Intelligent Conference 2020

The issue of improving the quality of Egyptian electrical product is an important and national mission that deserves attention and consideration scientifically.

 Intelligent Project Manager, spoke about the significant efforts exerted by the company in electricity field. “Such efforts are not limited to the engineers and contractors, but also the manufacturer and authorized agent in Egypt and Africa. When it is desired to market the electricity, certain magazine or exhibit is not chosen to publish the advertisement. However, useful reference has been provided in order to close the gap between contractor/ consultant and investor. In usual, the consultants look for advertising agencies very hard, but they finally rely on one of the well- know companies, as evidenced by there are many advertising agencies in the market but neither contractors / consultants nor investors know nothing about them, even thought their services are comparable to the well- know companies.” Areej Mohamed said.

“Intelligent is an encyclopedia, not merely a magazine. It presents all companies in power and electricity market in Egypt and all Africa. Accordingly, it is working to close the gap between the investor, manufacturer to electrical product, and contractor/ consultant. The details of encyclopedia are all the exhibit companies in market. It is delivered for free in order to help all the peoples. For instance cables, the encyclopedia presents all companies producing cables with all their technical features. Thereby, the contractor or consultant is able to identify all the producer companies.” Areej Mohamed added.

“We are lack of many products in the market, although the domestic production will stop the imports and reduce the foreign currency. We can also compete with the other African products. Thus, to achieve such aim, we have to apply the standards of each product. For example Amt - Inc accessories, there is very small scale of the Egyptian factories that product them, if not one factory in 6th October City, however, the market is, indeed, need huge quantities of the same. The same for cable block- connectors, we import it, even thought we are able to manufacture them easily. If the investor manufactures such products by the relevant standards, he will break into the market strongly.” Eng. Ibrahim Elsayed, Spokesman of ECG Company, said.

One of the products that hardly find in any factory in Egypt is the metal products, despite their ease of their production. We need also factories to produce the torches since we only finish the torches. By achieving the same, we will fill a huge gap regarding the imports. In addition, we can develop production line for the master of boards to save hard currency and increase the local production.

“Concerning production of motors, the global information emphasizes that the motors consume around 64% of the consumed power around the world. I also suggest to establish a line to product them to overcome a big shortage in the local market.”

“We need to do many studies on breaking into solar energy field, so we can make the best use of it. Therefore, I call upon the officials to pay attention to this field because it is considered one of the free energies that does not cost so much, as well as, it is clean energy. There is no oil company has agreed with the electricity companies to develop the field of producing the cells of solar energy.

The product should fulfill its standards issued by the Egyptian Authority. There is a committee to visit the factories producing new products in order to monitor the application of product standards and to test them until the final approval.”

 

“The issue of improving the quality of Egyptian electrical product is an important and national mission that deserves attention and consideration scientifically. The first step to achieve the same is to pay attention to the quality standards. Although we are aware of them, they and their levels of application vary from one company to another. The quality standards are the only reason getting the consumer to trust a certain company rather than anyone else. On the other hand, if the local producers meet these standards, the value of local product will increase, not only at the local level, but also at the Middle East or even the world because Egypt is a pioneer company in the field of electricity. In the field of mechanics, there are many equipment and machines are imported. The electrical products in market, unlike, are locally manufactured.

However, sometimes some of contractors and owners bring an imported product since the quality standards are not applied. Indeed, we do not need new quality standards but we only need the supervision the existing standards.” Eng. Hossam Hamdy, Electrical Consultant Engineer in EHAF.

“The second step to raise the quality of the local product is to reduce the maximum number of errors. For instance, Japan is proud of being not allowed to make errors. How far back can Egypt do that in manufacturing the product? We want every worker in this system to adhere to this principle, or at least not to make major error in the product. The third step is to raise the minimum level of design. After applying all these steps, it is the time of ensuring the validity of chosen product and the suitability for its application. This depends on the relationship between the consultant, the supplier and the owner. At first, the owner has to know what he wants from the product because if he does not know it enough, he will choose product of more required features or vice versa. Secondly, the consultant’s role is to explain what is required without leaving many inquiries to the contractor so as not waste time or put the product at risk. The supplier should conduct research on the local market needs and the necessity to meet them. For example, the consultant requests certain thing, then, we find that the supplier does not provide the required product unless it is requested by specific order.”

He also emphasized that the quality standards are more important than the development, explaining that the focus only on development is the biggest mistake. That's like that a one has a law, but he does not enforce it. This does not mean that development is not important, but the quality must be applied firstly since it is a way of life. In addition, the negative results must be avoided.

On the other hand, Hamdy pointed out that it is not important that the Egyptian product is a competitor in all its aspects, as one advantage is sufficient. For example, we prefer the Japanese car to the German car in terms of the AC. So the producer must focus his attention to find the field, in which he will be number one.

Meanwhile, he stated that "EHAF" is one of companies that tackled the issues by a purely scientific manner, not just media and diplomatic manner, as it is considered the main way for success.

