I want to start developing new competencies in industrial management or engineering. Can anyone name a few interesting areas/technologies regarding the future in maintenance, reliability and processes (in services or industry)?

Do incorporate PdM technologies and training. Do not micro-manage; delegate responsibility!

I can't think of anything more exciting as improvements in sensor technology that allow manufacturers to make condition based maintenance a reality. Sensor technology has been fairly pricey in the past, but I think we are starting to see the costs come down so that a decision to invest in such technology is not so painful. A few years from now, the costs should be reduced so much that it will truly be a "no brainer" to integrate things like continuous vibration monitors and/or inline oil analysis sensors into every piece of equipment in the plant. It would be great to hear from people that have implemented some of these technologies, and to see if they think they've been worth the investment.

Another interesting area is tying in all the Pdm and process measurements into a centralised dashboard that can automatically screen and initiate work orders.
Perhaps the next step might be technology that automatically diagnoses and fixes itself from this info.

Dreams are free - make them happen!

Mike.

Maintenance Prevention :

It is a concept from TPM (Total Productive Maintenance) that it believes that every single piece of equipment have it's design weaknesses that inherently shortens the life of some parts or components, these methodology / philosophy identifies the parts with weaknesses and provides modification or redesign by changing the parts shape, structure, measurements, strenght of materials in order to lenghten the life of the component. MTBF is determined between the new part and compared with the old part, and once MTBF is increased, these modificatons are discussed with the vendor side to be arrange and incorporated should there be any new equipments to be purchase in the future. We call this early equipment management or Initial Flow Control Activities

My Warm Regards,