In a rapidly evolving world, industries are facing tectonic shifts that require swift adaptation to stay relevant. Emon Zaman, Senior Vice President and Head, Asia Pacific, AVEVA, addressed this transformation during the AVEVA DAY keynote session on ‘AVEVA’s Connected Industrial Economy for the Future’. He set the stage for a captivating discourse on the state of the market and the industrial challenges that lie ahead.

 Zaman acknowledged that industries like gas, power, and manufacturing have often been slow to embrace change. He humorously noted, “We’re great at being first to be second.” However, he emphasized that the pace of change is such that survival hinges on adaptation, a lesson learned from the struggles of traditional businesses like retail.

“Position of strength,” Zaman asserted, “cannot come from doing what you’ve done yesterday.” Continuous innovation is key to achieving a competitive edge. He distinguished between innovation and mere pilot projects, underlining the need to leverage technology to transform operations fundamentally.

Drawing a parallel, he highlighted that just as no major enterprise business operates without an ERP system, industries cannot afford to run critical operations without trusted data. In a rapidly advancing world of technology and high expectations, the importance of having reliable, real-time information has become crucial.

 The core objectives of businesses, such as maximizing profits, reducing downtime, increasing production, and improving safety and reliability, have remained constant over time. However, it is important to note that the rate of change in the business landscape has significantly increased.

 New technologies, like smartphones and tablets, have revolutionized how we interact with and expect from technology. Additionally, the workforce of today is no longer accustomed to paper-based processes.

 To attract the best talent and drive India’s industrial growth, digitalization is imperative. Zaman referenced the transformation in farming from mechanization to digitalization, a change that has redefined efficiency and productivity. This transformation doesn’t mean fewer jobs but rather the reassignment of human resources to more productive tasks—a testament to technology’s role in enhancing human potential.

 ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) regulations have witnessed a staggering increase of over 155 percent since 2004, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Zaman likened this to the rapid adoption of cellular technology in India, where connectivity expanded exponentially in just three years, bypassing the decades it took in the Western world. ESG, he argued, holds similar transformative potential.

Emon Zaman’s perspective sheds light on the imperatives of industrial transformation. Industries must overcome their resistance to change and embrace continuous innovation to remain competitive. The changing landscape of technology, workforce expectations, and regulatory environments demands adaptation and digitalization. As we navigate these winds of change, it is clear that those who dare to be first in embracing transformation will secure a position of strength in the future.

Pioneering Industrial Transformation in a Sustainable World

Continuing, Zaman delved into the intricate web of challenges and opportunities facing industries in a rapidly changing landscape. He began by emphasizing the importance of considering the broader impact of investments, particularly when it comes to energy availability and GDP per capita.

 Zaman pointed out that supply chain disruptions, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, have become a well-known concern. He stated, “Supply chain disruptions are obviously very well-known, especially since COVID; we’ve seen what it can do.” He continued to explain that consumer priorities are shifting towards sustainability, saying, “Consumer prioritization to buy things that are made with sustainable products is also something that’s new."

 He observed that consumers in Europe and the US are showing a growing preference for products made from recyclable materials, using packaging materials as an example. He emphasized, “People will deliberately make a decision.” If something is made of recyclable material, it can be recycled. This trend is also emerging in India, although it is happening at a slower pace.

To illustrate the significance of sustainability, Zaman recounted a conversation with a Taiwanese paper manufacturer, one of the largest in Taiwan. Their Nordic customers demanded traceability and proof of sustainable sourcing for paper products. He shared, “Customers have told them that if they cannot track and trace where that material comes from and prove that every tree that’s being cut to process that piece of paper or packaging or roll, they’re not going to be buying from them."

So, where does AVEVA fit into this evolving landscape? Zaman described AVEVA’s mission to promote industrial ingenuity by providing trusted information to stakeholders. He stated, “Aviva wants to spark industrial ingenuity by using trusted information, providing it to the stakeholders that need to use it.”

