Derek Ward, MicroSCADA engineer and systems integrator
Limelight Projects is Derek's own company, founded in 2020 after more than two decades of SCADA work at ABB South Africa.
From test bench to section head
Derek started at ABB South Africa in 1997 as a test technician, became a project engineer, and from 2008 led the company's MicroSCADA section for almost twelve years. In that time he designed, extended and commissioned MicroSCADA systems on Sasol, Mondi, Eskom and municipal sites, supported other MicroSCADA engineers across ABB South Africa's projects, and presented MicroSCADA training courses.
Since founding Limelight Projects he has worked as a consultant, SCADA engineer and software engineer: engineering and upgrading substation SCADA systems, supporting EPC projects, and building Limelight SCT, an IEC 61850 System Configuration Tool shaped by what he needs at the panel.
The company name comes with a motto that describes how Derek works: thinking outside the box. When a site problem doesn't have an off-the-shelf answer, he builds one.
At a glance
| Experience | 25+ years in SCADA |
|---|---|
| Qualifications | N6 Power Engineering; S4 Power Engineering |
| Training | Certified by ABB Finland to present MicroSCADA training courses |
| Specialities | MicroSCADA, IEC 61850 and GOOSE, IEC 104, DNP3, Modbus, LON |
| Based | Gauteng, working nationwide |
Career
- 2020 to todayLimelight ProjectsConsultant: SCADA engineering and commissioning, and software engineering.
- 2008 to 2019ABB South Africa: Section Head, MicroSCADALed MicroSCADA engineering, delivery and support.
- 2007Independent consultant and programmer
- 1997 to 2006ABB South Africa: Test Technician, then Project Engineer
- 1996Technikon Pretoria: Laboratory Assistant
Talk to Derek
About a project, a support need or MicroSCADA training.