Institution news
Q: Could you briefly explain your role and how it relates to the digitalisation of asset management?
Chris Steele (CS): My role within Black & Veatch is to head up our digital products and services, data science and analytics functions. The team is made up of software developers, operations and maintenance professionals and data scientists. Together we work with our clients to identify needs and opportunities that primarily reside in the operations and maintenance phases of the asset life cycle. These needs are often related to the optimisation of asset performance or providing the ability to predict condition deterioration for proactive interventions. The team develop digital applications that do this which increasingly include the use of AI services given the complexity of analysis and dynamic nature of assets.
Q: What are the main challenges you have faced implementing digital tools to support the reliability of equipment or infrastructure?
CS: Some of the biggest challenges have been around the consistency of good quality data to enable informed decisions. In many cases the standards and processes concerning data quality and engineering have not been defined or implemented within organisations combined with business as usual stewardship and ownership.
Q: What is the most exciting data-driven development in the field of reliability at the moment?
CS: For me it is the increasing use of AI services and in particular machine learning for the predictive management of asset availability and reliability. We are adopting AI to provide intelligent control for energy optimisation and to help assets adapt to changing conditions for sustained uptime.
Q: What are you hoping to address with your presentation at the seminar?
CS: I hope to provide greater insight into the use of digital twins within the asset management sector. Detailing how combining good quality data with data analytics and subject matter expertise can address multiple user requirements across the asset life cycle thus improving the level of service for the utility.
Q: Which other speakers and topics on the programme are you most looking forward to, and why?
CS: Other speakers and topics I would be interested in are those in relation to the practical applications of artificial intelligence and the interpretation of digital twins. Both terms are quickly becoming buzzwords without any real meaning; therefore, it is important to share real world projects and benefits when we can demonstrate them.
Q: Why should a mechanical engineer attend a seminar on digitalisation?
CS: I think this seminar will provide better insight into the linkages between physical and digital assets, demonstrating that through effective integration tangible benefits can be obtained.
Q: What innovations are you most interested in for the future?
CS: The increased use of virtual assistants within utilities to allow data and insight to be more accessible at the point of use or need is a key digital innovation that I see adding future value within asset management.
Asset Management: Reliability for a Digital Age takes place on 26 March 2020 at One Birdcage Walk in London. Join this seminar to:
- Learn about the application of data analytics to support design, operation, maintenance and life extension decisions
- Hear more about developments in digital asset management tools including digital twins to leverage large volumes of data and upgrade the reliability of your assets
- Benefit from a wide range of industry case studies from the aviation, power distribution, rail infrastructure, nuclear and renewable energy sectors
- Take part in peer-to-peer roundtables to set the tone for discussion and develop solutions for critical challenges
- Enjoy networking time throughout the day to meet new partners and build relationships which will drive your business forwards
To book your place, please visit www.imeche.org/assetmanagement.