Editorial

Black Waters and Landia end bad odours at the paper mill.

A new aeration system has rescued a paper mill in El Salvador that was on the brink of $M fines for causing major odor issues.

Changes to environmental regulations had put the company into a crisis situation, despite the fact that they had already installed four 30HP surface aerators in their aeration tank in an attempt to quell the increasingly bad odor problems.

With the authorities set to take serious punitive measures, the paper mill called in leading wastewater treatment business, Black Waters to see if they could bring about a solution.

“This was a major challenge,” said Roberto Escalante, Principal of Black Waters.

“Nobody in our industry particularly relishes working with a slanted floor (!) rectangular tank (1,000m3), but I can tell you that the twisted face of the paper mill’s CEO was in far more pain than mine!

“It was primitive; in a bad way, resulting in the possibility of substantial fines that caught the paper mill completely off guard,” he added.

“The odors were awful, so we went straight into action with a sludge sampler to see what was going on, in order to establish a proper profile.”

Across the 75.4’ (23m) length tank, which has a shallow end at 6.2’ (1.87m) and a deep end of 13’ (4m), Roberto found that only five of the one-meter sections were free from sediment. The rest ranged from 0.8” to as much as 18” of sediment, varying from light brown towards the shallow end to thick dark gray at the deep end.

“No wonder it stank so much,” added Roberto.

“At the deep end it was septic, because the surface aerators couldn’t mix the tank comprehensively. The slanted tank had become a biological reactor, but with the buildup of sediment, there just wasn’t enough oxygen to allow the bugs to do their job properly. They couldn’t ‘breathe’ and so would die. It was nasty.”

‘Dire situation very much needed some oxygen’

 

He continued: “All well and good having some mixing, but this dire situation very much needed some oxygen. The wastewater from the paper, which in this case was from a process manufacturing tissue paper, is surprisingly abrasive. Surface aerators can make it appear as if there is lots happening, but underneath the surface it can be a totally different story. In a fairly short space of time, foul odors will soon tell you that something is seriously wrong!”

With a potential $M lawsuit for violations on the horizon, Black Water urgently sought a rapid but long-lasting solution, consulting with contacts in the US and beyond to see what might be available.

“With a slanted tank,” added Roberto, “they all said they wouldn’t blame me if I walked away. But we are engineers of course, so we’ll always want to find an answer, even in this case, where it possibly couldn’t be a perfect world solution. They told me I was crazy taking it on, but I already knew that. At least I’ll never be as crazy as the person who thought that it was such a good idea to design a slanted-floor rectangular tank for a paper mill’s wastewater!  Additionally, the tank was divided into two halves by a concrete wall, so we had to cut eight-inch holes across it to try to even out the flow distribution.”

‘Simultaneously mixing and aerating’

The recommended solution certainly wasn’t the cheapest, but it came in the form of a simple design, combining a proven chopper pump with a venturi nozzle; the Landia AirJet.  Simultaneously mixing and aerating, this system effectively keeps wastewater fresh; economically delivering dissolved oxygen to provide complete aeration.

The next challenge for Black Water was how to incorporate what would be six of the new Landia AirJets onto both sides of the tank.

“Landia helped us calculate the best positioning,” said Roberto, “and I was really pleased that their vastly experienced Aftermarket Manager, Ken Jacobs came over from the US to help ensure that the installation went smoothly. The Landia AirJets had to be installed with middle guideline poles that had to be embedded in specially built concrete blocks. This allowed the aerators to be then slid to the bottom of the basin. The Landia Chopper Pumps that are part of the AirJet system do a great job, and are proving very reliable. Everything is fine now. Thank goodness those horrible odors are no more!”

www.black-waters.com

www.landia.world.com

The Maintenance Backbone of Industrial Operations

In industrial environments, pumps and valves are not just components—they are critical assets. Whether in manufacturing, chemical processing, utilities, or energy sectors, these devices keep systems flowing, regulate pressure, and maintain safety. For maintenance professionals, they represent a significant share of both routine and reactive workloads.

