WIB events
On April 9 2025 WIB organized together with the FHI an APL discussion meeting.
Goal of this Advanced Process Layer discussion meeting:
- Sharing information from different sources, on selected topics:
- APL compared to traditional 4-20mA Hart (FF)
- Safety (process, ATEX, cyber security) & Reliability/Availability (e.g. proof of concept, redundancy, ambient influences)
- APL implementation / transition from existing infrastructure
- Potentially building next steps for FHI/WIB cooperation on the APL theme, creating a common vision,….
https://fhi.nl/nieuws/van-kennisdeling-naar-praktijk-samen-bouwen-aan-de-toekomst-van-apl/
On March 5 2025, WIB organized a workshop: Workforce of the Future
We are in a transition period. Our work is changing. Perhaps not so quickly, but there is an enormous need to prepare for this. Employees with a lot of experience will leave and costs are under pressure. Technology offers opportunities to shape the work differently, but not everyone has the capacity or the time to become proficient in this. We cannot wait, because the continuity of the operation is of vital importance. How must the workforce adapt for the future?
On October 16 2024, WIB organized an IT/OT convergence event
As companies digitize and increasingly use ready-made IT technology in OT environments, IT/OT convergence is no longer a buzzword. But that does not mean that there are no more challenges. There are still new insights to be gained and experiences to be exchanged. The WIB was organizing a mini-symposium on IT/OT convergence. At this event, practical examples will be given and both engineers and managers can exchange experiences. Participation is only open to industrial end users, integrators and service providers.
September 24, 2024: FHI and WIB conducted a seminar on the WOTS exhibition floor on the impact of autonomous operations in the process industry with a so-called silent disco
During this seminar, the expert panel, led by a moderator, has actively engage in conversation with the participants. There was interaction with the audience using questions and statements. The following topics are discussed:
- Trends that move us:
- People who make this possible:
- Technologies that support this:
On 17 April 2024 a second demonstration about Universal Automation standard was held in Dordrecht for WIB members. Universal Automation is:
- A technology enabler based on the IEC 61499 standard which defines how to design distributed applications using “plug and produce” software components which are independent from the hardware on which they execute.
- A community of automation users, technology vendors and universities organized around an independent non-profit association: UniversalAutomation.org - Unlock your automation software!
On 25 January 2024 WIB was attending the FHI PPA (Proces en Productie Automatisering) event.
The Production Process Automation event offers neutral knowledge transfer about the digital transition of the production and process industry. The challenges are great and with expert people and automation, solutions can be realized in a concrete way.
All companies in the industry are confronted with similar challenges to a greater or lesser extent. A shortage of good technicians, availability of materials, high energy costs, desire for sustainability, stricter legislation and costs that are under pressure.
The WIB (Ruud Litjens) was presenting our Autonomous Automation Matrix in the main conference room
From left to right: Ruud Litjens, Jan Peter Sanderse, Frans Staes, Johan Ike, Dominic de Kerf, Gerard van den Brink
On 7 November 2023 an Autonomous Operations workshop was organized by the WIB an FHI.
Process industries will face several major challenges in the coming years such as the need for an increased productivity in all regions, flexibility of production and business processes, adoption to demographic changes and expert availability, especially in emerging markets.
Remote and autonomous operation concepts for plants reveal a way to face these challenges. To achieve the economic goals associated with remote and autonomous operation, technological, social, and legal aspects need to be considered. Compromises on safety aspects are neither acceptable nor necessary since the respective technologies also offer potential to enhance process stability and surveillance.
On 10 Oktober 2023 the WIB was present on the FHI Cybersecurity event with a stand in the exhibition room. There was a lot of interest in the WIB from the visitors and new contacts were made.
On the left Jan Peter Sanderse, chairman of the WIB
In the middle Johan Ike consultant of the WIB
On the right Maarten de Caluwé chairman of the WIB Plant Security group
On 20 September 2023 a demonstration about Universal Automation standard was held in Breda for WIB members. Universal Automation is:
- A technology enabler based on the IEC 61499 standard which defines how to design distributed applications using “plug and produce” software components which are independent from the hardware on which they execute.
- A community of automation users, technology vendors and universities organized around an independent non-profit association: UniversalAutomation.org - Unlock your automation software!