Moreover, he asserted that the approved manufacturers list shall be developed and updated consistently. The consultant who does not follow such instructions is considered substandard. Whereas, there are new companies in trust and approved companies that declined such as "Nokia" Company, its business is declined completely, however, each consultant has different features. Whereas, there is a consultant who updates and develops his own knowledge consistently, not depending on an old standard, another one who judges the product by the country of origin, which is mainly wrong. HAMDY addresses consultants saying that the judgment shall not be based on product name or country of origin, but based on the standard that makes us accept the American product and German product at the same time refuse the Chinese product. For example, in a project for making cables in "Hilton", 4 common trade names and 3 unknown trade names are mentioned, finally, one of unknown trade names is chosen as we can trust in it and it is based on the consultant's honesty.

On the contrary, Eng. MAHMOUD HAMDY, Manager of Projects Zone for Precision Consulting Engineering Office, has discussed the Egyptian product issue and the reliability culture "We have a complete market that is developed constantly, but we do not notice that" he said. In addition, he clarified that the Egyptian product is available and appropriate, however, there is not a service helps people to be acquaint with the available products; thus it is not available for all companies to enter the market. He expressed his admiration towards "Intelligent" Encyclopedia as it provides updated information over electricity market.

Furthermore, he added that all products have power indicator and its power consumption to not cost more in the future. "Precision Company" has studied and discussed such matter and divided it into 3 indicators: Power consumption amount, Local component percentage for each product and customer indicator which has to be developed each 3 months, whereas, a group will collect information about market; another will observe the customers' reactions over the product. Therefore, we can ask Consumer Protection Agency for help to determine the consumer complaints.

In addition to, he asserted the necessity to give the developed product a chance to be available; therefore he suggested that Ministry of Industry and companies available in market have to hold a meeting to discuss over changing our conception towards Egyptian product and concentrating on the problem of exchange information. Therefore, it is necessary to count the products, increase the competitiveness and create a research unit for the product that deserves to reach better results, whereas the product will be 30% Egyptian instead of 15%.

He discussed the positive role of exchanging information and knowledge between companies, thus the matter changes from what is exactly required to actual participation and find solutions for problems by meetings or social media; such as groups created on What's App and Facebook, therefore, the competitiveness will be increased and better. He asserted that all suggestions will be implemented soon, then we will create indicators for all products to determine the proportion if it is local, as well as, he talked about the main role of consultant to convince the customer that the product is a reliable product.

Moreover, he added that all applicable laws in governmental organizations are put because of long history of dealings, however, there is no a comprehensive law. Therefore, many problems have been occurred in dealings that promote the country to amend the law. He stated that the Egyptian product has to be distinctive and reliable, for example, the German product, once the customer realizes that the product is German, he feels comfortable and trust which is based on their great efforts, as well as, he argues that the consulting offices and Egyptian companies working in electricity field have to communicate with each other in the following period.

 

Eng. TAMER RAMZY, an electrical consultant, expressed his preference for the Egyptian product if it meets the international specifications, thus we will not need to foreign products, as well as, he hoped that electricity market will be based on local products.

Eng. MAGY, affiliated to Maamoon Establishment for Electrical Engineering, said that company is operating in most of electricity sectors, approved by "Schneider ", clarifying that the company faces a problem which is non-changing policy by governmental agencies "if the government assigned a good consultant, it never changes him" she said.

Eng. MOHAMED SALEM, Deputy chairman of ABB Egypt located at north central Africa and Manager of 10th of Ramadan company factories, spoke under the point of view of manufacturers, especially international companies working in electricity market in Egypt, as well as, he tackled 4 important points: overview of the company, responsibilities of international companies working in Egypt and its roles towards small-cap companies, support required laws by ministries and government generally and some recommendations in electricity industry for new investors in Egyptian market.

Furthermore, he stated that (ABB) considered the largest and oldest company in Egyptian market, it started in 1978 as one of Arab Contractors companies then it was transferred to 10th of Ramadan City, as well as, it was the first plant in Egypt and Middle East in electrical panel industry. After Arab Contractors company sold all its shares, over 40 years, (ABB) completely possessed, since 2000 (ABB) became the only owner of the company. International Company (ABB) is an European company started in Swede and Swiss, in addition, in 1820, it was the first company working for electricity industry. Over previous 125 years, many agreements had been signed between the company and many European companies (Italian - German).

"SALEM" declared number of obligations that company has committed concerning industry in Egypt as an international company;

First: nationalization of technology in Egypt, in an attempt to develop the electricity industry which means that not only selling products in Egyptian market but encouraging foreign companies to invest in Egyptian market and making use of good sources of Egypt; one of the most important sources is manpower, he said "Actually, we had so professional engineers who able to bear responsibility, in addition, the company has to help engineers and Egyptian labor to develop", adding that the company has now more than 200 engineers in (ABB) factories in Europe, America, Canada and Asian countries such as Malaysia and Thailand.

