Today we’d like to introduce you to Alex Bolan.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
DigitalThinker Inc was founded in 2003 by my father Tony Bolan. Originally Tony and my mother (his wife) Maria were the two employees, Tony being the on the road consultant and Maria managing the admin portion of the business. Prior to starting DigitalThinker Tony was a consultant for Datastream, a Greenville software company, on a product known as MP2. MP2 was one of the first Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) released to support manufacturing or asset intense industries with their maintenance and asset management programs. Tony then left Datastream to become an independent consultant for MP2, thus birthing DigitalThinker. Datastream later developed a product known D7i. Infor acquired Datastream and developed D7i into Infor Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), then Hexagon AB acquired EAM from Infor. Now known as HxGN EAM, and 23 years later, DigitalThinker remains the longest standing trusted partner to HxGN EAM. Being a value added reseller and multi service provider, we now have 13 employees and are rapidly growing to be a thought leader and premiere service provider across North America. In 2024 Tony asked his youngest son, Alex Bolan, if there were any interests in learning the family business with the intention of being the successor, to which he agreed. In 2025 Alex Bolan was named President of DigitalThinker. Today DigitalThinker supports 500+ active customers across the United States, multiple Fortune 500 companies, and dozens of local SC manufacturing or utility providers on HxGN EAM. Additionally DigitalThinker has expanded its product portfolio to encompass HxGN j5 Operations Management, HxGN Asset Performance Management (APM), HxGN AcceleratorKMS, and HxGN ETQ Quality Management Solution. While we are a software company at our core, we are the trusted advisors to current and future customers on how to achieve reliability through effective asset and maintenance management, connecting each department together digitally.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
If anyone tells you starting and growing a company is a smooth road, they are lying. Through our 23 year history there have been plenty of challenges, ups and downs, and more. Tony was very good at becoming the most needed resource to his customers which helped survive the 2008 crash, and propelled DigitalThinker into what it is today. Along the way we’ve had great people come and go with DigitalThinker, faced extreme challenges with complex implementations, or faced adversity with cash flow or sales revenues. But ultimately as the company grew, struggles didn’t go away, they just become different year over year.
As you know, we’re big fans of DigitalThinker Inc. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
DigitalThinker Inc. is a privately held software development and consulting firm founded in 2003 by Tony Bolan, a former maintenance manager and U.S. Army Captain
. Headquartered in Simpsonville, South Carolina, the company has established itself as a leader in the enterprise asset management (EAM) industry over its 22-year history
. Now under the leadership of President Alex Bolan, Tony’s son, DigitalThinker continues its legacy of innovation, guided by a people-first philosophy and a commitment to transforming operational excellence
.
At its core, DigitalThinker is on a mission to bridge the divide between maintenance and operations, two traditionally siloed departments whose separation often hinders organizational potential. The company’s core philosophy rests on three pillars: people-first technology, servant leadership, and operational excellence. This approach challenges the conventional view of maintenance as a cost center, repositioning it as a strategic driver of competitive advantage
.
What We Do: Specializations and Expertise
DigitalThinker specializes in providing comprehensive solutions and consulting services for HxGN EAM (formerly Infor EAM), a best-in-class enterprise asset management software
. As a dedicated partner with Hexagon for over two decades, DigitalThinker holds a unique dual role as both an Alliance Partner, collaborating with Hexagon’s sales team on implementations and strategic initiatives, and a Channel Partner, selling HxGN EAM licenses directly to clients
. This long-standing partnership, which will continue through Hexagon’s planned spin-off of its industrial software division into a new entity called Octave, allows DigitalThinker to offer unparalleled expertise and a seamless client experience
.
The company is known for its deep specialization in all aspects of EAM, including:
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Software Implementation and Configuration: Tailoring HxGN EAM to meet the specific needs of each organization.
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Custom Development: Utilizing flex business rules and the extensibility framework to add value and maximize client investment.
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Integration: Connecting EAM with other business systems to create a unified operational view.
•
Training and Support: Empowering users with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize the software through offerings like the DTI Academy for HxGN EAM
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Beyond its core EAM services, DigitalThinker has expanded its offerings to create a comprehensive Maintenance Excellence Ecosystem, a suite of integrated solutions designed to address every facet of operational performance. This ecosystem is structured in three layers:
Layer
Products
Focus
Foundation
HxGN EAM, HxGN J5
Reliable asset data and operational management
Intelligence
HxGN APM, AcceleratorKMS
Predictive insights and knowledge management
Excellence
ETQ Reliance
Quality standards and continuous improvement
This integrated suite of products allows DigitalThinker to move beyond traditional EAM and offer a holistic approach to maintenance and reliability, positioning them as a leader in the digital transformation of asset-intensive industries
.
