EuroMaintenance highlights the growing need for sustainable practices in asset management
We recently had the privilege of attending EuroMaintenance 2023 in Ahoy Rotterdam, thanks to an invitation extended by the European Federation of National Maintenance Societies (EFNMS).
Young talents Y. Stocker (left), Ministry of Defence and T. van Kol (right), Ministry of Infrastructure.
Invited as young talents in the field of asset management, we were thrilled to participate in this event, which focused on the theme of "Digitalization and Sustainability."
The conference covered a range of topics related to asset management, including the latest digitalization trends and technologies, sustainability strategies, and best practices for improving equipment reliability and efficiency. The presentations were delivered by industry experts from a variety of sectors, providing valuable insights and practical solutions for attendees.
One of the key takeaways from the conference was the importance of digitalization in asset management. The speakers emphasized the potential benefits of implementing advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) in maintenance practices. By utilizing these tools, organizations can improve their predictive maintenance capabilities, reduce downtime, and enhance equipment performance.
The event also highlighted the growing need for sustainable practices in asset management. As the world faces pressing environmental challenges, organizations are increasingly expected to operate in an environmentally responsible manner. The speakers emphasized the role of asset management in reducing carbon emissions and achieving sustainability goals, such as energy efficiency and waste reduction.
All these evolutions force us to consider the human factor as well. We are standing on the edge of the fifth industrial evolution. Unlike industry 4.0, industry 5.0 is striving to be human-centric, sustainable, and resilient. This has been extensively outlined by Jan Stoker. The EFNMS actively addresses this gap by developing a uniform maintenance curriculum for European maintenance professionals, ranging from technicians to maintenance managers. This must result in a sustainable education framework to prepare employees for Industry 5.0.
In addition to the informative presentations, the event provided opportunities for networking and collaboration. We had the chance to meet and exchange ideas with fellow attendees, including maintenance professionals, academics, and industry leaders. The event provided a platform for sharing experiences and building connections, which is critical for driving innovation and advancing the field of asset management.
Overall, we are grateful for the opportunity to attend EuroMaintenance 2023 and would like to extend our gratitude to the EFNMS for the invitation. We look forward to applying the knowledge gained at the conference to drive innovation and progress in this important field.
Text: Sander Aznar, Tessa van Kol and Yamilla La Heij-Stöcker
