Our SMRP 2026 recap covers what reliability and maintenance teams talked about most in Raleigh, from AI in predictive maintenance to data overload. Beyond the tradeshow floor, we connected with people in new industries where condition monitoring is gaining ground, but first, here are the challenges teams brought to us most often.
SMRP 2026 Recap: The biggest maintenance challenges teams raised
The two biggest challenges maintenance teams raised were: AI in predictive maintenance and managing growing volumes of maintenance data. The two go hand in hand, since AI tools can only work with the data a plant gives them. When that data is scattered or hard to sort through, getting value from AI becomes much harder.
AI in predictive maintenance
AI is already changing predictive maintenance, and where it goes next was one of the most discussed topics at SMRP 2026. The organizations we spoke with were using AI to drill down deeper into their current and historical data so they can better protect the assets across their sites. That kind of analysis is only as strong as the data behind it.
Managing maintenance data overload
The second recurring challenge was the sheer volume of data modern industrial organizations generate. Plants are collecting more information than ever, and teams told us they struggle to find what matters to their role.
This gave us a great opportunity to show how MAINTelligence™ Insights can help. It turns the data teams already collect into clear, visual KPIs, starting with four purpose-built dashboards covering asset condition, collection performance and maintenance activity. Everyone from technicians and reliability engineers to supervisors and executives sees the information that matters to their role, and when a KPI points to a problem, teams can drill down to the specific equipment, route or point behind it and act on it.
Condition monitoring beyond traditional industries
This year, we made a deliberate effort to seek out industries outside DMSI’s traditional markets. Those conversations led to potential opportunities in water treatment, uranium mining, nuclear-related facilities, and military and defence procurement.
Water treatment facilities
We had a great discussion with a reliability consultant who has already introduced MAINTelligence™ to water treatment facilities with success. Together, we’re planning introductions to another 25 to 30 facilities over the coming months.
Defence, mining, and nuclear facilities
We also had a productive conversation with Peter Morris, Managing Director of Riftsoft, whose organization works across the navy, air force, army and other areas of the defence sector. Peter has since introduced us to colleagues who offered to help us navigate relationships in this space. Partnerships like this open opportunities that traditional sales efforts alone would struggle to reach.
Strengthening maintenance and reliability partnerships
SMRP 2026 also gave us time with long-standing clients and partners. Our meeting with the Domtar team helped us better understand how to build on our relationship and support them in new ways.
We’re also grateful to Matthew and Ken Terrell of T5 Group, who helped look after the DMSI booth throughout the conference. Their support let us step away for the meetings and conversations that shaped this recap.
Wrapping up our SMRP 2026 recap
Kudos to the SMRP organizers for a well-run event in an impressive venue. The facility’s size kept us on our toes from day one. Our booth shipment arrived early, then ended up in a different part of the building, and it took about two hours to track it down and get set up.
We’ll be following up on the conversations that started in Raleigh well beyond the conference, and we’re already looking forward to SMRP 2027.
If any of the challenges in this SMRP 2026 recap sound familiar at your plant, book a reliability strategy call with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions about SMRP 2026
What is the SMRP annual conference?
The Society for Maintenance & Reliability Professionals hosts this four-day annual event for people working in maintenance, reliability and physical asset management, with education sessions, facility tours and hands-on workshops. Attendees come from industries such as manufacturing, power generation, oil and gas, mining, pharmaceuticals and food processing.
When and where was SMRP 2026?
SMRP 2026 was the 34th annual conference, running September 28 to October 1, 2026, in Raleigh, North Carolina, at the Raleigh Convention Center.
When and where is SMRP 2027?
SMRP 2027 will be the 35th annual conference, taking place October 4 to 7, 2027, in Indianapolis, Indiana.