What Sets Us Apart: The DigitalThinker Difference
What truly sets DigitalThinker apart in a crowded marketplace is not just what we do, but how we do it. The company’s philosophy is deeply rooted in building lasting relationships and acting as a trusted advisor to its clients, a brand attribute the company is most proud of. This is more than just a talking point; it is a core tenet of the DigitalThinker identity, as articulated in the company’s own reflection on “What is a DigitalThinker?”
. Unlike traditional consultants who focus on transactions, DigitalThinker team members see themselves as relationship builders who become an extension of their clients’ teams. This is evidenced by the fact that the company still works with its very first clients, a testament to the enduring partnerships they cultivate
.
This commitment to people is further exemplified by the company’s servant leadership model, championed by President Alex Bolan
. The focus is on empowering and uplifting both the DigitalThinker team and their clients, fostering a culture of mutual trust and respect. This people-first approach is also at the heart of the company’s proprietary IMPACT methodology, a structured change management framework designed to ensure the successful implementation of technology by addressing the human side of change
. With a 92% user adoption rate, the IMPACT strategy stands in stark contrast to the high failure rates (40-60%) that plague many EAM implementations, offering clients a “Success Guaranteed or We Fix It Free” promise
.
DigitalThinker also distinguishes itself through its thought leadership and its bold, disruptive messaging. The “Maintenance Matters – Because Excellence Starts Here” campaign directly challenges the outdated perception of maintenance as a cost center, reframing it as the very foundation of operational excellence and a key driver of competitive advantage
. This is not just a marketing slogan; it is a core belief that informs every aspect of the company’s work.
Finally, DigitalThinker’s legacy and story are a powerful differentiator. Founded by a maintenance professional and military veteran, the company’s DNA is infused with a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field. The transition of leadership to the next generation, with Alex Bolan building upon his father’s foundation, adds a unique dimension of continuity and long-term commitment to the company’s narrative
.
Our Greatest Pride: Your Trusted Advisor
Above all else, DigitalThinker is most proud of its role as a trusted advisor to its clients. This is the cornerstone of our brand identity and the driving force behind our success. We believe that technology alone is not enough; it is the human element, the partnership, and the trust we build with our clients that truly makes the difference. Our goal is to move beyond the traditional client-vendor relationship and become an integral part of your team, a long-term partner invested in your success.
This commitment is reflected in our company culture, our servant leadership philosophy, and our focus on building lasting relationships. We are not just implementing software; we are helping our clients transform their businesses, and we are proud to be their guide on that journey. The fact that we have retained our earliest clients for over two decades is a testament to the strength of these partnerships and the trust that we have earned
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What We Want You to Know
We want our readers to know that DigitalThinker is more than just a technology company; we are a partner in your success. We are a team of passionate, experienced professionals dedicated to helping you achieve operational excellence through a unique combination of cutting-edge technology, proven methodologies, and a people-first approach. We believe that maintenance is the heart of any successful industrial operation, and we are committed to helping you transform it from a cost center into a strategic advantage.
Whether you are just beginning your digital transformation journey or looking to optimize your existing systems, we have the expertise and the solutions to help you succeed. From our comprehensive Maintenance Excellence Ecosystem to our proprietary IMPACT change management methodology, we offer a holistic approach that addresses both the technical and human aspects of change. We are not just selling software; we are building a movement to revolutionize the way the world thinks about maintenance and reliability.
We invite you to join us in this mission. Let us show you how DigitalThinker can help you bridge the divide, empower your people, and unlock a new level of operational excellence.
What matters most to you?
Reliable plants. Because you can’t achieve a safe and reliable plant without having safe equipment. Why? Manufacturing has been the backbone of America. Manufacturing not only provides jobs and creates products, but it supports communities, builds families and gives people meaning at work. Helping organizations achieve reliability is paramount because it not only takes care of the company, but it keeps the people inside the facility safe and employed.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.digitalthinker.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/digitalthinkerinc
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DigitalThinkerInc
