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Process industries face significant challenges in navigating the evolving digital landscape. In my ARC Forum interview, Mike Davis of Valmet outlined a holistic approach that equips plant operators with the tools to convert raw data into actionable insights and address key issues across sectors like energy, pulp & paper, chemical, power, water & wastewater, and other process control domains.
The 29th Annual ARC Leadership Forum served as a key platform for industry leaders to explore digital transformation and strategies for empowering industrial clients with advanced technology and expertise.
In today's interconnected process industries, the key distinction between raw information and actionable know-how is more critical than ever. Mike Davis highlighted this through practical examples, emphasizing Valmet’s system-agnostic platform, which helps operations and engineering teams cut through information overload and gain the insights they need.
Mike Davis highlighted Valmet's extensive suite of solutions, which goes beyond traditional sensors, analyzers, and DCS systems to include the Valmet Industrial Internet—a vendor-agnostic platform integrating training simulators, advanced process control, remote monitoring, and energy management systems.
A key highlight of our discussion was Mike Davis sharing insights on Valmet’s successful mill-wide optimization at a pulp and paper mill. This achievement, driven by digital twin technology and process expertise, enables advisory co-pilot functionality, allowing clients to simulate "what-if" scenarios and optimize critical parameters like production speed and cost efficiency. Beyond improving operational agility, this innovation also helps tackle workforce challenges across industries.
Our discussion also explored Valmet's strategies for addressing the skills gap. Acknowledging the challenges faced by both operational and engineering teams, Valmet provides on-site and remote engineering services to supplement client staff with specialized process control expertise. Additionally, the Valmet Performance Center, a remote control room staffed by experts, enhances operational support through cloud-based data accessibility.
Valmet's dedication to user-friendly design is evident in the DNA user interface, which prioritizes intuitive human-machine interaction. Featuring customizable displays, UX design, and control room centralization, it minimizes cognitive overload and enhances operator efficiency. By delivering critical information concisely, Valmet enables workers to make informed decisions and take swift action.
Another key takeaway was Valmet's proactive approach to preventing unplanned outages. The company’s engineering services focus on developing preventive maintenance plans and technology roadmaps, enabling clients to strategically plan investments and avoid disruptive "must-upgrade" scenarios. Tools like PlantTriage (formerly Expertune) provide continuous control loop monitoring across various systems, detecting and resolving potential issues before they escalate.
In an increasingly connected world, cybersecurity is essential. Valmet’s partnership with TXOne Networks strengthens industrial control system security with robust hardware and software solutions. Combined with Valmet’s cybersecurity consulting services—covering risk analysis, data recovery planning, and disaster recovery exercises—this collaboration helps clients navigate the digital landscape with confidence.
Valmet's approach integrates advanced technology, expert services, and a commitment to user-centric design.
Its functional domains of expertise span distributed control systems (DCS), process equipment supply, energy solutions, process optimization, environmental systems, and cybersecurity for industrial process control systems.
Taken together, all of this positions Valmet as a trusted enabler of digital transformation in the industrial sector. Its focus on operational excellence, workforce empowerment, and cybersecurity underscores its commitment to helping clients thrive in an increasingly complex and interconnected world.
If you want to learn more about Valmet and the latest developments in its capabilities, watch this Executive Interview from our 2025 Leadership Forum.