term strategic partner and are proud of the contribution we have been able to make to their operational resilience and technology modernisation,” says Adams. “Their appetite for innovation has resulted in a success story that allows us to demonstrate what digital transformation can look like when it is taken seriously.”

Adams concludes with an invitation to operators in the mining and energy sectors to rethink their digital strategy. “If your organisation is still managing multiple SCADA systems in isolation or struggling to access meaningful operational data, it is the right time to consolidate and modernise. We would love to demonstrate what a unified approach can achieve.”

Exciting things are happening at Adroit Technologies.

We’re relocating to a new building within Waterford Office Park – same complex, new space, bigger vision.

Why the move?

Our growth and long-term strategy demand an environment that better supports our customers, partners, and training initiatives. The new premises will allow us to introduce:

• An auditorium for training, product launches, and industry events

• A state-of-the-art demo room where customers can experience our solutions in a live, operational environment

• Expanded facilities designed to enhance collaboration, learning, and innovation

This move reflects our continued investment in skills development, customer engagement, and technology leadership.

We’ll be sharing progress updates and behind-the-scenes photos as we prepare the new space.

Watch this space – bigger, better, and built for the future.

We’re pleased to welcome new colleagues who have joined us across Accounts, Sales, and our Youth Development initiative. Their skills and enthusiasm strengthen our teams and support our commitment to growth and development at Adroit Technologies.

Accounts Department

• Berenice Holzer – Accountant

• Emelda Jordaan – Credit Controller

Sales Department

• Emma Kritzinger – Internal Sales 

Support Department (Interns)

• Murangi Ramushweu

• Vhugala Raphunga

• Lerato Rabopape

• Thabiso Matlala

We look forward to the contributions each of you will make and wish you every success as you grow with the company.

Esteban notes that the system allows early detection of process deviations and asset behaviour changes, enabling proactive action before major failures occur. “This proactive approach has significantly reduced unplanned downtime and emergency maintenance costs. The ability to plan and avoid disruptions is a direct result of the intelligent tools and close collaboration we have developed with Adroit Technologies.”

According to Johan Nieuwenhuizen, Sales Director and co-CEO at Adroit Technologies, the appointment underscores Adroit’s long-standing reputation as a trusted global partner in industrial automation, SCADA, IIoT, and OT cybersecurity. “We have established a strong reputation over more than three decades as a partner in industrial digital transformation,” he says.

Esteban adds that Maxion’s evolution with SCADA systems had reached a point where “simply collecting data on the shop floor was no longer enough. We needed a partner who could help us unlock the full potential of that data across all levels of the organisation. Adroit Technologies stood out not only for its technical capabilities, such as advanced visualisation, security, and integration, but also for its collaborative spirit.”

From the start, Adroit Technologies demonstrated a deep understanding of Maxion’s needs and a commitment to building a long-term, strategic partnership. “That drive, trust, and alignment were key in selecting them as our global SCADA partner,” notes Esteban.

With over 35,000 licences deployed across six continents, Adroit Technologies has proven its ability to deliver scalable, secure, and future-ready SCADA solutions in complex industrial environments. “Iochpe-Maxion required a global partner capable of unifying diverse systems while ensuring cybersecurity compliance and long-term reliability,” highlights Nieuwenhuizen.

Iochpe-Maxion’s objective was to consolidate multiple heterogeneous control systems into a single, standardised SCADA architecture that delivers both real-time and historical data aggregation across its global operations. Adroit Technologies met this requirement through protocol-agnostic integration supporting more than 100 industrial drivers, including OPC UA, MQTT, Modbus, and BACnet.

Built around Adroit Technologies’ SCADA solution and the Adroit Edge Gateway software, the solution enables data collection and exchange with enterprise MES and ERP systems, unifying information flows and supporting centralised operational oversight. This architecture provides a secure and flexible foundation for advanced analytics, predictive maintenance, and continuous improvement across all plants.

“The system provides real-time visibility into plant operations, ensuring everyone is aligned, informed, and empowered to act,” says Esteban. “We have shifted from a fragmented and reactive reality to a proactive, integrated mindset that enables real-time monitoring, early deviation detection, and predictive insights. It allows us to deeply understand each bit of data generated by our equipment and processes.”