Danish Maintenance Society aims to optimise operational efficiencies
The Danish Maintenance Society (DDV) serves as a pivotal non-profit network, uniting professionals across Denmark's maintenance sector. With approximately 1,000 members representing over 350 companies, DDV is committed to fostering an environment of knowledge exchange and collaboration. The organisation's primary objective is to optimise operational efficiencies through effective maintenance practices, reinforcing the view of maintenance as a strategic element essential for achieving long-term organisational success.
DDV envisions itself as Denmark's central hub for operational optimisation through maintenance. This platform facilitates the sharing of best practices, development of improved operational processes, and keeps professionals informed about the latest innovations in the maintenance field. Jesper Pedersen, the chairman of DDV, articulates the organisation’s ambition: “Our goal is to position maintenance as a strategic advantage for businesses, ensuring sustainability and improving efficiency.”
To enhance the industry's overall performance, DDV has introduced the DDV Analysis, an innovative online benchmarking tool that allows organisations to assess their maintenance maturity. This analytical framework evaluates organisations across five distinct stages: planned maintenance, proactive maintenance, optimised organisation, engineered reliability, and maintenance excellence, based on 25 specific metrics. With over 400 responses already collected, there are plans for academic research in 2025 to further validate the findings.
The DDV Analysis not only assists organisations in identifying strengths and weaknesses but also encourages internal discussions about best practices, further refining their maintenance strategies. This aligns organisational goals with maintenance practices, enhancing decision-making processes, and optimising investment strategies for maximum impact.
As the maintenance sector evolves amidst advancements in technology, automation, and sustainability demands, attracting fresh talent remains paramount. Eva Mosegaard, DDV’s CEO, underscores this need, stating, “The maintenance sector in Denmark is shifting from merely fixing equipment to optimizing operations and reducing downtime.” To support this initiative, DDV has developed the Asset Maintenance Management course tailored for newcomers to the field.
Collaborating with educational institutions, the DDV has also published the textbook "Vedligehold" (Maintenance), which serves as a vital educational resource in various relevant programmes including Marine and Technical Engineering. The organisation's commitment to fostering early career professionals is evident through its initiative of offering free membership to students, thereby connecting them with an influential professional network.
In tandem with recruitment efforts, DDV has recognised the necessity for interdisciplinary skills as digital transformation continues to reshape maintenance practices. To this end, it provides specialised training in advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics. Through its Machine Learning/AI network, DDV members can delve into predictive maintenance methodologies designed to reduce operational downtime and minimise costs. Mosegaard points out, “The future of maintenance is deeply tied to digitalization,” indicating a clear direction for ongoing professional development within the sector.
Sustainability is also a central focus for DDV, which advocates for the adoption of energy-efficient practices, circular economy principles, and sustainable repair strategies among its members. In alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, DDV fortifies its position that sustainable practices have now moved beyond a mere trend to become essential imperatives. Pedersen notes, “Sustainability is not just a trend; it's a necessity.”
To ensure its members remain competitive, DDV actively participates in the translation of international maintenance standards through Dansk Standard. Additionally, it conducts workshops focusing on Maintenance Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), further emphasising the significance of staying aligned with global trends.
Looking towards the future, DDV’s vision emphasises innovation, collaboration, and sustainability, as it endeavours to maximise asset reliability and optimise resource usage, thus contributing to Denmark’s circular economy. Both Pedersen and Mosegaard are optimistic that proactive maintenance will be pivotal in driving organisational value, positioning Denmark as a leader in the evolving maintenance landscape. Through DDV's initiatives, the Danish maintenance sector is well-poised for a future characterised by continual improvement and sustainable practices.