“Maintenance is about minimising downtime and maximising safety”

Maintenance is a key part of industrial development, especially as demands for productivity and safety grow. Companies all over Sweden are working to reduce downtime and improve safety in their facilities. ABUS Crane Systems is one of the players working to meet these needs, through preventive maintenance and training, among other things.

– Maintenance is about minimising downtime and maximising safety. Overall, it contributes to increased productivity and safer workplaces. We are now also seeing an increased interest in preventive maintenance, among both small and large operators, says Tony Wittgren, CEO of ABUS Crane Systems in Sweden.

ABUS has developed various solutions to address both safety and productivity, including training and digital tools. Preventive maintenance is an important part of this work, and the demand for service agreements and safety solutions has grown significantly.

– There is much to be gained from keeping machinery, and in our case cranes, in good condition. It’s not just about increasing production efficiency, but also about improving safety. We are seeing a growing demand for preventive maintenance contracts together with an increased awareness of employee safety, regardless of company size, Tony Wittgren says.

Training and digital tools to strengthen security

To meet the demand for safety and skills development, ABUS offers a modern training programme for overhead travelling crane operators. It combines remote digital theory with a practical operational test, ensuring both knowledge and hands-on competence.

ABUS also offers courses and training programmes for both internal staff and customers. These range from basic to advanced specialised courses, enabling technicians and operators to stay up-to-date and competent in a rapidly changing industry.

One of ABUS’ latest innovations is an app for the daily control of cranes. The app replaces traditional paper routines and allows users to easily document and ensure that cranes are in optimal condition.

– We want to make it easier for companies to keep track of their cranes and at the same time raise awareness about safety. The app is free to download and has received a very positive response, Tony Wittgren says.

Digitalisation and security – major opportunities and challenges for the industry

Despite many technological advances, the maintenance sector faces major challenges. Skills shortages and IT and OT security issues are areas that need to be addressed. Advances in AI and digital solutions are opening new opportunities, but some major concerns come with these opportunities.

– Digitalisation creates fantastic opportunities, but also new requirements. Questions such as who owns the data and how we ensure that IT systems are not exploited by unauthorised parties are issues that leaders in the industry must agree upon, Tony Wittgren says.

He also highlights the practical challenges of implementing digital solutions, especially when working remotely.

– One challenge is how to ensure that no unauthorised person can take over the machine in the middle of a job, or that the operator on site knows that the machine is indeed shut down and safe to work with. Clear agreements are needed within the industry on how to manage such situations. If someone is working on the software remotely, how can we ensure that those on site are informed and that no misunderstandings occur?

At the same time, Tony Wittgren is positive about the future. Companies can anticipate maintenance needs and reduce the risk of breakdowns through AI and connected systems.

– The potential is huge. Imagine if the system could automatically identify and order spare parts before something breaks down. This would not only improve productivity but also increase safety and reduce downtime.

Meeting point Underhållsmässan

ABUS has been a regular exhibitor at Underhållsmässan, the Swedish Maintenance Fair, and sees it as an important arena for making new contacts and showcasing its products.

– The fair is not just a place to present technical solutions. It’s an opportunity to meet customers face-to-face, build relationships and establish trust. This is something that cannot be reproduced with digital meetings, Tony Wittgren says.

Ahead of the next edition, Tony and ABUS look forward to discussing both current and future challenges in maintenance.

– Maintenance is about minimising downtime and improving safety, while helping companies work more efficiently. At the fair, we look forward to showing how our solutions can contribute to both increased productivity and safety, Tony Wittgren concludes.

More information about Underhållsmässan