Digitization, standardization and cooperation in critical infrastructure

"As a sector, we are faced with the challenge of how to ensure that our infrastructure remains safe, reliable and future-proof," says van Dinther. "In view of the large-scale replacement task, for example, asset management is crucial to tackle tasks as efficiently as possible. Digital twins are also becoming increasingly important, as they offer the possibility to simulate and test complex scenarios before action is taken in practice. This allows projects to be carried out not only faster, but also safer and better substantiated."

Case studies

The value of digitisation is also evident from concrete projects in which ICT Group is or has contributed. "For example, we realized a central control system for more than 700 assets for the Hollandse Delta Water Authority," says Van Dinther. "And at the Vallei en Veluwe Water Authority, we have just completed a process in which we have brought together two different control solutions in one standardized SCADA system, with an emphasis on user experience. These examples illustrate how digitization and standardization contribute to higher availability, better maintainability and a future-proof system landscape."

10 years Water Congress

The Water Congress, organised by ICT Group, is invariably an important meeting point for the sector. This was also the case for the anniversary edition on 29 October. Van Dinther: "We looked back on ten years of projects, visions and achieved successes, but above all we looked ahead. The themes are more topical than ever: how do we deal with the major replacement task, the shortage of resources and the need to better secure knowledge? But also the increasing demand for data-driven applications and increasing the resilience of cyber threats."

The line-up of speakers emphasized that urgency. Maarten van den Outenaar, Chief Data Officer of the Schiphol Group, addressed the question of how technology really lands with people and supports daily work. And the Hollandse Delta Water Authority discussed the aforementioned practical case, together with ICT Group. Finally, the Stichtse Rijnlanden Water Authority shared insights on the smart procurement of complex processes in collaboration with multiple parties. "These cases made it clear once again that the future of the sector is not only about technology, but also about the way it is applied, purchased and supported in practice." 

Energy transition

For ICT Group, the focus in the coming years will not only be on water and infrastructure, but also on energy. "For example, we have been involved in the architecture of the 2GW programme for TenneT for a number of years," says Van Dinther. "ICT brings a lot of knowledge and experience from the water and infrastructure domain, which is very relevant for mission-critical infrastructure in the energy sector. The challenges in the sector are great, but right now there are opportunities to take the next step with digitization, collaboration and innovative solutions. One thing is clear to me," Van Dinther concludes, "the future of the sector will be built on software, data and smart systems."