MEDIA CENTRE

GQEBERHA, 31 March 2026 - S4 Integration, in partnership with UK-based software company NoMuda, recently concluded a high-impact three-city roadshow aimed at revolutionising the South African manufacturing landscape. The events, held in Gqeberha (March 16), Durban (March 18), and Johannesburg (March 19), provided local industry leaders with a blueprint for integrating Lean principles with advanced Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).

As South African manufacturers face increasing pressure to modernise, the roadshow focused on the mantra: Simplify, Standardize, and Automate. The sessions demonstrated how the NoMuda VisualFactory MES platform acts as a digital nervous system for the shop floor, specifically designed to support the "most complex resource" the human worker.

Global Expertise Meets Local Industry.

The roadshow featured two prominent international figures in the Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) space:

• Philip Borland, CEO of NoMuda: A dedicated disciple of Lean Manufacturing, Borland shared insights from decades of helping prestigious global manufacturers eliminate waste and optimise operational flow.

• Martyn Gill, CCO of NoMuda: Gill discussed global growth strategies for discrete manufacturers, emphasizing how a trusted ecosystem of partners can drive large-scale digital innovation.

A core theme of the presentation was the evolution of manufacturing technology from the rigid MRP systems of the 1980s to the agile, "Just-in-Time" capabilities of modern MES. Attendees were shown how VisualFactory delivers measurable improvements in efficiency while virtually eliminating errors and omissions on the assembly line.

The speakers highlighted that true success lies in harmonizing the "4 Ps" of the Manufacturing philosophy which are People (respecting, challenging, and growing them), Process (eliminating waste), Parts and Production equipment. Focusing on these four pillars will ensure that digital tools are not just installed, but are actively used by empowered workers to solve real-time floor challenges and drive sustainable growth.

"The goal is to provide simple, actionable insights into the power of the Toyota Production System (TPS) that manufacturers can implement immediately," said the NoMuda team. "By providing the correct components, sequences, and settings in real-time, we empower the people building the product to excel in increasingly complex environments."

The collaboration between S4 and NoMuda marks a significant step forward for South Africa’s Industry 4.0 readiness. By combining S4’s deep local expertise in industrial automation with NoMuda’s world-class software, the partnership offers a comprehensive solution for companies looking to reduce rework, improve validation, and remain competitive in a global market.