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Expert insights presented on stage at Asset Performance.

Over the past decade, the field has evolved significantly—from a narrow focus on keeping equipment running to a broader, lifecycle-based approach.

“Maintenance now encompasses the entire lifespan of assets,” explains Wim Vancauwenberghe, Director of BEMAS. This shift has been accelerated by digitalisation, with tools like predictive maintenance, IoT technologies, data-driven decision-making, and

Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems transforming industrial operations.

BEMAS has helped drive this change by offering targeted training, collaborative projects, and events such as the Asset Performance Conference. These initiatives help professionals align with global standards like ISO 55000 and reliability-centred maintenance—essential for improving asset performance and working effectively across borders.

One example of BEMAS’s European impact is the Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul for Competitive Regions in North-West Europe (MORE4CORE) project, launched in 2013 with partners from the Netherlands, Germany, and France. The initiative aimed to raise awareness of maintenance and asset management across Europe. As part of the project, BEMAS conducted a benchmark study to track key maintenance indicators, particularly in relation to asset age.

“This provided valuable insights into how organisations can adjust strategies over the lifecycle of equipment—extending asset life, reducing costs, and improving performance,” says Vancauwenberghe.

Tackling the Talent Challenge

Attracting young talent remains a pressing issue in Belgium, as in many European countries. In Flanders, three maintenance-related professions consistently rank among the top shortage occupations. In Wallonia, a structural deficit in qualified technicians spans multiple industries.

But the challenge goes beyond technical skills. “Maintenance is often seen as outdated or ‘dirty,’ despite being increasingly high-tech, innovative, and vital to industrial competitiveness and sustainability,” Vancauwenberghe notes. “This perception makes it harder to attract young professionals, who are drawn to booming sectors like IT, automation, and pharma.”

To introduce young people to careers in maintenance, BEMAS supports initiatives such as Repair Teens, the Flemish STEM Platform, and Global Maintenance Day. Through Repair Teens, 12–14-year-olds gain hands-on experience repairing equipment at companies and Repair Cafés—developing problem-solving skills and learning the environmental benefits of reuse.

For early-career professionals, BEMAS offers more than visibility campaigns. In 2024 alone, nearly 3,000 participants took part in over 160 training sessions covering technical disciplines, asset management, reliability, sustainability, and leadership. “These efforts help companies bridge today’s skill gaps while preparing their workforce for tomorrow’s technologies,” says Vancauwenberghe.

Sustainability as a Strategic Driver

Sustainability has become a central driver in maintenance and asset management. Well-maintained assets run more efficiently, reduce material use, minimise waste, and prevent environmental incidents. Maintenance also plays a direct role in meeting climate goals—by improving asset efficiency, extending equipment lifetimes, and supporting renewable energy and electrification.

To make sustainability actionable, BEMAS developed the Sustainable Asset Management Framework as part of the MORE4Sustainability project. This tool helps organisations assess performance, benchmark against peers, and implement improvements that enhance both efficiency and environmental impact. A free e-learning course is available in English, French, German, and Dutch.

“Maintenance is not just about uptime and cost—it’s a key enabler of the energy transition and ESG targets,” Vancauwenberghe emphasises.

Belgium’s Unique Maintenance Ecosystem

Belgium’s dense industrial landscape has fostered a robust network of specialised suppliers and service providers in maintenance. Companies benefit from easy access to technical spare parts and expert maintenance firms for regular servicing, major shutdowns, or complex repairs. This ecosystem also fuels the growth of innovative service providers.

“It’s no coincidence that Belgium is home to world leaders in condition monitoring and predictive maintenance, alongside a vibrant start-up scene,” says Vancauwenberghe.

“This unique Belgian ecosystem in industry and maintenance is also the reason why BEMAS annually organises the international Asset Performance Conference,” he continues.

Innovation and Digital Transformation

Innovation is central to Belgian maintenance. Predictive strategies, condition-based monitoring, and data-driven decision-making help minimise downtime and optimise lifecycle costs. A 2023 study found that 79% of Belgian manufacturing companies have implemented or are initiating Predictive Maintenance 4.0 initiatives.

BEMAS fosters innovation through projects, conferences, and international collaborations—ensuring that technological advances translate into real-world performance. Looking ahead, digital twins, AI, and generative AI will become standard tools for strategic decision-making and reliability enhancement.

Vancauwenberghe also sees maintenance and asset management as vital enablers of competitiveness, sustainability, and resilience in the BANI world we currently live in. With this, he refers to a world defined by fragility, unpredictability, and a lack of clarity.

“Factories of the future will rely on skilled maintenance professionals, advanced automation, and fully data-driven operations,” Vancauwenberghe explains. “Attracting and training this new generation is essential.”

For him, BEMAS is more than a technical association—it’s a platform that connects people, companies, and knowledge in a field often underestimated but critical to industry and society. Today, BEMAS unites around 650 corporate members and over 850 active contacts across Belgium. With more than half of its members being asset owners, the association remains closely tied to operational realities.

By actively participating in the European Federation of National Maintenance Societies (EFNMS) and the Global Forum on Maintenance and Asset Management (GFMAM) BEMAS brings international best practices into everyday use for Belgian companies. These global networks help translate expert knowledge into practical tools.

Reflecting on his career, Vancauwenberghe concludes: “I feel very fortunate to work in a field I’m passionate about. Together with a strong team, a visionary board, and many active members, we serve a valuable community of maintenance, reliability, and asset management professionals—contributing to a sustainable future for Belgian and European industry.”

Text: NINA GARLO-MELKAS Photos: BEMAS

BEMAS: Advancing Maintenance in Belgium 

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Wim Vancauwenberghe, Director of BEMAS, describes the association’s core mission as “to promote maintenance as a strategic contributor to business performance, sustainability, and safety.”

BEMAS supports maintenance and asset management through training, certifications, and flagship events like the Asset Performance Conference. With over 630 company members, it helps professionals align with global standards such as ISO 55000 and drives innovation through European projects like MORE4CORE. In 2024, more than 160 trainings, seminars, company visits, and webinars helped nearly 3,000 professionals strengthen their expertise in reliability, sustainability, and leadership.

www.bemas.org