PPA 2025 Review

At exactly nine o'clock, a line of visitors forms at the registration desk of the 1931 congress centre in 's-Hertogenbosch. The fresh coffee is ready and the visitors spread out over the exhibition floor. Technicians among themselves. Quietly chatting between the stands, it is the old acquaintances who introduce the new faces and give a small tour of the Production Process Automation event.

In the large hall, the first speaker is ready for the opening presentation. Artur Schweidtmann from TU Delft has the honor of opening the Production Process Automation event. Unlike previous editions, it is not the exhibitors who give a presentation, but five big names from the industry and the academic world. Thematically, the presentations are linked to each other. In a playful way, the presentations are interrupted by 'pitches' after lunch. All exhibitors tell in two minutes with humor and enthusiasm who they are, what they do and why you should visit the stand.

Artificial Intelligence

You could hear a pin drop. The audience is listening in deep concentration to Artur Schweidtmann, TU Delft. He briefly gives an overview of language-based AI models. Generative AI already has an enormous influence on our daily lives. In various domains, Gen AI has clearly asserted itself as a factor of unprecedented influence and power. Think of ChatGPT (language), DALL E3 (image) and Sora (video). He then asks the audience the question: How can we translate these applications to industry? Or, to put it differently: What do we need to build a ChatGPT for the process industry?

It is clear that AI still has a long way to go. But in his conclusion, Artur ends on a positive note. He is convinced that AI is overtaking us. Especially when you realize how clumsy the language models were a few years ago. In bold and underlined, he concludes with: Digital engineering data is key for future AI applications.

Exhibitors pitches

A new part of PPA are the pitches. Bart-Jan van Sluijs, project manager at FHI, organizes the exhibitors in a tight line and calls them forward one by one. “Two minutes,” he says sternly. And with a stopwatch in his hand, he keeps a close eye on the time.

The exhibitors step onto the stage somewhat nervously and still unfamiliar. The visitors react enthusiastically and the exhibitors take turns to loud applause. It is a welcome break from the substantive program. I would like to propose making the pitches even more exciting: under a minute.

Rijkswaterstaat and Schiphol

After the extensive lunch, two more lectures are on the program. First Rijkswaterstaat. Jack van de Velde gives the audience an overview of the enormous task that Rijkswaterstaat is facing. 286 objects are waiting for maintenance. The oldest from 1863 and the youngest from 2024. Jack explains that an explanation for the enormous maintenance demand that Rijkswaterstaat now has to do with a mindset that has been at its peak for years. The focus of the organization has always been on building. On concrete, steel and asphalt. But the duration of mechanical engineering issues is generally much longer than the duration of industrial automation issues. In addition, part of the challenge is old software systems and the fact that almost all objects are truly unique objects that require customization. Nevertheless, the goal is: standardization. Or as Jack puts it: “Asset management will be the new way of life for Rijkswaterstaat”. Modular architecture is the future for Rijkswaterstaat.

The last presentation before the drinks will be given by Ron Wever, Royal Schiphol Group, and Menno Cadee, aXite Security Tools. Ron and Menno will give a duo presentation with an emphasis on IT/OT and cyber security. In the area of cyber, Ron is very clear: Zero trust. The risks are simply too great. He emphasizes that the power of AI is on two sides: on the side of the security guard, but also on the side of the attacker. Ron calls on the audience to first get an overview of all your assets: get insight into everything you have. And when you finally get on top of the bow wave, you realize: it is worth it. But, he emphasizes, with innovation you take ten steps, nine of which fail. It is a path of trial and error.

During the presentation, a practical example will be presented: the barrier. When you now offer your car at a barrier, all sorts of things happen. A photo is taken of the license plate, your payment details are registered and eventually a lever is raised. IT, OT and cyber security all come together at a simple barrier. “IT/OT and security need to work together,” Ron concludes.

“Check, check, double check,” Ron summarizes. He then uses a small metaphor to call on the audience to think carefully about who you give access to your systems. “You can hire the best locksmith and lock everything. But if you then give everyone a key, you’re not any further along.”

After several questions from the audience, Roelof takes the floor. He thanks the speakers extensively and invites everyone to the drinks on the exhibition floor.

PPA 2025 is over. FHI events are innovating and moving with the times. It is becoming more dynamic, more interactive. Busy discussing, visitors, exhibitors and speakers walk through each other on their way to a drink and a snack. Some things never change. Connecting. Bringing people and technology together. FHI remains FHI.