Looking ahead, Zaman emphasized AVEVA’s commitment to a truly interconnected industrial economy. He stressed that it’s not enough for AVEVA’s applications to be interconnected; the goal is to liberate data across all applications. He explained, “What we see, where we see it, is that it’s not just good enough to have our applications stuck to each other.” This approach, according to a Gartner study, can yield up to three times the performance benefit of digitalization. He added, “Gartner feels that there’s potentially three times the performance benefit from digitalization.”

Additionally, the business case for digital investments has shown an 85 percent improvement in revenue generation. Zaman cited examples of Indian customers who achieved an ROI of less than six months after deploying real-time optimization products. He highlighted, “If we have customers here in India who have deployed our real-time optimization product, where the ROI was less than six months.” Tripling that efficiency can have a profound impact on profitability and industrial growth.

While leading companies are already breaking down silos and integrating design, build, operations, and optimization processes, AVEVA aims to further streamline these operations. Their vision is to enable customers to build their own applications and share them across the enterprise.

To achieve this vision, AVEVA focuses on three key aspects. First, they emphasize the importance of an open, neutral, industrial digital backbone. He stated, “We want to make sure AVEVA solutions are open and agnostic to hardware and software.” This ensures that AVEVA solutions remain agnostic to hardware and software, enabling them to address diverse markets and customer needs.

Second, AVEVA’s objective is to develop applications that utilize the single source of truth generated by their data platform. He explained, “Our goal is to empower you by allowing you to utilize the same data for creating your own predictive analytic solutions.” The use of a data-driven approach significantly improves the effectiveness of their solutions, particularly in the fields of simulation, engineering design, and predictive analytics.

AVEVA finally acknowledges the significance of offering a user-friendly experience. In an era where the next generation expects seamless and intuitive interfaces, AVEVA is committed to evolving its products to offer world-class user experiences. He emphasized, “They want things that are on the iPhone, that are on a tablet, easy to use, and offer a seamless user experience.”

Zaman’s insights, along with the added quotes, paint a vivid picture of AVEVA’s role in driving industrial transformation. Their commitment to data, sustainability, and interconnectedness positions them at the forefront of helping industries navigate the complex challenges and seize the abundant opportunities of a rapidly evolving world. As they continue to innovate and empower their customers, AVEVA plays a vital role in shaping a sustainable and prosperous future.

Pioneering Transformation: Real-World Impact with AVEVA

In the riveting continuation of the session, Zaman explored real-world case studies that exemplify the transformative power of technology in industries across the Asia-Pacific region. These case studies demonstrate that AVEVA’s vision for industrial innovation is not a distant dream but a tangible reality.

Yinson: Setting Sail for Sustainable Operations

Yinson, a Malaysian logistics company renowned for its offshore oil and gas production, recognized the need to streamline data management and enhance efficiency as it expanded. Yinson’s partnership with AVEVA Engineering allowed them to integrate the AVEVA PI System, an operational data platform, into their operations. This integration empowers Yinson to optimize its operations and align with the ambitious goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

Yinson’s journey reflects the changing landscape of logistics and oil production. Zaman remarked, “Yinson is moving away from just being a logistics and shipping company. They want to become a renewable energy provider with an autonomous approach.”

AVEVA’s technology, well-known in the offshore industry, plays a pivotal role in enabling Yinson’s shift toward autonomous operations. It equips Yinson with the ability to make intelligent decisions, reducing downtime, predicting failures, and optimizing vessel operations—a transformation vital for their evolving mission.

Fortescue Future Industries (FFI): A Vision for Hydrogen Production

In Australia, Fortescue Future Industries (FFI), a division of FMG, embarked on an audacious journey to become the world’s largest hydrogen producer. They chose AVEVA’s unified engineering solutions to design and build standardized hydrogen plants. This decision was not made in haste, as FFI’s CEO recognized the need for a standardized approach. The goal was to overcome challenges faced in the first plant’s construction, where a lack of standardization led to complications.