From a maintenance standpoint, equipment reliability begins long before the first service interval—it starts with selecting the right pump or valve for the job. Misapplied components often become repeat offenders on the maintenance schedule. Understanding the operational demands—fluid type, pressure range, temperature, and flow variability—is essential in ensuring long-term reliability and reduced total cost of ownership.

For pumps, seal wear, cavitation, bearing failures, and misalignment are among the most frequent issues encountered. In many facilities, centrifugal pumps are the workhorses, but without proper installation and regular monitoring, they can be vulnerable to premature wear.

Valves, on the other hand, often suffer from seat wear, stem corrosion, actuator failure, or clogging—especially in high-debris or chemically aggressive environments. Actuated valves bring their own set of challenges, from motor or air supply faults to control signal miscommunication.Traditionally, many sites have relied on preventive maintenance schedules, performing periodic inspections and overhauls based on calendar intervals. While this is a step up from reactive maintenance, it's often not optimized to the actual usage or condition of the equipment.

Today, facilities are shifting toward predictive maintenance strategies, using sensors and condition monitoring to track vibration, pressure, flow, and temperature data in real time. This allows maintenance teams to intervene only when necessary, minimizing downtime and extending equipment life.Simple practices go a long way. Regular lubrication of pump bearings, shaft alignment, and seal inspections can drastically reduce failure rates. For valves, ensuring correct calibration and stroke testing helps maintain accuracy and control integrity.

Documenting these tasks within a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) allows teams to track component history, flag recurring problems, and plan resources more effectively.

Another smart move for maintenance planners is the standardization of pump and valve types across facilities. This simplifies training, reduces the variety of spare parts needed, and shortens repair time.

Maintaining a strategic inventory of seals, gaskets, actuators, and wear parts ensures rapid response when breakdowns occur—especially for mission-critical assets.

No matter how advanced the technology, well-trained maintenance technicians remain the cornerstone of reliability. Understanding failure modes, interpreting performance data, and knowing how to restore components quickly and safely makes all the difference.

In the world of industrial maintenance, pumps and valves deserve focused attention. They are integral to uptime, process efficiency, and safety. With the right strategies—from predictive monitoring to proactive parts management—maintenance teams can keep these essential assets running smoothly and cost-effectively.

How AI is Transforming CMMS Platforms

In the evolving world of maintenance management, Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) have already brought about a significant leap in how organisations schedule, track, and manage their maintenance operations. Now, with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI), CMMS platforms are undergoing a second transformation — one that’s smarter, more predictive, and driven by data.

From Reactive to Predictive Maintenance

Traditional CMMS systems are excellent at centralising maintenance data and managing work orders. However, most of their functionality relies on scheduled input and reactive response. AI changes that paradigm. By analysing historical maintenance records, equipment usage patterns, and sensor data from IoT-connected devices, AI can identify trends and forecast potential failures before they happen.

This predictive capability allows organisations to shift from time-based to condition-based maintenance — reducing downtime, extending asset life, and cutting unnecessary servicing costs.

Smarter Workflows and Automated Decision-Making

AI-powered CMMS platforms are not just about prediction; they also enhance decision-making. Algorithms can automatically prioritise maintenance requests based on urgency, asset criticality, and historical data. AI can even recommend the best course of action or assign jobs to technicians with the most relevant skills and availability.

As a result, maintenance teams become more efficient and responsive, while managers gain valuable insights to support strategic planning.

Enhanced Asset Management

Through AI, CMMS platforms can create dynamic asset hierarchies and continuously optimise them based on equipment performance data. This enables more accurate asset tagging, better inventory management, and clearer cost tracking.

AI can also identify underperforming assets or recurring issues across a facility — providing a deeper layer of asset intelligence that informs repair-or-replace decisions.

