Náš kolega a projektový manažér Róbert Hajduk sa zúčastnil konferencie Octave Live OnTour v Mníchove, kde zazneli myšlienky, ktoré stoja za zamyslenie nielen pri digitalizácii priemyslu, ale aj pri každodennom riadení údržby.
At a conference with approximately 2,000 attendees—featuring a spectacular opening performance, a light show, music, and presentations of the latest technological solutions—a statement was made that no one expected. During his talk, a representative from CERN remarked: “We are nothing special!”
Práve tento moment zostal Róbertovi Hajdukovi z konferencie Octave Live OnTour v pamäti najvýraznejšie. Nie preto, že by CERN nebol výnimočnou organizáciou, ale preto, že jeho prístup k údržbe búra jednu rozšírenú predstavu – čím náročnejšia je prevádzka, tým komplikovanejší musí byť systém, ktorý ju riadi.
When even CERN seeks simplicity
During his lecture, David Widegren, Head of Engineering Information Management at CERN, discussed asset management within an organization that operates a particle accelerator approximately 100 meters underground and manages millions of assets.
One might expect a multitude of specialized solutions and complex, custom-tailored system modifications. However, the message of his presentation was quite different. “I was floored when the guy from CERN said they aren’t ‘special,'” recalls Róbert Hajduk, sharing his impressions. He continues: “In a personal conversation, David Widegren confirmed that for asset management, they use standard solutions and configurations—without any custom modifications. Their goal is to keep maintenance processes as simple as possible.”
And that is an important message for other industrial companies as well. The value of a system lies not in its complexity, but in how well it supports people and their daily work. Instead of complicated solutions, it is important to look for a functional setup that meets the real needs of the operation.
Mind the gap: The gap between data and its use
The central theme of the conference was the slogan “Mind the gap.” Through it, Mattias Stenberg, CEO of Octave, highlighted the discrepancy between the volume of data available and its actual utilization. According to data presented at the conference, as much as 86% of data remains unconnected, lacking context, and without practical application.
Today, companies collect a vast amount of information regarding equipment, malfunctions, and service interventions. However, if this data remains siloed across different systems, its full potential goes unrealized. In the field of maintenance, connecting this data is crucial; it facilitates better planning of service interventions, enables the assessment of equipment condition, and supports decision-making based on real-world information.
Another major theme of the conference is closely related to this: artificial intelligence. Its potential in the industrial sector is significant, yet its actual value depends on the quality of the data and the context in which it is applied. After all, even the most advanced technology cannot replace a solid data foundation and well-structured processes.
Technology is important. People are too.
Octave Live OnTour showcased all four of Octave’s product areas—Design, Build, Operate, and Protect—which cover the individual stages of an asset’s lifecycle, from design through to operation and protection.
For Róbert Hajduk, however, the conference was not just about technology. A significant part consisted of personal meetings with experts from the EAM community, including Jochen Reiß, Vice President for the EMIA region at Octave, as well as representatives from partner companies Aomation, Spectades, and Mell.
The discussions focused on practical experience, shared challenges, and opportunities for collaboration. It is precisely this exchange of insights with people addressing similar issues across different countries and companies that provides value which presentations alone cannot replicate.
The atmosphere of the event itself was also a powerful experience. “Being at a conference with—by my estimate—2,000 people is incredible. During the opening speech by Octave’s CEO, I felt like I was in a movie scene where Steve Jobs introduces a new MP3 player. The staging, music, video, and lighting—everything was meticulously thought out,” says Róbert Hajduk, describing his impressions.
Fewer complications, more meaningful solutions
Konferencia priniesla množstvo nových poznatkov, no dve myšlienky vystihujú jej hlavné posolstvo: ani náročná prevádzka nemusí vyžadovať komplikované systémy a samotné dáta majú hodnotu až vtedy, keď ich dokážeme prepojiť a prakticky využiť.
Pre nás v INSEKO je účasť na podujatiach, ako je Octave Live OnTour, príležitosťou sledovať vývoj v oblasti EAM, zdieľať skúsenosti s medzinárodnou odbornou komunitou a prinášať nové poznatky do práce s klientmi.
Because the goal of digitalization is not to make things more complex. Rather, it is to help businesses manage assets and maintenance more simply, more efficiently, and with better information.
