Last week, Rijkswaterstaat and its partners in industrial automation launched the very first DigiTour focused on industrial automation (IA).
During this special tour, participants consisting of system integrators and technological partners got a unique look behind the scenes at the Lelystad laboratory, followed by visits to the Salland-Twentetunnel and the Spooldersluis in Zwolle.
The goal? To explore how Rijkswaterstaat, together with market parties, can tackle challenges and seize opportunities in digitalization and industrial automation. All to keep the Netherlands safe, livable, and accessible.
Challenges and Collaboration at the Center
The first day of the DigiTour focused on exploring IA challenges that Rijkswaterstaat faces in maintaining safe and accessible infrastructure.
Participants had the opportunity to see the work processes, technologies, and systems in practice, optimizing infrastructure condition and making maintenance more predictable.
The tour also provided a platform for participants to exchange thoughts and experiences on the challenges brought by digital transformation and innovation goals.
Behind the Scenes Look
The visit to the Lelystad laboratory provided a good impression of the diversity of Rijkswaterstaats work. Participants briefly immersed themselves in the world of a laboratory technician and witnessed the techniques used to monitor and analyze water quality.
Then, participants went to the Salland-Twentetunnel, where they experienced advanced technologies in tunnel infrastructure with insights into management and maintenance issues. In Zwolle, the Spooldersluis was visited, focusing on replacing IA systems and integrating new technologies for more sustainable maintenance.
Exchanging Impressions
The second day of the DigiTour mainly focused on exchanging the impressions gained. Discussions were held on the challenges posed by digitalizing infrastructure and the important role that IA plays in improving the operations of Rijkswaterstaat and its partners.
It enhanced awareness of the joint task: developing digital solutions that ensure the quality of infrastructure while contributing to the sustainability of the Netherlands.
Patrick Blommaert (Benelux Business Unit Manager, Rockwell Automation BV), one of the participants, enthusiastically stated: It was very useful to be present and to view IA challenges from Rijkswaterstaats perspective. It strengthens the awareness of the immense challenge we as a market have together with Rijkswaterstaat for the Dutch infrastructure.
Richard Pijpelink (Director Istimewa Elektrotechniek BV) was impressed by the passion at Rijkswaterstaat: The passion of the Rijkswaterstaters for their artworks pleasantly surprised me. They really want to make a difference with ‘their artwork’.
A large organization suddenly becomes small and tangible. The contact with the people who work daily on these artworks to understand their challenges was incredibly valuable.
Further Digitalization Together
The DigiTour was an important step in strengthening collaboration between Rijkswaterstaat and the market and forms the basis for further discussions on digitalization.
Ron Kolkman, Chief Information Officer at Rijkswaterstaat, concluded: This tour has once again demonstrated the importance of collaborating and continuing to innovate. We are at the beginning of a long journey, where we jointly develop IA solutions that address the challenges of the future.
With the DigiTour, Rijkswaterstaat looks forward to continuing this collaboration, which not only ensures digital progress but also contributes to the continuous improvement of Dutch infrastructure.
Looking Ahead
Rijkswaterstaat will continue to focus on Goal-Oriented Digitalization in the coming period and will continue to work with market partners to pave the way for a smart, safe, and sustainable infrastructure. The DigiTour is just the beginning of a long-term partnership where technology and innovation are central.