Innomotics Gmbh
Since its founding in 1847, Innomotics (former Siemens Large Drives) has been synonymous with outstanding engineering and innovative technologies. Over the decades, we’ve built an impressive history in the services sector that endures to this day. IPM, established in 1999, has evolved into a globally recognized provider of top-notch maintenance services. Our mission is clear: We deliver “Safe”, “Reliable”, “Innovative”, and “Sustainable” Maintenance for Industrial Plants. Those core values are shaping our daily operations.
Integral Plant Maintenance
Innomotics Integral Plant Maintenance (formerly Siemens IPM) has evolved over the past decades into a globally recognised provider of world-class maintenance services.
Our position as a market leader in IPM is built on a long tradition, deep expertise, and our ability to remain at the forefront of technological innovation. We develop cutting-edge solutions that consistently exceed our customers’ expectations.
Here, Werner Gletthofer, Head of Integral Plant Maintenance, Innomotics, discusses the background, scope and capabilities of IPM.
Q: How long has Innomotics been offering Integral Plant Maintenance?
WG: IPM has been part of our portfolio since 1999 when we were still known as Siemens Industrial Solutions & Services.
Q: Where does Innomotics currently provide IPM services?
WG: We provide our maintenance solutions in industrial settings, including metal and cement plants, as well as mines in India, Chile, and Mexico.
Q: What do mining companies prioritise in maintenance?
WG: Apart from safety, the primary focus of our mining customers is maximizing the uptime of their operations to ensure optimal production. Every minute of downtime affects productivity and leads to significant financial losses. Therefore, maintenance must be as proactive as possible, strategically designed to minimize operational interruptions and maintain peak efficiency.
Q: What is Innomotics’ focus when it comes to IPM?
WG: Our goal is to continuously help our customers improve their bottom line. However, it’s not just about productivity. Given the increasing demands of our customers, we place special emphasis on safety and reducing environmental impact. We also invest significantly in training and retaining our employees, which has a tremendously positive impact on their safety and innovation capabilities. This commitment is a key differentiator for us in the marketplace.
Q: How does Innomotics integrate new technologies like digitalisation into IPM?
WG: We invest heavily in developing digital solutions across all levels of plant maintenance. Our innovative software solutions leverage predictive analytics and artificial intelligence to accurately predict when and where maintenance is needed. This enables proactive and efficient maintenance planning, minimising downtime and improving overall plant performance.
Q: Can you tell us about one of these innovations?
WG: We develop solutions that allow us to improve our performance, management and internal productivity in order to provide a better service. Our experience in maintenance contracts has allowed us to explore process improvement, developing at a pilot level, solutions such as the Digital Lockout system for electrical installations, where the entire permit and execution process of the Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedure is digitised.
Our software manages all relevant documents and certifications within the LOTO process. A physical lock can receive external signals to manually block or release the circuit breaker in an electrical switchgear. This solution not only eliminates a significant amount of paper documentation but also provides the highest level of security. This technology will revolutionise the LOTO process as we know it today. We plan to implement this system with one of our customers by early next year.
Q: How can maintenance contribute to the sustainability of a mining operation?
WG: Sustainability is an integral part of our IPM approach. For example, we continually reduce the consumption of materials during maintenance cycles. We closely monitor all assets in operation, especially regarding aging and efficiency. When a component reaches the end of its life or becomes inefficient, we inform our customers in advance so they can replace it with a new, more efficient part. Naturally, we prefer repairs over replacements whenever possible. Our goal is always to avoid downtime while also reducing energy consumption. A well-maintained plant not only contributes to higher operational efficiency but also to a healthier planet.
Q: What sets Innomotics apart from the competition?
WG: Our customers appreciate the advantages of minimal downtime and our innovation in maintenance solutions. What further distinguishes us is our commitment to a Zero-Incident policy, where the safety of our employees and customers is our top priority. We place the highest value on sustainability, energy savings, and the use of digital software solutions, particularly those supported by artificial intelligence. These factors, combined with our ability to develop and implement tailored maintenance strategies, result in significant savings through reduced downtime and increased productivity. Our customers recognise that investing in our integral maintenance solutions pays off multiple times over, with long-term benefits and a positive impact on their business.