Unleashing the Power of Digitalization in Asset Management: Lessons learned at Aquafin

As the Asset Performance 2024 conference in Antwerp draws near, the excitement is palpable among industry professionals eager to delve into the latest advancements in asset management. One of the key highlights of this year’s conference will be the presentation by Bart Van Eygen, Director of Asset Management at Aquafin. Van Eygen’s innovative work in utilizing digital solutions to address contemporary challenges in wastewater management promises to offer valuable insights and inspiration for attendees.

Aquafin, a company dedicated to the transport and treatment of wastewater for over six million people in Flanders, is at the forefront of creating sustainable environmental solutions. “Our mission is to improve the quality of the rivers, and we take a wider view than wastewater alone. We are also looking at how we can play a role in creating a living environment in harmony with rainwater, next to our traditional core business, managing and treating waste water.” Van Eygen explains. This holistic approach to environmental management underpins Aquafin’s commitment to long-term sustainability and resilience.

At the core of Van Eygen’s presentation will be Aquafin’s pioneering smart grid program, a comprehensive initiative designed to enhance the efficiency and resilience of its infrastructure amidst the growing pressure of climate change. “Climate change is putting more and more stress on our infrastructure, with increasing floods and periods of droughts. Since the capacity of our infrastructure and budget is limited, we need to make a more efficient use of the existing infrastructure. One way to achieve this is by integrating IoT technologies into our network,” Van Eygen elaborates.

One of the compelling use cases  that Van Eygen will discuss, is the innovative application of sensors in Aquafin’s storage basins. Originally built to store rainwater and prevent flooding during heavy rainfalls, such basins can now be utilized more efficiently thanks to digitalization. By measuring the volume of water in the basin and combining this data with rainfall predictions, Aquafin can optimize the use of the stored water. ” Instead of emptying the basin immediately after the rainfall in order to be ready for the next rain to come, we can keep the basin filled and use the water for irrigation. Only when we know rainfall is expected, we start emptying the basin. Thus  you make double use out of the same infrastructure: prevent flooding in wet conditions and provide irrigation water in dry conditions,” Van Eygen highlights. This approach not only maximizes resource utilization but also contributes to greater environmental sustainability.

Implementing the smart grid program required a comprehensive digital architecture, integrating both edge and cloud components, and ensuring scalability to manage Aquafin’s extensive network. “We have over 300 wastewater treatment plants, more than 2.000 pumping stations, and 7.000 kilometers of sewage mains. Scalability is very important for us,” Van Eygen notes. This extensive infrastructure necessitated a robust and flexible digital solution capable of handling large volumes of data and facilitating real-time decision-making.

Throughout the implementation process, Aquafin has deployed over a thousand sensors across its network to facilitate real-time data collection and smart automation. This has not only enhanced operational efficiency but also paved the way for future AI applications. Van Eygen emphasizes the importance of data security and collaboration: “We try to make the data we get available for other parties for external use because we believe that data may be useful for applications we haven’t even thought of, but others might find useful.” This open approach to data sharing underscores Aquafin’s commitment to innovation and collaborative problem-solving.

Reflecting on the journey of Aquafin’s digitalization program, Van Eygen shares key learnings and takeaways. One crucial lesson is the necessity of value-driven projects. “Digital applications have to be value-driven. You must have a direct line to the business to dictate what cases will be implemented and what their value will be,” he asserts. This focus on value ensures that the program remains aligned with the organization’s goals of making infrastructure more resilient to climate change, more efficient, and more sustainable.

In addition to discussing the technical aspects of the smart grid program, Van Eygen will also address the broader implications of digital transformation in asset management. He will explore how digitalization can drive operational excellence, improve resource management, and support sustainable development goals.  Van Eygen’s presentation at the Asset Performance 2024 conference promises to be a rich source of knowledge and inspiration for anyone involved in asset management and digital transformation. His insights into Aquafin’s journey and the practical applications of digital solutions in enhancing infrastructure efficiency are not to be missed. Attendees can expect to gain a deeper understanding of how digitalization can revolutionize asset management, enabling organizations to meet contemporary challenges and seize future opportunities.

Moreover, Van Eygen will share practical advice on overcoming the challenges associated with digital transformation. From managing the complexities of data integration to ensuring cybersecurity, his insights will provide valuable guidance for organizations embarking on their own digital journeys. “We started off three years ago with a big digitalization program within Aquafin, which also contains a data platform.

Van Eygen’s commitment to continuous improvement and innovation is evident in Aquafin’s proactive approach to digitalization. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies and fostering a culture of collaboration, Aquafin is setting a benchmark for sustainable and resilient infrastructure management. “It’s a great opportunity to be able to speak at a conference. At the same time, it’s always a pleasure to listen to all the interesting presentations at the conference. I’m looking forward to it,” Van Eygen concludes.

Mark your calendar for this insightful session and prepare to be inspired by Bart Van Eygen’s innovative approach and Aquafin’s success story. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn from one of the leading experts in the field and explore the future of asset management. Join us in Antwerp to gain a deeper understanding of how digitalization can transform infrastructure management and help build a sustainable future.

The Asset Performance 2024 conference is not just a platform for sharing knowledge; it is a catalyst for driving change and fostering innovation in the field of asset management. Bart Van Eygen’s presentation is a testament to the power of digital transformation and its potential to revolutionize how we manage and sustain our critical infrastructure. Be there to witness the future of asset management unfold and to network with industry leaders who are shaping this exciting field.