Natural Language Processing and Voice Integration

Many modern CMMS platforms are integrating AI-driven features like natural language processing (NLP). This allows users to interact with the system via simple voice commands or text input — making it easier to log issues, search for asset histories, or retrieve documentation hands-free.

This functionality is especially useful in field environments, where speed and accessibility are crucial.

Continuous Learning and Adaptability

Unlike static software, AI-enhanced CMMS platforms improve over time. As they process more data, the algorithms become more accurate in detecting anomalies, recommending fixes, and optimising schedules. This self-learning capability means the system adapts to your facility’s unique needs — providing increasing value as it evolves.


Final Thoughts

AI is rapidly shifting CMMS platforms from digital logbooks to intelligent maintenance ecosystems. Organisations that embrace this technology are not only improving asset reliability and technician productivity but are also laying the groundwork for fully autonomous maintenance operations in the near future.

The future of maintenance isn’t just digital — it’s intelligent.

Sentera Joins Thermal by FLIR Program, Elevates 6X Thermal Sensor Series for Precision UAS Applications

Boson Thermal Camera Modules Add LWIR Radiometric Data to Best-in-Class Sentera Multispectral Payloads.

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Teledyne FLIR OEM, part of Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY), announced today that Sentera Sensors and Drones, a leading provider of advanced sensors and data, has joined the Thermal by FLIR program. Integrating FLIR Boson® thermal camera modules into the Sentera 6X Thermal Series adds new high-precision thermal mapping capabilities to their integrated multispectral and RGB drone payload platform.

Designed for seamless integration with leading UAS platforms, the Sentera 6X Thermal Series support agriculture, outdoor, and industrial applications ranging from evaporation analysis, water stress monitoring, and forest fire detection to industrial inspections and infrastructure analysis

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. “Precision thermal mapping has long been a challenge due to alignment and stitching issues. By combining FLIR’s trusted thermal technology with Sentera’s automated multispectral-assisted processing, we’re making it easier for users to capture, process, and analyze high-quality thermal data with confidence,” said Eric Taipale, chief technology officer, Sentera.

The NDAA-compliant Sentera 6X Thermal Series, including the 6X Thermal and 6X Thermal Pro, feature either the radiometric FLIR Boson 640R or 320R imager alongside four synchronized 3.2MP monochrome imagers and a 20MP RGB sensor.

 

1/2 “Sentera’s innovative approach to combining thermal, multispectral, and visible imaging in a unified sensor package represents a market-changing innovation the Thermal by FLIR program was designed to support,” said Jared Faraudo, vice president of product management, Teledyne FLIR OEM. “By incorporating our compact, high-performance radiometric Boson modules within advanced multispectral technology, Sentera delivers unprecedented thermal mapping accuracy paired with pixel-level temperature measurement data for agriculture to public safety applications.

” Sentera 6X Thermal Series joins a growing ecosystem of innovative Thermal by FLIR products that solve critical problems across industries from agriculture to automotive to defense, including mobile devices, drones, augmented reality solutions, and wearables.

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The Thermal by FLIR program is a cooperative product development and marketing initiative that supports original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and product innovators who use Teledyne FLIR OEM thermal camera modules within integrated products. The program helps integrators accelerate time to market, lower development risk and costs, and expand business growth. For more information about the Thermal by FLIR program, visit www.flir.com/oem/thermal-by-flir. For additional details about the Sentera 6X Thermal Series, visit https://senterasensors.com/6X/.

From Insight to Action: What the Latest Research Says About Maintenance Trends

🌟 Discover the Future of Maintenance Management! 🌟

Verdantix’s latest Global Corporate Survey shows companies worldwide are rapidly adopting #CMMS (Computerised #Maintenance #Management Systems) to drive cost reduction and enhance long-term asset performance. 🚀

Join Donal Bourke (PEMAC | An Elecosoft Company) & Josh Graessele (Verdantix) on Wednesday, April 16th for an exclusive webinar:
🎥 From Insight to Action - What the Latest Research Says About #Maintenance Trends

🔍 What You’ll Learn:
✅ The latest trends in digital maintenance and the rising adoption of #CMMS
✅ How leading companies are reducing downtime & enhancing asset performance
✅ The role of IoT, AI, and mobile solutions in maintenance
✅ Strategies for bridging workforce skills gaps & ensuring compliance
✅ A real-world case study on digital transformation in asset and maintenance management

💡 This interactive session invites you to share your thoughts on the latest research and discuss your organization's challenges. Don’t miss your chance to gain valuable insights and stay ahead in 2025!

