Building Relationships: The Foundation of Asset Management
Jaap van den Elshout has been a driving force in the development of infrastructure asset management at BAM Infra Nederland, a role he has been passionate about for many years. BAM, as a leader in the industry, helps clients optimize the management and maintenance of their infrastructure, working to extend its lifespan and schedule replacements in a dynamic and efficient manner. The core of BAM’s approach revolves around strong relationships with clients and partners—a philosophy that resonates deeply with Jaap, who sees the value in building and nurturing these connections.
Jaap’s journey began after graduating in Organisation Science, when he took on a role as a business and policy advisor at BAM Infra Nederland’s consultancy and engineering firm. Over a decade ago, he transitioned to become Asset Management Project Manager, taking on the task of helping shape BAM’s emerging asset management branch. “What fascinates me the most is that we’ve positioned ourselves at the helm of management and maintenance,” Jaap explains. “We now design the processes, establish the systems, and ensure that we bring in the right expertise and experience to perform the work and optimize it for maximum efficiency and effectiveness.”
In asset management, long-term contracts are a fundamental component. BAM works closely with customers and expert partners, often for many years, to create sustainable solutions that extend the lifecycle of infrastructure. “Building relationships, both internal and external, is what energizes me,” Jaap says. This hands-on approach to developing robust connections has been a key factor in BAM’s success.
The Rising Demand for Asset Management
In recent years, the demand for infrastructure asset management has surged. The reason is clear: much of the infrastructure in the Netherlands, including bridges, tunnels, locks, and viaducts, was constructed after the Second World War. These structures, designed for a much lower intensity of traffic and use, are now under far greater strain. As a result, they are reaching the end of their useful life much faster than anticipated.
The issue of infrastructure aging is becoming increasingly critical, and replacing these structures in the short term is an expensive and monumental task. Instead, BAM is focusing on smart maintenance strategies to preserve these engineering works for as long as possible. By investing in ongoing maintenance and renovation, BAM helps avoid the need for massive financial outlays for wholesale replacements.
“The key advantage of maintenance and renovation over replacement is the reduction in primary raw materials and the need for scarce labor,” Jaap explains. “It’s also significantly less disruptive to the environment. The work is less intensive and typically requires less time to complete, which also lowers the impact on local communities.”
The Role of Smart and Sustainable Maintenance
BAM’s commitment to sustainability is a central aspect of its approach to asset management. By prioritizing smart maintenance, BAM ensures that aging infrastructure remains functional and safe without requiring costly and resource-heavy replacements. In doing so, BAM helps clients not only extend the life of their assets but also reduce their carbon footprint and reliance on the extraction of raw materials.
Smart maintenance is particularly important for older infrastructure, as the methods and technologies available today can provide better insight into the condition of the structures. With innovations such as sensors and data analytics, BAM can monitor the condition of bridges, tunnels, and viaducts in real time, allowing for more accurate predictions about their lifespan and the optimal timing for maintenance. This proactive approach leads to fewer surprises, reducing the risk of major failures and emergency repairs.
For Jaap, this shift towards sustainability in maintenance is not just a business strategy but a passion. “It’s about finding the right balance between preserving what we have and ensuring that we can keep our infrastructure functional for future generations. Sustainability isn’t just about the environment; it’s about creating long-term value for our clients and society as a whole,” he states.
Building Long-Term Relationships for Success
At the heart of BAM’s asset management strategy is its focus on collaboration and long-term relationships. Jaap emphasizes the importance of working closely with clients and partners to build trust and understanding. This collaboration is essential for developing tailored solutions that meet the specific needs of each infrastructure project.
“Our success is built on our ability to develop close relationships with our clients,” Jaap notes. “We take the time to understand their goals and challenges, which allows us to offer solutions that align with their objectives. The relationships we build aren’t just transactional; they are partnerships that last for years. That’s what makes asset management truly successful.”
For Jaap, this philosophy extends beyond just clients and partners—it also applies to his team at BAM. By fostering a supportive internal environment, BAM ensures that its employees have the tools and knowledge they need to thrive. The collaborative culture within the company allows for the sharing of expertise, leading to more efficient and effective project execution.
The Future of Asset Management
As infrastructure continues to age and the demand for sustainable solutions grows, the role of asset management will only become more critical. BAM’s focus on smart maintenance and long-term relationships positions it well for the future. By combining cutting-edge technologies with a deep understanding of its clients’ needs, BAM is setting the standard for the next generation of asset management.
For Jaap, the future is all about continuing to innovate and push the boundaries of what’s possible. “We’re constantly looking for ways to improve our processes, integrate new technologies, and find smarter ways to maintain our infrastructure. The future of asset management is about being proactive, not reactive, and that’s what we’re committed to,” he concludes.
As infrastructure continues to evolve and face new challenges, BAM’s asset management strategies, grounded in long-term partnerships and sustainability, will remain at the forefront of ensuring that the Netherlands’ infrastructure remains functional, efficient, and environmentally responsible for years to come.
