EDF RENEWABLES
“ We expect our suppliers to operate in a manner that demonstrates the same commitment to sustainable , responsible and ethical business practises that we require for our own employees ”
DIRK RUITENBERG SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SUPPLY CHAIN , EDF RENEWABLES
data lake . It aggregates all operating and performance data from EDF ’ s global portfolio of resources , totalling more than 21GWs across 22 countries .
“ Every temperature sensor , accelerometer and wind vane in these turbines is generating data ,” Ruitenberg shares . “ There ’ s a lot of data across these assets that needs to be dealt with in a big data approach . It ’ s being analysed using AI data science techniques and then a bunch of expertise in different business lines .”
The approach allows EDF Renewables ’ field technicians to maintain the company ’ s assets using a handheld device . The tool , which also gathers best practices on maintenance actions and work constructions based on common fault codes and operating parameters , along with the data lake , allows for further optimisation .
“ So in the supply chain , we ’ re expecting to get more accurate forecasts of failure rates and material requirements as a result of that ,” Ruitenberg hopes . “ And as generative AI advances , it ’ ll likely enable the industry to further automate tasks , predict and prevent failures , and ensure more stimulus operation .”
Keeping with Ruitenberg ’ s future-centric outlook , he and the wider team at EDF Renewables will continue consolidating its material fulfilment and planning processes while focusing on optimising its fleet by inventory .
“ Our current inventory levels are a bit high , partially driven by the acquisition of slow-moving inventory and supply chain disruption during the pandemic ,” he explains .
“ We ’ re also planning to improve the user experience for our field technicians when it comes to site inventory management by rolling out a handheld device version of Vicarli ’ s warehouse management system .”
Another key area is last mile delivery . With renewable assets typically in remote locations — something further exasperated with the increasing development of offshore wind — EDF Renewables is focusing on getting the necessary parts into the hands of the technician via the likes of drone delivery .
“ There ’ s a multitude of projects under way ,” he concludes . “ And a lot of this will certainly become a reality .”
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