📌 Register now to secure your place: https://lnkd.in/eAvCyN7P

#Maintenance #AssetManagement #DigitalTransformation #IoT #AI #Webinar #PEMAC #Verdantix

Minimise operational costs by maximising energy efficiency

By using a combination of the latest measurement tools and a well-designed maintenance strategy, companies can identify where they are wasting energy and how to fix the problem, boosting efficiency and productivity while cutting costs and meeting sustainability targets.

Alexander Bardakov

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Oleksandr Bardakov, Application and Technology Expert – Industrial Imaging, Fluke Corporation

They say in business that time is money but in an industrial environment energy is money. Energy inefficiency or wastage can be identified by temperature pattern deviations but, even today, far too many enterprises are unaware of the extent of their energy wastage and how much it is costing them.

Optimising energy efficiency by having a comprehensive maintenance strategy in place to ensure everything runs the way it should – and there are no unusual temperature patterns – is one of the most important tasks that a company can undertake.

It might sound straightforward – keep energy usage down and save money – but achieving that goal is far from simple. Firstly, some problems that occur in an industrial environment can be virtually invisible. Secondly, it isn’t always easy to know which is the best measurement tool to use, or even what is the optimum combination of tools. The trick is to use one or more basic measurement tools that are capable of flagging up areas where there are issues and then go into more depth by using more advanced tools to evaluate those problems.

Getting ahead of any issues that relate to poor management of energy can enable companies to slash their operational costs significantly while also protecting valuable equipment from irreparable damage and boosting productivity. Of course, with sustainability a major factor in every industrial environment today, cutting costs and wastage by improving energy efficiency will automatically enable organisations to minimise their carbon footprint.

Taking that first step

Whether you work on the shopfloor or are the CEO, every minute of every day should be focused on increasing industrial efficiency and saving energy, and thereby cutting costs. Anyone involved in facilities management will understand the importance of electrical energy efficiency but many will not know how to take that first step towards turning this goal into reality. Many will also not be aware that the market offers them an affordable choice of devices that can deliver the solutions they need at whatever level they prefer, enabling them to manage outlay and achieving the best possible return on investment (ROI). There are entry-level measurement tools available for those without large budgets who are looking to carry out simple checks to establish what their problems are but most benefits are generated by the more sophisticated devices on the market.

A key part of managing energy efficiency is to establish maintenance practices that mean users are not wasting time, resources and money by always reacting to problems rather than preventing them from happening in the first place. When there is effective pro-active maintenance in a facility, safety is improved and energy consumption is reduced because the energy needed for production is used in a more efficient way.

Among the types of measurement tools that industrial engineers should be looking to use for carrying out regular maintenance and for boosting the company’s energy efficiency include clamp meters, power quality analysers, thermal cameras and acoustic imagers.

Fluke 1770 series Three Phase Power Quality Data Analyser

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How energy flows

Electrical cabinets are the ideal place to understand how energy flows around a facility and the best way to check this is through the use of tools that can provide a snapshot of the situation. In many cases a simple clamp meter will suffice in terms of identifying a problem in an electrical cabinet (a flexible clamp is ideal where space is limited). If a customer doesn’t need an exact evaluation of losses but just wants to focus on which equipment is not working efficiently, a three-phase electrical energy logger is the ideal tool.

