How Utilities Are Using Asset Data to Improve Reliability: Moving from Passive Records to Strategic Assets

“If we look back ten years, asset data in utilities was mostly something collected and stored — often because it had to be. Today, it has become one of the key drivers of how utilities operate,“ Brckan describes.

More and more organizations are realizing that good decisions — whether about maintenance, investments, or daily operations — depend directly on the quality of their data. In that sense, data has moved from the background to the center of asset management.

“In practice, data no longer serves only to describe the past but instead it is increasingly used to shape future decisions,“ Brckan says.

“This shift marks a move away from reactive operations toward a more proactive and predictive approach, where data is central to reliability.“

The Right Data Matters More Than More Data: Improving reliability does not necessarily require vast amounts of data, but rather the right combination of information.

“Reliability really depends on connecting a few simple but essential pieces of information: what the asset is, where it is, how it has behaved in the past, and how it is performing today.”

When utilities combine basic asset information, maintenance history, and operational data, they gain a much clearer understanding of where risks are and how to prevent failures before they happen.

“It is often not about having more data, but about having the right data, structured in a meaningful way. This clarity enables utilities to identify weak points in their systems and act before disruptions occur.“

Overcoming Fragmentation and Data Silos: Despite the growing importance of data, many utilities still struggle with fragmentation.

“One of the most common situations is that data exists — but it is scattered, inconsistent, or incomplete. Different departments often keep their own records, sometimes in spreadsheets, sometimes in legacy systems, and sometimes only in people’s experience.“

Brckan notes that improvement usually starts with a simple step: agreeing on a common structure and taking ownership of data quality.

Technology helps, but the real change comes when the organization treats data as something valuable that needs to be actively managed.

“Data does not create value on its own: it becomes valuable only when it is structured, trusted, and used in everyday decision-making. Breaking down silos and establishing consistent data practices is often the first—and most important—step toward reliability improvement.“

From Reactive to Predictive Maintenance: Structured and reliable data enables a fundamental shift in maintenance strategies.

“When data is structured and reliable, maintenance becomes much more predictable. Instead of reacting to breakdowns, utilities can plan interventions based on actual needs.“

This means fewer surprises in daily operations, better use of resources, and ultimately more stable and reliable service for customers.

In many ways, this reflects a broader shift from reacting to problems to anticipating them.

“This transition reduces unplanned downtime while improving service continuity.“

Real-World Impact: From Symptoms to Root Causes: The benefits of better data are not theoretical—they translate directly into operational improvements.

“In one of our projects, a utility was dealing with frequent failures in critical equipment but lacked clear insight into the reasons behind them.“

Once they improved how maintenance activities and failures were recorded, patterns quickly became visible. This allowed them to address root causes instead of symptoms, which significantly
reduced failures and improved overall reliability — with clear cost benefits as well.

This example highlights how even incremental improvements in data quality can unlock significant value.

Digital Tools as Enablers: Modern technologies are accelerating the use of asset data in daily operations.

“These tools make it much easier to collect and use data in everyday work.“

Technicians can record information directly on-site, sensors provide continuous insight into asset condition, and more advanced tools like digital twins help simulate and understand system behavior. Together, they enable faster reactions and better decisions.

However, it is important to remember that digital tools do not solve problems by themselves, they amplify the quality of the processes and data behind them.

In other words, technology enhances, but does not replace, the need for strong data foundations.

Managing Aging Infrastructure with Data: Aging assets remain a major challenge across utility sectors in Croatia as elsewhere in Europe as well, but data provides a way to manage this more effectively.

“Aging infrastructure is a reality for most utilities. The key question is not just how old an asset is, but how it is actually performing.“

Brckan notes that with good data, utilities can make more balanced decisions — extending the life of assets that are still reliable, while focusing investments where the risk of failure is highest. This leads to better use of limited budgets.

“This performance-based approach ensures that investments are targeted where they deliver the greatest impact on reliability.“

The Rise of Predictive Analytics and AI: Looking ahead, predictive analytics and AI are set to further transform maintenance practices.

“We are moving toward a more predictive approach, where potential issues can be identified before they turn into failures.“

Brckan sees AI and predictive analytics increasingly supporting early detection of failures and optimization of maintenance schedules. However, their success will depend heavily on data quality and availability.

In the near future, we will see more accurate failure predictions, automated decision support, and tighter integration with operational systems.

Predictive maintenance does not start with algorithms. It starts with consistent and reliable data.

But the key message is that AI and analytics amplify good data. It does not replace the need for it.

A Cultural Shift Toward Data-Driven Decisions: Technology alone is not enough—organizational change is equally critical.

Brckan says that the biggest change needed within organisations is a shift in mindset. Data should not be seen as something technical or administrative, but as a tool that helps everyone make better decisions. This requires closer cooperation between teams, clear responsibility for data, and a willingness to rely on data instead of habits or assumptions.

Utilities that embrace this mindset will move faster: those that treat data as a strategic asset will outperform those that see it as a byproduct of operations.

Start with Data, Not Technology: For utility leaders beginning their digital transformation journey, the Brckan’s message is clear:

“Start with a clear and realistic foundation. Start with data, not technology.“

Many organizations invest in advanced systems without first ensuring that their asset data is structured and reliable, Brckan warns.

“It is tempting to jump straight into advanced technologies, but real value comes from having reliable and well-organized data. Once that foundation is in place, everything else becomes much easier and more effective.“

Digital Monitoring Becomes Essential as Ageing Water Networks Struggle

Europe’s water utilities are under intensifying strain as century-old infrastructure, climate-driven extremes and rising operational costs push networks beyond their design limits.
A recent analysis from Smartvatten, a company specializing in water efficiency, shows that monitored European properties lost nearly 772 million litres of water to leaks in a single year. This is equivalent to more than 300 Olympic-size swimming pools—with a financial impact exceeding £2.6 million.

Much of Europe’s pipework is over 100 years old, and hidden leaks can persist for days before detection. This increases non-revenue water, drives up emergency repair costs and exposes the limits of a long-standing strategy in which utilities “sweat” ageing assets rather than replace them. As demand grows and extreme weather events become more frequent, this approach is proving increasingly unsustainable.

A shift toward digital monitoring and real-time network intelligence is now accelerating. Smartvatten’s report highlights how continuous data collection enables earlier leak detection and more efficient water use, marking a broader transition from reactive maintenance to proactive asset management.

Acoustic leak detection technologies are central to this shift. Ovarro’s

Enigma5 fixed acoustic logger continuously monitors pressurised water networks, listening for the high-frequency signatures that indicate developing leaks. In Hamar, Norway, the system detected a leak releasing 600 cubic metres of water per day before any visible signs appeared. Left unaddressed, the loss would have cost the utility around £2,350 per day, or nearly £870,000 per year.

By identifying leaks earlier, utilities can reduce emergency interventions, avoid service disruptions and plan long-term infrastructure investments more effectively. As Europe’s water networks continue to age, digital monitoring is becoming not just an efficiency enhancer but a critical tool for maintaining resilience, the article concludes.

Source: Energy Live News, 12 March 2026

About the Interviewee

Krešimir Brckan is the Managing Director of Ekonerg Konzalting, a firm specializing in digital transformation and asset management solutions for infrastructure-intensive industries. With a background in mechanical engineering and hands-on experience in industrial maintenance and power generation, he leads projects focused on data-driven asset management across utilities, energy, and industrial sectors.

Text: Nina Garlo-Melkas Photos: EKONERG Konzalting