The first of three planned workshops on improving the maintenance of industrial plants and equipment was held, bringing together a total of 27 participants (19 online and 8 at Hotel Jelena in Banja Luka). The workshop was intended for representatives of manufacturing enterprises and other relevant stakeholders interested in enhancing the reliability and efficiency of their technical systems.

Assist. Prof. Dr. Dejan Branković from the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Banja Luka presented modern approaches to the maintenance of industrial plants and equipment, focusing on strategic planning, organization, and management of maintenance processes. Participants were introduced to different maintenance concepts – from reactive to preventive and predictive – as well as the importance of technical diagnostics and information systems in increasing equipment reliability. Special attention was given to maintenance efficiency and economics, technical system safety, and current challenges faced by manufacturing enterprises in the context of modernization and digital transformation.

Following the presentation, a discussion took place in which participants shared concrete experiences from their companies. Key challenges identified included a lack of skilled personnel, limited resources for planned and preventive maintenance, and the need to improve equipment data management. Participants emphasized the importance of continuous exchange of good practices and cooperation between enterprises and professional institutions.

It was concluded that improving maintenance systems represents an important step toward increasing productivity, reducing downtime, and strengthening the competitiveness of domestic manufacturing enterprises.