Smart technologies make the ASML campus healthier, more sustainable and more efficient

ASML's drive for innovation extends beyond the semiconductor industry. An increasing number of buildings on the Veldhoven campus are equipped with smart technologies that make the buildings healthier, more sustainable and more efficient. FHI spoke with Patrick Looijmans, Smart Solutions Specialist at ASML, to learn more about the technology behind the buildings.

 By: Eline te Velde

The ASML campus in Veldhoven is also called the 'ASML village'. The gigantic complex is the beating heart of the chip machine manufacturer and provides the 20,000 employees - based in the Netherlands - with numerous facilities. For example, there is a hairdresser, masseur, gym and you can even go to the 24-hour supermarket for your daily groceries. Handy of course, if you have a busy working day.

But there is a well-thought-out vision behind it, Looijmans explains: “ASML has, from a service perspective, set out concepts for the employee experience. We have mapped out the entire process, from entering to going home, with an employee journey. With our smart solutions, we try to make that experience even better.”

“We have mapped out the entire process, from entering to going home, with an employee journey.”

In his role as smart manager, Looijmans is mainly concerned with translating data into smart solutions. These smart solutions improve the interaction between people and buildings and ensure an effortless experience for both employees and guests. “We do this, of course, to better measure and manage the performance and use of our buildings. At the same time, we also unlock the data we generate with this on occupancy, navigation, room control and services, via an app for all employees. This gives them a tool to organize their working day as efficiently as possible, allowing them to fully focus on innovation,” says Looijmans.

ASML Campus app

An essential part of the employee journey is the ASML Campus app. Employees use the app to reserve meeting rooms, see where free parking spaces are and navigate the gigantic site. But you can also book services and facilities, such as an appointment to have your bike or phone repaired. “Ultimately, we want to centralize as many things as possible for the employee, which is why everything comes together in the app. With one click of a button, you get an overview of the available workstations and with the Outlook integration you can easily plan a meeting. If you have booked a meeting room, in some buildings you even get the option to control the temperature, lighting or blinds,” says Looijmans.

But the smart grid also helps to monitor usage and organize services more efficiently: “Normally you work with fixed cleaning schedules, but when the occupancy is clear, you can adjust the cleaning to the occupancy of the spaces. The same applies to ventilation, heating and cooling. This of course contributes to sustainability.”

Communication and awareness

Looijmans compares the smart grid to an iceberg: there is much more to it than it seems. “It is not just about the technology. Communication and awareness are also very important. The employees must know what is available and possible. In addition, it is very nice that we base ourselves entirely on data, but then this data must be correct. That means that you have to maintain and update everything properly. With such a fast-growing and international organization, that is quite a challenge and requires good cooperation with the facility department.”

 A proactive system

As the largest supplier of chip machines, ASML will continue to grow in the coming years. In addition to the company itself, the technology also continues to develop. “At the moment, our smart solutions work at an operational level, but we want to move to a proactive system. This means that the system, within the limits of privacy, will see trends. For example, if you use a workspace at the same time every week, the app will suggest a reservation. The ultimate goal is to eventually have a Digital Twin of the building. This is something we hope to develop in the coming years,” says Looijmans.

When asked how he feels about working for an employer like ASML, Looijmans says he is proud: “We are doing something really great here. Of course you always have ambitions to make things better, but there is also something special already. I realize that these kinds of solutions are not possible everywhere and then I am proud that an employer like ASML facilitates this and that we make it a little easier for the employees every day.”

Want to know more? During the Digital Building of the Future conference, Patrick Looijmans will give a lecture on the smart solutions at ASML. For more information, visit the website and Sign In for a free visit.