Sjouke Pieter Bootsma, Director Supply Chain Management at TenneT TSO, explains the key advantages of ISO 55,000, especially for managing bigger asset bases.
Why did you decide to implement ISO 55,000?
For companies like TenneT, where we have to monitor a lot of assets, I think the ISO 55,000 fits better to our processes and size of our asset base. This way we stay in control. Also, from the boardroom up to operations and maintenance we can choose a broader scope. An extensive monitoring like this becomes more and more important, not only for us: Some of the conventional AC transformers were installed up to thirty years ago and become more susceptible to problems—but if they fail, the whole system can fail. At the same time, DC converter technology has also become a fairly important aspect especially with the increase of renewables. Implementing ISO 55,000 was a big step forward for TenneT, regarding the seamless monitoring of all of our systems and processes. Having reliable data to manage the life cycle is very important, though. It’s not only about having the tools, but also having it embedded in a well-functioning, quality system like ISO 55,000.
What are the advantages of such a monitoring of the asset base?
First of all, I think the outcome of inspections and condition monitoring will become more transparent. Also more fact-based, although the experience of experts is still extremely important. But this more objective approach helps us to have a more predictable performance of our assets. This also means that our countermeasures to prevent outages will become even more efficient, more effective, simply better. We can see this in other industries, too. I have a background as an aerospace engineer: For instance, the old Boeing 707 required around twice as much maintenance as current airplanes. Developing an outstanding condition monitoring was crucial in aerospace engineering. More and more often I see that we can adapt some of these systems and processes in our own company and that we can learn a lot from other companies. I think that’s a great idea.
What advantages have resulted from the introduction of this ISO?
One of the dilemmas we faced when we introduced ISO 55,000 is that we were one of the first asset managing companies in the Netherlands at all. The references were manageable, the risks were high. The implementation would cost a lot of money and time. Looking back at it now I can say that this change has brought a lot of added value. We have a better understanding of our processes, have better control, and we can also convince the state auditors more quickly. It also takes less effort to convince our regulators that we are in control of the business. So therefore I think the investment is worthwhile. I also think that it is very important to implement ISO 55,000 along the entire supply chain, because we have to rely on the process flows of our suppliers. I hope that we will soon find ISO 55,000 along the whole asset management chain. The introduction is the easy part, by the way. Keeping up with it, learning and growing with it … that’s the real challenge, but it’s worth it!