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This goes for both the physical and the digital capital-intensive assets. When an organization neglects this, it faces the risk of losing its relevance in the long run.

Sustainable employability of assets consists of four components that complement and strengthen each other. The elements are taking care of the earth, safety of operations, economical operations, and the creation of societal value.

Step by step

Asset Management of both physical and digital capital-intensive assets is essential. Innovations and developments, both within and outside of Asset Management, create a dynamic playing field. The Asset Management organization is tasked with keeping the organization nimble to thrive in this dynamic playing field. A focus on sustainable employability is key to staying nimble.

Cooperating and creating partnerships with other parties are first steps in the right direction, this enables organizations to benchmark their efforts regarding the sustainable employability of assets. A clear action plan, containing a long-term strategy for the sustainable employability of assets, should be created and the entire organization should be involved in this effort. The next step is the continuous monitoring of, and acting on the results of, the measured progress. Next to that it is critical to actively innovate and embrace innovations to maintain the current market position.

Asset Management at its Best

In April, the maintenance capital of Europe, Rotterdam, went in search of best practices on Sustainability during EuroMaintenance. With 13 keynotes, 37 workshops (fully booked), 3 dayclosing inspiring tables and more than 1000 participants, the attendees could learn, inspire, meet and enjoy. The Dutch Maintenance Society (NVDO) is proud on the results. General Manager Ellen den Broeder; “One thing is for sure: Asset Management is ensuring that an organization's assets continue to function as well as possible for as long as possible. Everyone agreed on that during EuroMaintenance. Sustainability is ensuring that our planet continues to function as well as possible for as long as possible. So, this comes down to managing our common, most precious asset: the earth. Even stronger: all other assets depend on this earth. Because if it no longer works, your assets can no longer fulfil their function. For this reason alone, it makes perfect sense to make sustainability an integral part of your Asset Management”. It is also very important when it comes to Asset Performance Management, which was one of the EuroMaintenance themes.

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Safety

EuroMaintenance was not just about Sustainability. Safety was one of the other very important themes. With no less than 8 workshops attendees were treated to interactive sessions, best practices and everyone also received a goodie bag from EU-OSHA to take home to become more familiar with the valuable international safety campaigns.

Human Factor

As a result of influential events such as the Pandemic, but also the Russia-Ukraine war, the pressure on Management and Maintenance has increased. The energy transition must be faster, the work must be more sustainable, and it must be cheaper. All these challenges can also be seen in the technical labour market. These challenges are piling up on top of the consequences of an aging population, the increasing integration of technology and the difficult connection to education. Den Broeder; “Nevertheless, there is also good news when it comes to the technical labour market. Many companies are optimistic when it comes to recruiting qualified personnel. In addition, many good initiatives have been launched to make technology, Management and Maintenance in particular, more attractive to everyone. During EuroMaintenance such good news was shown”.

Smart Industry

Smart Industry was, as one of the themes during EuroMaintenance, significant. For example, it is a popular trend within manufacturing companies. Data integration makes it possible for production systems to work together and to respond to live changes in the company, at the customer or in the supply chain. EuroMaintenance met five benefits of deploying Smart Industry and how data centers enable the transition: better quality and increased productivity. Less operational costs. More insight. Higher customer satisfaction. Higher employee satisfaction. Den Broeder; “Young talent is used to the latest technology. Do you still work 'old school' as a production company? Then you have less chance of attracting young talent. Modern technology also ensures fewer errors, problems, and less dissatisfied customers”.

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From Rotterdam to Rimini

During the closing ceremony of EuroMaintenance 2023, not only did the excellent edition in Rotterdam close musically, it was also the starting signal for the next edition in Rimini. That will take place on 16,17,18 September with 8 thematic pavilions in the exhibition area and same topics within the congress. Den Broeder; “Looking back at the NVDO edition of EuroMaintenance, I can only wish our Italian organizers that they enjoy the preparations as much as we did. May they count on a lot of cooperation, enthusiasm, professionalism and many visitors”.

Source: EuroMaintenance organizer, the Dutch Maintenance Society, NVDO.