Industry leaders gather as ASD opens S1000D & IPS User Forum 2024 in Brussels

The highly anticipated 2024 S1000D & IPS User Forum has officially started in Brussels, uniting global experts and industry leaders to shape the future of Integrated Product Support. In his opening remarks, ASD Secretary General Jan Pie welcomed attendees, highlighting the pivotal role of S-Series specifications in driving interoperability, enhancing performance, and fostering cross-sector collaboration in aerospace, defence, and beyond.

Highlighting the importance of S-Series specifications

Jan Pie highlighted the need for industries to embrace seamless communication, collaboration, and system integration. "The S-Series specifications have become a cornerstone in addressing these challenges," Pie remarked, adding that they enable industries to meet the demands of today's interconnected world. He stressed that standardisation is not just about efficiency but ensuring that diverse systems and organisations can work together securely and reliably.

He noted that interoperability remains central to the S-Series specifications, helping to break down barriers between platforms and foster smooth coordination across borders and industries. Jan Pie explained that by enabling systems to "speak the same language", the specifications make managing complex processes easier and reduce costly errors, while improving the exchange of technical, logistical, and operational information.

Beyond interoperability, the S-Series specifications sharpen the focus on performance. Standardising documentation, data exchange, and lifecycle management improves responsiveness and reliability across systems, helping drive productivity and innovation in high-complexity sectors.

Collaboration across the ecosystem

Jan Pie also emphasised that the benefits of the S-Series extend beyond technical efficiency. These specifications provide a common ground for collaboration across sectors, fostering trust and aligning expectations. "Public and private stakeholders alike can collaborate effectively through this framework," he noted, adding that the standards help keep projects on track and ensure a shared vision of success.

A platform for advancing the S-Series

The IPS User Forum plays a key role in ensuring that the S-Series specifications continue to evolve and meet the needs of an ever-changing technological landscape. Jan Pie noted that the forum serves as a platform for technical experts, thought leaders, and decision-makers to come together, share insights, and discuss the latest advancements in the field. "It’s thanks to your participation and dedication that we can push the boundaries of what’s possible," Pie said.

Launch of the S-Series.org website

Pie took the opportunity to share two significant announcements. First, the S-Series websites have been revamped, offering a fresh, secure, and consolidated platform for all specifications except S1000D, which remains hosted on S1000D.org

Cooperation with the Japanese aerospace industry

Second, he highlighted two Memorandums of Understanding signed earlier this year between ASD, AIA (with A4A for S1000D), and the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies (SJAC). These agreements will enable Japanese stakeholders and companies to join the S-Series and S1000D communities, reinforcing global collaboration in these vital sectors. The opening speech concluded with an introduction of Mr Takumi Fujino, President of the Society of Japanese Aerospace Companies (SJAC). Mr Fujino’s presence, Pie noted, is a testament to the growing international collaboration that will continue to strengthen the S-Series and S1000D communities.