A thermal camera can identify thermal patterns that indicate imbalances in motors with direct online connection or connected via variable frequency drives. A thermal camera can also identify connection heating patterns which indicate poor wire connections. While intuitively an excessive heat pattern attracts more attention, if a particular component is not working it will show up as cold, while components working under excessive load will show up as excess heat. Again, thermal cameras are fine if a snapshot is needed and precise measurements are not required.

However, for more extended analysis, a three-phase power quality analyser would be the best tool to use, providing a true evaluation of the extent of power being lost by analysing the current flow on individual wires within an electrical cabinet. These power quality analysers can not only measure neutral current (essential in three-phase systems), but can also incorporate a special energy loss calculator mode that is able to provide a highly accurate estimation of energy efficiency.

Energy efficiency hm pg 1500x1000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Huge opportunity for energy saving

By far one of the biggest areas of energy wastage in an industrial environment is leaking compressed air systems, with the average plant losing around 30% of the compressed air it produces. Given that only 15% of energy produced through compressed air can be used anyway, the total amount of energy available can be as low as 10%. This is highly inefficient. While compressed air leaks are inevitable and will never be fully eradicated, being able to identify and fix the vast majority of them through regular maintenance provides one of the biggest opportunities for energy saving. Getting an air compressor operating at maximum efficiency could reduce its energy consumption by up to 40%.

The best tool for this job is an acoustic camera. A basic model will provide rapid and safe visual detection of compressed gas leaks, enabling the engineer to prioritise repairs by not just identifying sources but also comparing their size. More advanced models are able to carry out such detailed evaluation that they can calculate how much electricity is lost every year due to a specific leak. The most sophisticated acoustic cameras have additional modes such as detection and classification of partial discharge, or the ability to identify where the main energy loss problems are in mechanical equipment, usually due to failing bearings in conveyor systems. Although acoustic imagers are more expensive than thermal cameras, they have the potential to generate more savings because they can show the user energy losses that would otherwise remain undetected.

Not complex or unaffordable

In summary, industrial organisations need to understand one key point – it is easier than they might think to pinpoint key areas in their business where they are losing money unnecessarily through poor energy management. The solutions to their problems are out there today and they are not complex or unaffordable. To have no maintenance strategy in an industrial environment and no way of identifying and evaluating where energy is being lost or where significant inefficiencies exist is no longer practical. The future requires us to take control of our energy usage and to minimise wastage and engineers now have the means to make their organisations more efficient, more sustainable and less costly to run.

Finally, engineers must remember that the benefits they seek will come not just because certain measurement tools are being used but because those tools are part of a comprehensive maintenance programme. If a company focuses on maintenance it will automatically obtain a longer operational life from its equipment, saving money while also running the plant at the highest possible level of efficiency. A point that is often missed is that substantial amounts of greenhouse gas emissions are generated by manufacturing new equipment and installing new facilities so keeping the need for replacement to a minimum can make a massive difference to a company’s impact on the environment.

www.fluke.com

 

EcoVadis Gold for the Fourth Year Running

Klüber Lubrication has once again been awarded the EcoVadis Gold Medal for Sustainability – for the fourth year in a row. This time, the company has achieved an even greater milestone: it is now among the top 3% of more than 150,000 rated companies worldwide. With 79 points, Klüber Lubrication has reached its highest score yet – a significant leap from 72 points in the previous year. “After tougher competition than ever, this award is a truly special recognition”, says Markus Hermann, Sustainability Manager at Klüber Lubrication. “In an environment of rising demands and increasing competition, Klüber Lubrication has not only maintained its leading position but has further improved.

I am very happy about the strong commitment to sustainability of our top management and of our teams worldwide. And it is great to regularly receive the feedback that such a continued high-level performance makes the difference for many of our customers, staff members but also application candidates - all over the world.” The EcoVadis rating evaluates companies across four key categories: Environment, Labor & Human Rights, Ethics, and Sustainable Procurement. Particularly noteworthy is the area of sustainable procurement, where Klüber Lubrication was able to improve by two points.