Zaman emphasized the significance of standardization, stating, “Engineering design, execution, standardization of the toolset, standardization of the data model, and allowing engineering contractors to execute using their business classes and tool settings—it’s a different way to use the technology.” This approach streamlines project cycles and ensures design data repeatability, marking a shift toward efficiency and consistency.

Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC): The Smart City Revolution

Closer to home in India, the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) embarked on a mission to become India’s most livable city by 2030. PCMC faced the challenge of disparate, unconnected systems that hindered efficiency. Partnering with AVEVA and its solutions, PCMC centralized and improved its IT and infrastructure applications and communications.

This transformation resulted in a reduction of traffic congestion, water wastage, and pollution. PCMC is now a leader among the ‘100 Smart Cities’ initiative, driven by the centralization of operational data. Zaman highlighted how this example showcases the power of integrated platforms, saying, “All the systems were already implemented, but they did not have a single pane of glass to make those decisions.”

SCG Chemicals: Asset Reliability Excellence

In Thailand, SCG Chemicals, a major chemicals company, faced the challenge of asset reliability in one of Asia’s largest petrochemical supply chains. Asset failures could swiftly disrupt the supply chain, resulting in substantial costs. To combat this, SCG Chemicals deployed AVEVA solutions, including AVEVA Performance Management and AVEVA Predictive Analytics.

Zaman described SCG Chemicals’ strategy: “They created a real-time Center of Excellence where they make effective operational decisions for all their chemical plants in real-time.” The results were staggering—an asset reliability rate exceeding 98 percent and enhanced operations across the supply chain.

Furthermore, SCG Chemicals is so impressed with the benefits of this technology that they are actively deploying it for other companies throughout Southeast Asia, underscoring the practicality and impact of AVEVA’s solutions.

These case studies prove that AVEVA’s vision of transforming industries through technology is far from science fiction or distant future scenarios. It’s happening now, bringing tangible benefits to companies across Asia-Pacific. Zaman’s presentation serves as a testament to the boundless possibilities that emerge when visionary technology meets real-world challenges. The journey toward industrial excellence, sustainability, and efficiency is well underway, driven by innovative solutions from AVEVA.

 AVEVA’s Vision: Unleashing the Power of Data for Continuous Innovation

In the final leg of his captivating session, Zaman shared insights into the company’s commitment to continuous innovation and the vital role of data liberation in shaping the future of industries.

AVEVA understands the value of continuity. Zaman highlighted their pledge to ensure that existing investments in AVEVA technologies are not just retained but expanded upon. He noted, “We want to ensure that you get the maximum benefit from our solutions.”

To achieve this, AVEVA focuses on liberating data by creating a neutral platform—a data hub that brings together engineering data, operational data, real-time information, and a myriad of applications. This hub becomes a fertile ground for the development of custom applications tailored to specific industry needs.

Zaman emphasized that the true value lies in empowering customers to build their own applications on this data-rich platform. This approach ensures that AVEVA’s technology remains relevant, adaptable, and valuable. “It makes our technology that much more valuable to you and allows us to make even more investments to make things even better,” he explained.

 Expanding Horizons: AVEVA’s Global Reach

AVEVA’s footprint extends across the globe, with its solutions trusted by over 20,000 customers. Remarkably, two-thirds of these customers reside outside the Asia-Pacific region, underlining the immense potential for AVEVA in this vibrant part of the world.

Zaman painted a vivid picture of this potential by drawing parallels with the colossal GDPs of countries like the United States, India, and China. He noted that as more countries industrialize and companies expand, AVEVA is primed to play a pivotal role in this transformative journey.

While showcasing global brand names like Kelloggs, Heineken, and Nestlé, Zaman expressed his sincere hope to add Indian logos to the mix, signaling AVEVA’s growing presence and influence in the thriving industrial landscape of India. He concluded, “AVEVA’s past was growth from the west; AVEVA’s future is in the east.”

AVEVA’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, preserving investments, and expanding its global reach positions it as a dynamic force that is shaping the future of industries. