BOV and Aviaserve showcase real-world tech transformation at IBM conference

Two organisations – Bank of Valletta and Aviaserve – offered a practical look at digital transformation in action, speaking on how cloud, automation and asset management systems are being deployed to improve efficiency, transparency and operational performance.

The session, titled Malta Transformation Use Cases, moved beyond theory to focus on how technology is being implemented on the ground – and the key considerations businesses must address when investing in digital tools.

BOV focuses on transparency, cost control and agility

In a joint presentation with EY, Bank of Valletta outlined its approach to cloud financial management through FinOps and the use of Cloudability.

A central theme was transparency, particularly in understanding and controlling technology costs. As organisations move towards more complex cloud environments, gaining visibility over spending becomes essential, not only for cost management but also for accountability and decision-making.

The speakers, Bjorn Ekstedt (CIO at Bank of Valletta) and (Michael Azzopardi – Technology Consulting Partner at EY), emphasised that before adopting new technologies, businesses must be able to clearly assess whether a service delivers value and contributes to profitability. This requires a shift towards more data-driven decision-making, supported by tools that provide real-time insights into usage and expenditure.

Agility was also highlighted as a key objective of the bank’s transformation strategy, with cloud infrastructure forming a core component of its technology stack. Automation tools, including infrastructure-as-code solutions such as Terraform, are being used to streamline operations and improve efficiency.

At the same time, the increasing use of AI-powered and AI-assisted applications is reshaping workflows, with employees already leveraging these tools to simplify tasks and enhance productivity.

Aviaserve deploys asset management to support operations and growth

The second part of the session focused on Aviaserve’s adoption of enterprise asset management systems to support its ground handling operations.

Working alongside Enterprise MRO, the company has implemented the Maximo Application Suite – a platform designed to manage physical assets throughout their lifecycle, from acquisition to disposal.

The system plays a critical role in ensuring that all assets are tracked, maintained and optimised. This includes monitoring preventative maintenance schedules, measuring performance and ensuring that equipment is consistently available in an environment where delays must be minimised.

Karel Zahra, Senior Solutions Architect at Enterprise MRO, outlined three key pillars underpinning the implementation. The first is asset information management, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records across all equipment. The second is performance measurement, aimed at maintaining operational reliability. The third is scalability – creating a platform capable of supporting future growth, including enhanced mobility and system integration.

The rollout is being implemented in phases. The initial stage focused on maintenance management, while a second phase – centred on cargo operations for import and export – is expected to go live imminently. Further developments are planned as part of the broader transformation roadmap.

Mobility was identified as a core element of Aviaserve’s operations, reinforcing the need for systems that support real-time access to data and seamless coordination across teams.

Across both case studies, a common message emerged: successful digital transformation depends on visibility, accountability and alignment with business objectives.