At this year’s Smart Manufacturing Week, Jonathan Peedell of Bentley Motors discussed the evolving role of maintenance in modern manufacturing, highlighting how digital technologies, AI and workforce development are reshaping what has traditionally been viewed as a reactive support function.
Drawing on a panel session titled ‘Breakdowns to Breakthroughs in Maintenance’, Jonathan explained that maintenance teams are increasingly being recognised as strategic contributors to business performance rather than simply responsible for fixing equipment failures. In today’s challenging economic climate, where manufacturers face significant cost pressures and uncertainty around investment, maintenance departments are being asked to maximise the value of existing assets and help delay major capital expenditure.
Rather than purchasing new equipment, businesses are looking to maintenance teams to extend asset life, improve reliability and increase productivity from existing machinery. A significant part of the discussion focused on digitalisation and AI, with Jonathan noting that predictive maintenance technologies powered by AI are already delivering measurable results. By analysing data from sensors and identifying anomalies before equipment fails, organisations can prevent costly downtime and schedule interventions more effectively.
However, he argued that many manufacturers still struggle with disconnected systems and fragmented data. While businesses can increasingly identify potential issues, they often lack integrated processes that automatically trigger corrective actions, limiting the full value of predictive technologies.
The interview also explored the ongoing skills challenge facing maintenance functions. As maintenance becomes more digital and data-driven, organisations must attract and retain technically curious employees who are eager to engage with emerging technologies. Jonathan emphasised that these individuals are highly sought after across industry, making employee experience and access to new technologies important factors in retention.
Looking ahead, he believes successful manufacturers will be those that focus on measurement, data and continuous improvement. Rather than relying solely on the latest AI tools, organisations need a deep understanding of their operating environment and the ability to make informed decisions based on accurate data. Combined with investments in people, predictive technologies and asset optimisation, this approach will help manufacturers improve uptime, sustainability and long-term competitiveness.
“It’s not about who’s got the best AI solution moving forward. It’s more about who understands their environment the most.“
Jonathan Peedell, Head of Maintenance at Bentley Motors
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