Significant advancements were also achieved in the Ethics and Environment categories. With an overall score of 79 out of 100, Klüber Lubrication is now among the top 3% of all rated companies worldwide. Page 1 of 2 Klüber Lubrication continues to drive forward its own climate action plan while also helping customers achieve their sustainability goals. Since 2007, energy efficiency projects have been carried out in collaboration with customers all around the world. In average, they result in an estimated 4% energy savings – a figure confirmed by hundreds of efficiency measurements.

The EcoVadis Sustainability Rating is one of the world’s most recognized independent corporate social responsibility (CSR) assessments and is widely used by global companies to evaluate their suppliers. About Klüber Lubrication Klüber Lubrication is one of the leading manufacturers of specialty lubricants, offering high-end tribological solutions to virtually all industries and markets worldwide. Most products are developed and made to specific customer requirements. During its over 90 years of existence, Klüber Lubrication has provided high-quality lubricants, thorough consultation and extensive services, which has earned it an excellent reputation in the market. The company holds all common industrial certifications and operates a testing section hardly rivalled in the lubricants industry. Klüber Lubrication, set up as a retail company for mineral oil products in Munich in 1929, is today part of Freudenberg Chemical Specialities GmbH, a Business Unit of the Freudenberg Group, Weinheim. Klüber Lubrication has about 2,500 employees in more than 30 countries. For further information, please click https://klueber.com

Ensuring Safety and Efficiency with FLIR Thermal Monitoring for Battery Energy Storage Systems

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are essential for storing renewable energy and ensuring grid stability. However, their implementation comes with inherent risks, particularly related to lithium-ion battery fires.
 

BESS fires can start from thermal runaway, where one cell failure can trigger a cascade of overheating, leading to fires that are difficult to extinguish and can last for hours or even days. Should a fire breakout, hazardous gases would release from the batteries, posing health risks to nearby communities and causing environmental damage through soil and water contamination. In severe cases, BESS fires have the potential for huge disruptions to locals through property damage and even evacuations.

Traditional detection methods such as flame detectors often fail in the early stages of a BESS fire due to their reliance on visible flames or smoke, which might not be immediately present. Where flame detectors fall short, thermal imaging cameras can significantly improve protection and prevent fires before they ever reach combustion.


The FLIR A700F Advanced Smart Sensor is ideal for users who want built-in, on-camera analytics and alarm capabilities for early fire detection applications.

Advantages of Thermal Cameras for BESS

Thermal cameras detect the heat signature from the onset of thermal runaway long before visible flames or smoke appear, allowing for preemptive action to mitigate risks. While flame detectors react to events that have already happened, a fixed thermal camera such as the FLIR A700F Advance Smart Sensor provides 24/7 surveillance by continuously monitoring for temperature anomalies that could indicate an impending fire, thus enabling early intervention. FLIR cameras are designed for easy integration into broader safety and control systems, allowing for automated responses such as activating suppression systems that enhance response times and efficiency.

Comparison with Other Detection Methods

While flame detectors are designed to detect visible fire, they may miss smoldering or hidden fires—meaning an alert may not be tripped until the fire has escalated to a dangerous level. FLIR thermal imaging cameras can detect heat in low light and see the beginnings of embers as they heat up surrounding materials, even when there's no visible sign of fire. This early detection can prevent escalation or at least minimize damage by providing critical time for action before fires get out of control. Another advantage of thermal cameras is their ability to monitor large areas or multiple battery racks simultaneously, providing comprehensive coverage which is often challenging for point-specific flame detectors.


Lithium-ion electric vehicle batteries monitored under thermal imaging.

Conclusion
Incorporating FLIR thermal monitoring into BESS installations not only addresses the critical safety concerns associated with battery fires but also offers a proactive, reliable, and technologically advanced solution. By choosing a FLIR fixed thermal solution, you ensure that your energy storage systems are safeguarded with the industry's leading thermal imaging technology, protecting both your investment and the community from the devastating effects of BESS fires.

www.flir.com

 

Find the right tool, for the right price. Value and performance are at the core of each and every TPI product: explore our range of test & measurement equipment and download our latest catalogues.

