Turning data into better valve performance with digital services

Digitalization is a broad topic. However, it is becoming increasingly important for our customers, who are vigorously developing their own digitalization strategies and expect digital services to help them run their business better. Access to data offers multiple possibilities to engage with customers and help them achieve operational efficiency. We interviewed Boris Volavicius, our Digitalization Sales Director, to give us an insight into flow control digital services.

What is the digitalization offering designed for? 

Flow control digital services enhance process efficiency and reliability by leveraging advanced analytics and modern connectivity. They provide practical tools for monitoring and managing valve performance, supporting optimal operation, and extending the lifespan of critical equipment.

Our solutions address common pain points like limited visibility of valve condition and an incomplete understanding of the installed base. By presenting the diagnostics collected by our smart positioners in a clear and prioritized way, we help customers make better decisions and view their plant holistically. In addition, customers gain easy access to installed‑base documentation, the right spare‑part sets, and going forward, online purchasing of spare parts.

Tell us about the gaps you want to close – we can tailor views, reports, and scope (e.g., inventory, purchasing, or added KPIs) to your needs

What are our digital services for flow control?

Valve Performance Monitoring (VPM) is one of our main digital services offering for flow control. It turns diagnostics into expert recommendations and tangible actions that increase availability, reliability, and performance.  

With VPM, automatic diagnostics are produced by ValvesNow, our cloud‑based analysis tool. ValvesNow collects valve diagnostic data, runs AI‑assisted fleet‑level analysis, highlights the worst performing devices, and prioritizes issues so maintenance can focus where it matters most. Dashboards, reports, and collaboration with our experts are available in the Valmet Customer Portal, giving a single actionable view of the installed base and related actions.

How it works, end‑to‑end

Once your site is connected, ValvesNow automatically gathers diagnostics from Neles™ digital valve controllers on a daily basis and performs a comprehensive fleet analysis weekly. Findings are categorized (e.g., control performance, mechanical issues, operation style, working environment, device alarms) and presented in a prioritized list.

VPM overlays continuous expert support, from ongoing monitoring to periodic diagnostic reports and recommended actions, so insights move smoothly into execution. All activities and materials are delivered through your Customer Portal workspace.

Prioritization vs. fixed criticality classes

Data‑driven prioritization and expert guidance help increase uptime, improve valve performance, and optimize maintenance resources. The ValvesNow dashboard provides a clear and prioritized view of issues and trends, while the Customer Portal centralizes equipment status, documents, reports, and collaboration, simplifying installed base lifecycle management in one place.

By default, we use ValvesNow’s algorithmic scoring and categories, combined with local valve service expert assessment, to direct attention to where it’s needed next. If a formal criticality classification (e.g., high/medium/low) is required, we can include it by scope. This approach supports predictive maintenance planning, shutdown scope optimization, and informed spare parts strategies.

What kind of data can we get from digital valve controllers?

Our Neles™ series valve controllers (such as Neles™ NDX™ and Neles™ ND9000™) gather extensive diagnostic data, providing a valuable insight into valve condition and performance. This includes data that enables continuous monitoring of valve health, performance deviations, and emerging issues. The data is analyzed across five categories: control performance, mechanical issues, operation style, working environment, and device alarms. All valves are ranked so that the worst‑performing devices surface to the top; teams can then filter by category, process area, and more to focus on the issues that matter most. 

How do customers benefit from digital solutions?

Access to data and recommendations strengthens lifecycle management, streamlines purchasing, and supports new ways of working. Customers gain improved operational efficiency, reduced downtime, and optimized maintenance schedules, leading to a more productive workflow.

By offering a holistic operational view and predictive capabilities, potential issues are addressed proactively, minimizing disruptions and extending asset life. Daily collaboration with our local flow control service team is also enhanced, helping customers make informed decisions and sustain performance across the equipment lifecycle.