40 HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS July/August 2023 www.hpmag.co.uk www.hpmag.co.uk WELCOME TO THE TWENTY SIXTH EDITION OF HYDRAULICS & PNEUMATICS’ ANNUAL BUYERS’ GUIDE In the realm of fluid power equipment and services, the demand remains robust, with essential solutions serving key sectors across the UK and beyond. However, alongside these staple offerings, a significant wave of interest in automation technology, particularly in the context of Industry 4.0 and its interconnectivity, is sweeping through the industry. One concept that’s gaining prominence is Maintenance 4.0, a natural extension within the Industry 4.0 framework, focused on elevating maintenance processes to new heights. The UK’s embrace of Industry 4.0 and Maintenance 4.0 has, at times, been perceived as lagging behind some international counterparts, such as the US and Germany. This perspective was explored in a recent Talking Industry (TI) panel discussion, delving into the integration of digital technologies within maintenance activities. The insights from this discussion shed light on critical aspects of this evolving landscape. Richard Jeffers, Founder & Managing Director, RS Industria, an advocate of digitising maintenance, pointed out that while the core theory of maintenance dates back to 1968, the practical adoption has taken considerable time. He highlighted that the falling cost of technology has paved the way for its deployment in lower criticality environments, expanding the reach of capabilities that were once exclusive to aerospace and high-value fleet operations. The essence of condition monitoring lies in understanding how components fail, with only a fraction (10 to 25%) failing due to time-related use, emphasising the need to identify leading indicators of random failure in a cost-effective and reliable manner. Education and the understanding of digital benefits also emerged as a pivotal factor, as emphasised by David Roddis, Senior Advisor - Digital Transformation, The MTC. Business leaders need to recognise that digital tools are essential to stay competitive, with organisations falling behind if they don’t embrace these technologies. Skills development, especially the ability to make decisions from a “digital 4.0 perspective,” is crucial, according to John Erkoyuncu, Professor of Digital Engineering and Head of the Centre for Digital Engineering and Manufacturing at Cranfield University. He emphasised the necessity of continuous transformation in businesses, moving beyond ad hoc technology introductions and fostering a culture that embraces new technologies. As readers delve into this year’s Buyers’ Guide, these themes offer valuable food for thought. With an ever-evolving landscape in fluid power equipment and the rising tide of Maintenance 4.0, understanding these trends is vital for making informed decisions regarding equipment and service requirements. Aaron Blutstein - Editor, Hydraulics & Pneumatics Navigating fluid power equipment and maintenance 4.0
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