EUROPE next year ? Then you ’ d have to change the tyres more frequently . In power plants you have a similar system – you need to ensure that it ’ s well maintained .” By being able to see how changes in the market will impact its portfolio , this resourceful strategy is helping Uniper keep a close eye on its maintenance budget and capital expenditure .
This digital transformation journey has no finish line , and van Aaken and Greiner are proud of what Uniper has achieved so far . For the business , it ’ s not just about technical advancements : Van Aaken points out how a vital piece of this transformation involved creating a culture shift and enabling the workforce . “ In the end , one of the biggest challenges involved is around enabling the people ,” he says . “ In my lifetime , technology has developed more quickly than people can follow – it ’ s a game changer . It also means that technology changes quicker than people ’ s mindsets . We have to take care to ensure that people are ready to take on this journey because the people have the actual knowledge . If you lose them , then even your greatest product won ’ t help you .” This is perhaps best exemplified by Uniper ’ s hydro business , where workers now use mobile devices ( which are linked to SAP Plant Maintenance ) for daily maintenance operations . Working across different power stations , these
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