In a landmark collaboration, the Faculty of Engineering at Chulalongkorn University, alongside 17 leading organisations including the exhibition organiser Exposis, the Technology Promotion Association (Thailand-Japan), and the Thai Institute of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry (TIChE), is set to present 'SISTAM 2024' - Smart Industrial Safety & Technology for Advanced Maintenance. This premier event is poised to be Thailand's most comprehensive exhibition and conference on safety and advanced maintenance technology, scheduled for 26 and 27 September 2024 at the Bangkok International Trade and Exhibition Centre (BITEC).
Prof. Dr. Supot Teachavorasinskun, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering, Chulalongkorn University, stated that SISTAM 2024 marks a significant milestone as the largest event of its kind in Thailand and will provide a dynamic platform to promote the use of innovative technology to raise safety and maintenance standards and increase the efficiency of Thai industries. “SISTAM 2024 will provide an ideal meeting point to enhance competitiveness and promote sustainable development of the Thai industrial sector, as well as provide opportunities for government agencies and the education sector to learn and discover innovations. It also provides a marketplace for manufacturers, distributors, and those interested in advanced safety and maintenance technology to discover a multitude of products, and to meet for trade and business exchange,” he added.
As it enters its second year, SISTAM 2024 is set to amplify its offerings as a conference-led exhibition by presenting a comprehensive showcase of exhibitors in safety and advanced maintenance – from digital technology, artificial intelligence (AI), automation, and a host of safety solutions and equipment. While the conference will cover a variety of compelling topics by leading experts from academia and the industry, under the banner "3S Smart, Safe & Sustainable Technologies Toward Tomorrow", spotlighting the integration of IoT for smart maintenance and AI in smart factory advancements.
Embracing Digital Transformation and Automation
Prof. Dr. Supot emphasised the critical role of digital transformation across all sectors, noting AI's increasing prominence which now necessitates an urgent shift towards digital technology for enhanced safety and preventive maintenance. “By leveraging automation, IoT, and AI, industries can improve security, productivity, and resilience against high-risk situations,” he said.
Thailand has been actively transitioning into the digital era, with artificial intelligence (AI) playing an increasingly significant role. The move towards digital transformation is a global trend that is also making its mark nationally across various industry sectors. According to Dr. Supot, embracing technology as a catalyst for change is essential for Thailand's continued progress and this urgent shift towards digitalisation is essential not just for enhancing industrial processes, but also for improving safety and preventive maintenance.
Predictive and Preventive Maintenance
The importance of preventive maintenance in bolstering industry security and productivity cannot be overstated. According to Prof. Dr. Supot, the integration of automation, the Internet of Things (IoT), and AI technology into industrial systems can enhance security, thereby boosting productivity and a company’s competitive edge, particularly in high-risk industries.
Prof. Dr. Supot further emphasised Chula Engineering's commitment to championing the critical importance of safety and maintenance management. "We cannot afford to ignore these issues because the unexpected can strike at any time. Although the immediate costs of repairs might be low, the wider repercussions of an incident—particularly on customer trust and societal perception—can be vast," he explained.
He also pointed out that despite strict adherence to safety regulations and maintenance protocols, the reliance on manual labour can lead to sudden operational halts due to equipment failure or human error, resulting in significant delays and financial losses. "Adopting technological solutions is essential in addressing these vulnerabilities and enhancing overall security," said Prof. Dr. Supot.
Prof. Dr. Supot believes the shift from preventative measures to proactive monitoring is crucial, and thus Predictive AI plays a key role. This innovative technology can anticipate equipment issues before they manifest, reducing production hazards and the chances of abrupt machine downtimes, thus ensuring consistent operations and heightened safety standards. “Predictive AI has become increasingly user-friendly, requiring less specialised knowledge for operation, and can be more cost-effective than many assume. This affordability extends their reach to smaller factories and SMEs,” he added.
In addition, Prof. Dr. Supot also said that on behalf of the Faculty of Engineering, Chula Engineering is honoured to have the opportunity to participate in SISTAM 2024 because the faculty is equipped with academics and expert personnel. He said: “It is hoped that the knowledge shared at this academic seminar will be useful to organisations at all levels, especially to society as a whole, in line with the Core Value "MOVE" of the faculty. The faculty not only strives to produce qualified personnel, but also aims to create research and development for the industrial sector. O: Outstanding research & innovation V: Value Creation for Society. “We are ready to cooperate with both public and private agencies to develop the industrial sector and Thai society in a stable and sustainable manner (E: Engaging Stakeholders), which the faculty has always adhered to and practised,” he said.
For more information on SISTAM 2024, please go to www.sistam-asia.com.