Second obligation towards electricity industry in Egypt: focus on product quality is considered the most important factor for respect our customer, whereas, it is usually necessary to raise the customers' expectations. He also asserted that the local product has to equal the foreign product; taking into consideration Egyptian culture. Therefore, the succeeded manufacturer is the one who able to distinguish his own product and make it suitable for customers overseas taking into consideration different cultures.

Third obligation: promote the culture of safety and professional health for all workers in Egypt. It is not directed for industrial committee but for whole committee.

Fourth: Human Development; Engineering Skills develops in the engineering faculties and other companies, "we have many contributions in the engineering faculties labs as well as Protective devices, communication, electrical panels and the effective practice in the dual technical education which are the most important development elements for the electrical industries in Egypt, thus, we will have technicians are able to carry responsibility and assemble the products properly" he said. Clarifying that if the manufacturer wants to continue in markets, its product shall comply with the last international standard, health and safety of workers, and quality tests which conduct to avoid the risks and to ensure of product efficiency regardless the great costs, but it works for companies to maintain for more than 40 years as well as gaining the customer trust.

Fifth: the manufacturer shall have integrity, to gain the customer respect on its product.

Sixth: helping the technical staff to learn, improve and to be leadership figures. This help may be provided by other organization, e.g; there are many leaders in the competing organization of ABB have helped by the company. Also, he confirms that there are some foreign companies entered the market during the last two years and did not comply with the industrial obligations, but it only exploits the Egyptian market.

Salam asks the officials to reconsider the issue of industrial electricity especially, in concerning of the ownership system which exists in many developed and developing countries, adding that; the optimal system is beneficial ownership for 30 to 40 years, because the serious investor, whether was Egyptian or foreign, calculate the value of the land over of 30 to 40 years as a maximum. Therefore, when the industrial land offered by the beneficial ownership, the land brokers and the specialized of land hoarding will stop to enter the land business as well as, we will ensure of exist the serious investor in order to maintain the property rights of  Egyptian lands for coming generations. 

He noted the important of paying the due attention to export; in case of the product satisfies with its local market, with stay in the same step, because it cannot keep pace with the international standards and eventually it will decline in market, in the contrary of the good local manufacturer is the one who targets to pay attention for export, thus any local product have a plan doesn't include the exporting and developing the exports will be in the wrong path. Therefore, he asks the officials in Egypt to activate the international conventions of commerce such as the last convention in Africa. Describing the experience of the "COMESA" was good because it promotes the Egyptian exporter to export to "COMESA" countries. Similarly, the conventions with Southern, western and central African countries shall be observed and encouraging Maritime, land or air transport, and even transport from Egypt to African countries because in many cases, the Egyptian product is 15% less than the global prices and almost by the same quality. But, the transport costs from Egypt to any other country as Tanzania and Mozambique will be four times for the same product, if it transferred from Spain or Portugal due to lack of developed transport lines such as European countries or turkey which transferred its products to Africa by much more cheaper prices. While the current Egyptian product has the same quality of the European and turkey product or even better, on other hand, the Egyptian import will be less in time, and prices by 10% or 15% but because of transport we are totally out of the running.

The vice president of ABB advises the small manufacturers to pay attention for the human resources because the industry in general and the electricity industry in particular are depending on the human resources.  Having High qualified engineers and technicians may make the product break into the world. Therefore, the good investor and successful manufacturer shall note the same, because the engineer or technician has a lot of responsibilities, and he may do mistakes. So, human resources and its trainings are very important.

He clarifies that the cut-off point of developing or non-devolving specifications is the product obtaining the IDC certificate. Hence, there are general and particular specifications for the product.  The general specifications is A –B which means the extend of product conformity with IDC standards, while the particular one is depend on the distributor and its conditions for example; the store in street  has its own running conditions which require different dimensions shall be comply with the customer otherwise the product will be rejected, In addition to, the results of industrial development authority in order to obtain the required licenses as manufacturer and the product certification.  If the product was electrical, there is committee in the ministry of electricity and power currently approved all the products and so cooperated with the manufacturers. It also tests all products whether were accessories, panels, transformers, heaters or etc. There is lab at the Ministry of Industry, and all the above-mentioned labs may give certification to make the product approved.

He said that one of means used by the company to prove the efficiency of the product, is to put the product in markets for a year or two, in order to gain the customer trust then it has its validity certification e.g a store coated by GRB for water resistant, which had been used by many African counties, and we starts to use it in north coast near the water and leave it for couple of years, then we discovered that it can endure unfavorable environmental factors and prove its efficiency.

He mentioned the company training programs that accept undergraduates, and start its advertising campaigns on social media and official website in April each year for one month paid summer training to all students in the faculty of engineering. He added that the training is so organized. The students divide into groups and trained in factory from 8 am to 5 pm daily. The students, who prove its proficiency in training, shall have the priority in appointment at (ABB). There also the customers training, where they receives courses in electricity industry field.      

Intelligent Conference 2020
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