As with us humans, machines also show the first symptoms before they become seriously ill. If you recognize these signals early on, you can prevent failures, minimize risks and ensure security of supply - especially in sensitive infrastructures such as power plants or industrial facilities.
This is exactly what the Vibro-Consult AG specialized. The independent Swiss SME based in Brugg in the canton of Aargau measures, analyzes and interprets the vibrations of large machines such as turbines, generators and pumps - and ensures that they function reliably even under maximum load. The team has examined over 1,250 machines worldwide to date, and more than 250 have been equipped with permanent monitoring systems.
Whether in Switzerland, the Ivory Coast or Taiwan, the experts at Vibro-Consult work where energy is generated. The consequences of outages are no longer theoretical: there was a large-scale blackout in Spain in 2025 and Berlin was affected in January 2026. «It's not just about machines - it's about safety. Our work helps to ensure that people can rely on a functioning energy supply,» emphasizes Daniel Iseli. And that's exactly what he does as Managing Director of Vibro-Consult AG together with his team.
From machine draughtsman to managing director
Daniel Iseli knows this world from the ground up: his professional career began with an apprenticeship as a mechanical draughtsman. This was followed by an engineering degree in computer science, a postgraduate degree in economics and further training in security technology. In 1991 he joined Vibro-Consult He took over the management of the company in 2009. Since then, he has continued to develop the company strategically - with a clear focus on modern measurement technology, practical solutions and international operations.
«The machines themselves are durable: a power plant can easily last 80 years. The situation is completely different with measurement technology: Sensors, computers, evaluation systems - the half-life here is often only ten years. This combination of durability and change makes our work particularly exciting.»
Daniel Iseli
A typical working day? There is no such thing. Sometimes Daniel Iseli is in the office in Brugg, sometimes on the road in South East Asia or Africa. One moment he's working with his team on new software for AI-supported rotor balancing - the next he's on site at a power plant, measuring vibrations and analyzing why a machine is showing abnormal values. «I get to go to places that you would never see as a private individual. That's what makes the job unique.»
Machines, people, management
Vibro-Consult supports customers in all phases - preventively as well as in acute cases. «We analyze both: the condition of machines in advance and when the first abnormalities occur,» explains Iseli. «It's comparable to medicine: you observe certain values, recognize trends and intervene in good time - before damage occurs.» In this way, planned revisions can be prepared at an early stage and unforeseen breakdowns can be avoided.
Vibro-Consult currently employs ten engineers - three of whom are over the official retirement age. The structure is deliberately kept lean and responsibility is assumed directly within the team. «Whoever takes on a project also bears the technical and organizational responsibility,» says Daniel Iseli. Compared to large companies in particular, the speed of response is a clear advantage. «If something has to be done quickly, we do it quickly.» This agility is particularly appreciated by customers - especially in time-critical situations.
One of Vibro-Consult's current development projects is in-house software for rotor balancing - a process that brings machines to their optimum running smoothness. «With cars, we know this from balancing tires - with large turbines, it's many times more complex.» The solution uses artificial intelligence to achieve optimum results even more precisely and quickly - even remotely. «We are well ahead of the competition here.»
The interview reveals that Daniel Iseli's thinking is not only technical, but also reflective and down-to-earth. Finally, we asked him our five personal questions - and received precise answers.
Mr. Iseli, if you had taken a different path when you were younger, what would you have become?
« Probably a dentist. I've always been fascinated by precision, technology and responsibility - only now it's machines instead of people.»
What is your favorite way to start your day?
«Early in the morning - with a clear head and no rush. For me, this is the best time to think in a structured way and set the course for the day.»
What does success mean to you personally?
«For me, success means setting myself clear goals - both professionally and privately - and consciously pursuing them. For me, it is crucial to recognize the moment when a goal has really been achieved.»
What would you work for free for a week?
«For example, for youth development. As I have always enjoyed playing chess, I could very well imagine a chess week for young people.»
What was the best professional advice you ever received?
«„No matter how good you are and how committed you are, you will never please everyone.“ This insight has helped me to make clearer decisions and act more consistently.»
We would like to thank Mr. Iseli for his contribution to this article.
Batterman Consulting Basel AG
Executive Search,
Byfangweg 1a, CH-4051 Basel
T +41 58 680 55 55
basel@batterman.ch
