The market for products and services related to monitoring the condition of machinery within the industry is growing. SKF is making a major investment by opening a software centre in Sweden in order to develop next generation technology for condition monitoring.
“We are currently recruiting and the unit will include around 50 developers, most of whom will be based in Gothenburg,” says Fredrik Magnusson, who is in charge of the new software development unit at SKF.
The change follows SKF Group’s decision to concentrate all competences for the development of hardware and software for Europe in Gothenburg and Luleå in Sweden, and Aberdeen and Livingston in Scotland. The largest unit will be located in Gothenburg and will be responsible for the software development of next generation technology.
“From a global perspective, locating the centre in Gothenburg provides a strategic benefit. We have advanced a great deal in western Sweden in terms of developing the Internet of Things, digitalization and smart solutions for the industry. Many large corporations have concentrated their expertise in this field here. This is where things are happening,” says Fredrik.
“We also view it as an advantage to be close to the head office and other research units within SKF.”
Employs 50 people
The software centre in Sweden will employ around 50 people, with the majority of the positions located in Gothenburg. The unit in Luleå that has been developing and manufacturing fixed online systems since the late 1980s will be strengthened with five additional team members.
“It is an important strategic focus for SKF to help its customers with their rotating equipment. We can see the potential in the market for services and mobile solutions for effective maintenance, as many companies are moving from a reactive to a more proactive maintenance strategy,” says Fredrik.
Avoid maintenance stoppages
It is possible to electronically read a lot of information on the condition of the machine and operational deviations that require maintenance measures based on the rotation pattern of the bearing at work. The aim as far as possible is to avoid emergency stoppages, which are associated with major costs from production losses. SKF has taken the lead in development of condition monitoring products and services since the late 1980s and, among other things, pursues research in the field along with Luleå University of Technology.