Download the HAVCR catalogue from TPI Europe 

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Download the Condition Monitoring Catalogue from TPI Europe 

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Fluke EV Survey Highlights OEM and Technician Confidence Despite 68% citing a Gap in Industry Adoption

Vehicle Compatibility, Charger Reliability, and Skills Shortage Emphasize Key Hurdles to Accelerating EV Charging Infrastructure Growth

Summary:

  • Over 68% of those surveyed acknowledge the EV industry is falling behind on the adoption curve, highlighting sector-wide challenges.
  • 40% of respondents predict that widespread charger availability will lag behind demand for up to seven years or longer.
  • 44% cite inoperable chargers, and 40% highlight software incompatibility as major hurdles to EV charging infrastructure.
  • 32% of respondents cite predictive maintenance, and 31% highlight artificial intelligence as key to a successful EV charging strategy.

EVERETT, Wash., February 20, 2025 — A new Fluke survey released today reveals that while 68% of respondents feel the EV industry is behind the adoption curve, 92% remain confident that current standards and regulations will pave the way for long-term success in EV charging infrastructure.

The Fluke commissioned survey gleaned insights from more than 400 EV charger original equipment manufacturers and technicians in the UK, USA, Germany, and the Netherlands. Survey results also demonstrated that despite incentives throughout the US and Europe, and with strong consumer demand driving EV adoption, 47% of respondents believe the industry is 25–50% behind the adoption curve, while 17% believe it to be more than 50% behind. Notably, 40% of U.S. respondents predict that widespread charger availability won’t meet demand for up to seven years, or longer.

The survey identified charger maintenance as a top concern for the future of the EV industry, with 36% of respondents identifying it as a key challenge. Adding to the complexity, 44% pointed to inoperable chargers as one of the biggest hurdles facing the EV charging infrastructure, closely followed by 40% who cited software incompatibility as a significant obstacle. Compounding these challenges, 88% of respondents highlighted a critical skills gap within the EV workforce, signaling an urgent need for training and development to support the industry's growth.

"I'm encouraged that while 68% of respondents recognize a gap in industry adoption, the survey highlights a strong sense of confidence as industry leaders take proactive steps to address critical challenges," said Alex Chillman, Fluke Vice President of Innovation. "To pave the way for sustained industry growth and innovation, we must prioritize comprehensive worker training and ensure the availability of a reliable, well-maintained charging infrastructure. Charger maintenance also remains a significant concern and addressing it will be essential to meeting the growing demand for electric vehicles."

 

The survey results underscore Fluke’s call for greater emphasis on proactive maintenance strategies and workforce development to address the skills gap and meet the growing demand for reliable EV charging infrastructure. Respondents identified key factors critical to a successful EV charging strategy, with 32% highlighting predictive maintenance and 31% citing artificial intelligence as essential for optimizing performance.

Additionally, resilient infrastructure design, remote monitoring and diagnostics, and the adoption of standardized best practices were identified as vital for ensuring the reliability, efficiency, and adaptability of the evolving EV charging ecosystem.

"The EV industry is at a defining moment—growth is accelerating, and the demand for reliability has never been higher," said Fluke Chief Product Officer Vineet Thuvara. "Our research reveals a critical need to close maintenance gaps, upskill technicians, and ensure every charging point delivers peak performance. As PDMs (Power Distribution Modules) expand, power quality at every node becomes mission-critical. The path to a sustainable future depends on a smarter, more resilient infrastructure."

About Fluke

Founded in 1948, Fluke Corporation is the world leader in compact, professional electronic test tools and software for measuring and condition monitoring. Fluke customers are technicians, engineers, electricians, maintenance managers, and metrologists who install, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial, electrical, and electronic equipment and calibration processes.

FLUKE is a registered trademark of Fluke Corporation. For more information, visit the Fluke website.

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