Does Asset Health Monitoring Have A Role In The Water Sector?

By Steve Hayden, Industry Director

Asset health monitoring has long been crucial for safeguarding valuable equipment and operations from costly failures, spanning industries like nuclear, aeronautical, and petrochemical. However, the adoption of such systems varies across sectors, with some opting for reactive maintenance over proactive monitoring. The emergence of Industry 4.0, blending IT and OT, alongside digital transformation, has democratized access to previously isolated data, revolutionizing asset protection.

In the water sector, challenges like dwindling freshwater access, rising demand, and complex contaminants necessitate advanced asset management strategies. Leveraging sensor technology, predictive analytics, and AI-driven insights can optimize resource planning and operational efficiency. Despite inherent challenges like networking and data security, solutions like Yokogawa's OpreX offer promise. Implementing such technologies demands careful consideration to ensure they address existing issues without introducing new complexities. Collaboration with trusted vendors is crucial for deploying reliable, adaptable, and sustainable asset health solutions in the evolving water sector.