DALLAS, TX – In an increasingly technology-driven world, advances in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation are transforming entire industries, said Amit Jain, Simulation Advisor at Chevron , and Ron Norris, Chief Innovation Officer at Georgia Pacific .
During a talk at the Global Honeywell Users Group 2024 Ahead of the Curve, Pramesh Maheshwari, president of Honeywell Process Solutions, highlighted that Amit Jain has played a crucial role in developing digital solutions that are changing the way oil and gas facilities operate, most notably with the creation of the Console Operator Profile, a tool that uses operational data to provide real-time insights, thereby improving decision-making in the energy industry.
This innovative system not only enables monitoring and optimisation of daily operations, but also unlocks hidden value in facilities by interpreting new and existing technologies . By combining advanced data analytics and digital twins – virtual models based on fundamental principles – the specialist has taken Chevron’s operational efficiency to new levels.
In this regard, Jain explained that “ it is not just about collecting data, but about using that information to make decisions .”
On the other hand, Ron Norris is leading a new wave of technological advancements, focusing on AI , transforming key areas such as supply chain optimization , contactless commerce and product improvement, increasing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
“The work remains the same, what changes is how we participate in carrying out the work. The key to innovation is to adapt digital tools to human needs, keeping efficiency and safety at the heart of everything,” explained Norris.
One of the key themes discussed during the talk was the proliferation of myths surrounding AI, with Norris noting that people often believe AI is designed to replace jobs , when in fact its purpose is to optimize and make operations more efficient.
He explained that at Georgia Pacific, AI does not eliminate jobs , but rather helps the company stay competitive in an environment where it is difficult to find qualified personnel to fill vacant positions.
“We are struggling to hire 30,000 people across 130 facilities, which highlights the need to leverage technology to offset labor shortages,” he said.
Jain also stressed that AI is not a magic bullet that can automatically solve any problem , noting that many misunderstandings about AI arise because it is sold as a black box that generates instant solutions.
“The challenge is that the general perception about AI is that you put everything in this black box, and you get a perfect solution. But the challenge is that you first need to collect data, understand it and encode it,” Jain said.
One of the biggest challenges businesses face when implementing AI is scalability , and while AI can be extremely useful in solving specific problems at a facility or asset, scaling it to the enterprise level presents challenges due to the variability of data across different locations and situations.
For Chevron and Georgia Pacific, the challenge is integrating these solutions without creating an overload for employees.
“Any time we implement something new, it should make work easier, not add more work,” Norris explained.
At Chevron, implementing prescriptive maintenance on offshore platforms has significantly reduced the need to send personnel to these facilities, saving costs and reducing environmental impact, since as Jain explained, it is not just about saving costs; it is also a question of safety and sustainability .
For its part, Georgia Pacific implemented a new enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that radically improved the automation of certain processes, such as order management.
A notable example was the optimization of the supply chain for Tesla orders, which led to a 10-fold increase in process efficiency.
Looking ahead, both leaders agreed that AI will continue to play a crucial role in their industries , but not in the way many imagine.
Ron Norris envisions a future where intelligent agents —software that acts as personal assistants—will help employees make more informed decisions and customize tasks to their needs.
Amit Jain, on the other hand, was more skeptical about the possibility of an omnipotent AI that solves all problems with a single click.
“I don’t see an AI engine that does everything automatically in the next 10 years. Evolving technologies, yes, but not something that does everything at the push of a button,” he said.
Experts agreed that while advances in AI are exciting, it is important to be realistic about the capabilities of this technology.
“The key is to make sure everyone understands what AI can do and what it can’t do,” said Ron Norris.
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