Digitalization, big data and artificial intelligence (AI) are poised to transform the servicing and maintenance of container handling equipment, but a shift in mindset and close collaboration between equipment providers and terminal operators are vital to reap the full benefits of new technology. Speakers at this year’s free-to-attend TECH TOC seminars at the 44th TOC Europe conference and exhibition, 12-14 June, Rotterdam, will explore how the equipment service and maintenance landscape is shifting in the digital era, with practical examples of how to enable change and what results can be achieved.

“The essence of service is transforming from providing parts and maintenance services to providing availability and performance guarantees,” says Dr. Lasse Eriksson, Vice President, New Service Business Concepts at equipment supplier Kalmar and one of this year’s speakers. “Future services will no longer be separate bits and pieces, but complete solutions. This will be enabled partially by digitalization and data driven services, but will require close collaboration and co-creation between different stakeholders in the industry,” he adds.

“Furthermore, the way of working in the whole industry must transform towards open ecosystems, as intelligent cargo handling will require transparent information flow throughout the value chain.” Leading the transformation is a challenge, says Dr. Eriksson, and his speech at TECH TOC will address the need for “strong capabilities not only on the technology side, but also from the leadership side, since successful change will also require mindset change in organisations as well as in the industry. “

“AI with the ability to learn together with large amount of maintenance relevant data will be the next major step in improving equipment maintenance,” asserts fellow speaker Tero Jaakkola Product Manager, ARMG Cranes for Konecranes. “AI based systems analyze the data from several sources and make decisions based on that data automatically. Equipment will also have the capability in the future to improve its behaviour based on the data and the history of past actions.” But even in the age of software, it all starts from understanding the hardware, argues Konecranes.

Effective use of this type AI based solutions in maintenance operations requires large amount of data from correct sources and with high quality. Knowledge of equipment and interdependencies between the data sources is a must before AI can be put into full use,” says Mr. Jaakola. He adds: “Data is like wine, it matures over time.”

Data should be viewed as “the hidden gold” for asset owners to maximise their ROI and OEE (overall equipment effectiveness) and make the shift to predictive maintenance, says Ruben Boom – Project Manager Smart Industry for sensor supplier ifm electronics. Focusing on technologies that digitalize the world of sensors, the use of 3D-camera technology and connecting to the higher software level, his presentation promises to connect the worlds of tech and finance in an equipment context. “Often people support technology, but it’s meant to be the other way around,” he says.

Unlocking the intelligence of LED technology will be the focus for Ryan Hertel, Global Manager – Ports & Terminals at Phoenix Terminal Solutions. His presentation will outline the evolving capabilities of crane floodlights to deliver data, monitoring and feedback to a crane management system, exploring the benefits of smart lighting to deliver meaningful information that can improve terminal operations cost and performance.

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