This year, Solids is taking a holistic view. For example, BEMAS is offering an insight into the importance of maintenance and asset management. Find inspiration at one of the masterclasses, or pop over to their stand for a chat.
A breakdown rarely comes at a convenient time. Particularly in an environment where bulk goods are processed continuously, an unexpected breakdown can bring the entire operation to a standstill. That is precisely why BEMAS places a strong emphasis on maintenance at Solids. Not as a cost item, but as a strategic approach to reliability and efficiency.
Knowledge from and for members
As a non-profit organisation, BEMAS has been bringing together professionals in the fields of maintenance, reliability and asset management for many years. For its more than 630 member companies, it organises hundreds of training courses, knowledge-sharing sessions and learning networks every year. This year, for the first time, BEMAS is a content partner of Solids.
“When you work with technical installations, you also need to think about how to keep them running reliably,” says Wim Vancauwenberghe, director of BEMAS. “In sectors where bulk goods are handled, installations must be available when a ship or lorry arrives. Unplanned downtime is not only a nuisance, but often extremely costly as well.”
That is why preventive maintenance remains the key message. “Many companies still do not realise that, on average, it costs at least three times as much to fix a breakdown as it does to prevent one. New technology helps us with this, but the basic principles remain just as important: proper lubrication, understanding the root cause of problems and taking timely action.”
AI as an extra pair of eye
Technology is transforming the maintenance sector at breakneck speed. Sensors continuously collect data, whilst artificial intelligence helps to identify anomalies more quickly and plan maintenance more effectively. This enables companies to move away from fixed maintenance schedules towards maintenance based on the actual condition of a system.
“AI doesn’t replace technicians, but supports them,” says Wim. “There’s a shortage of technical talent everywhere. So you need to ensure that the people you do have can work as efficiently as possible. Think of systems that automatically issue alerts when a piece of equipment is behaving abnormally, or AI that instantly converts verbal comments made during an inspection into a structured maintenance report.”
According to BEMAS, this technological step does not have to be complex. “You don’t have to develop everything yourself. There are now plenty of specialist partners offering monitoring and analysis services, so that companies can continue to focus on their core activities.”
At Solids, BEMAS will therefore be presenting a mix of practical knowledge sessions and masterclasses. As well as digitalisation and AI, asset management will also be covered in detail: how do you make smart decisions about the lifespan of installations, when should you refurbish existing assets, and when is it better to invest in new technology?
Prevention is better than cure
For BEMAS, Solids presents an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of maintenance amongst a wider audience. Although the organisation has traditionally had a strong presence at Maintenance, it now also wants to reach companies operating in bulk handling, logistics and the process industry. “Maintenance is present in every sector where technical installations play a crucial role,” says Wim.
“Through Solids, we come into contact with companies that may not yet be familiar with how we operate, but which are facing the same challenges. Above all, we want to act as a bridge: inspiring people, sharing knowledge and demonstrating that proper maintenance goes far beyond simply fixing a breakdown. It is an investment in sustainable performance, lower risks and greater plant availability.”
“Maintenance has long since ceased to be just about repairs,” concludes Wim. “It’s about looking ahead, managing risks and planning investments wisely. Anyone who takes a proactive approach to this today is building a sustainable and high-performing business. And that is precisely what we want to inspire visitors to Solids with.”