Speaking of teamwork, how important is this for you and your department?
It is extremely important! It is what enables us to work together on innovative projects, and ensures that everyone gets involved. Networking is very intensive not only in our team, but also among all Bilfinger units. Just recently I visited the site of another Bilfinger unit and was warmly welcomed there. This is absolutely vital, not only for internal networking, but also when it comes to being present as a service provider for our customers at as many locations as possible.
As a gas detection technology specialist, you certainly have a great deal of responsibility, so working together in a structured manner is crucial.
Definitely! You put your life and your health in the hands of a gas detector, so responsible and reliable work is our number one priority. It is also important to be familiar with the latest technology at all times, so that the users of the devices can fully rely on the equipment.
Technology is constantly developing, especially through innovation. But digitalization also plays a decisive role. Would you say that this is true for your line of work?
Yes, definitely. Digitalization in particular has brought about a whole series of changes in processes and requirements. To mention just one example, it has always been part of our job to document all the steps. With the number of systems and projects we handle, that's a lot of documents on paper. We still write down our procedures, but now we do it in a digital format. This means that documentation is not only simpler, but also more reliable and consistent. In other words, our colleagues has a special explosion-proof tablet or smartphone available directly at their workplace, at the plant, and can document digitally on site, for example, about tests performed on a gas detector.
You also use Industrial Tube, a digital video platform developed by Bilfinger Digital Next. In what specific areas is it used in your department?
Yes, that's right. We have already tested the tool and are currently developing additional videos. We would like to use Industrial Tube for internal purposes: In training videos for our employees that allow us to pass on knowledge quickly and easily. But we also want to use Industrial Tube externally because we are seeing demand from customers. We support our customers in the selection of gas detectors independently from manufacturers and we look after the installation, testing and maintenance. Ultimately, however, it is up to the customer to decide which maintenance steps he wants to take care of himself; we are very flexible in this respect. If our customer wants to carry out individual steps himself, we provide him with the necessary expertise. This could include, for example, small explanatory videos that the customer can play over and over again if he is uncertain about the individual work steps. Bilfinger is, after all, a partner and service provider, so it is our job to provide comprehensive information. Industrial Tube will prove to be a helpful tool in this respect.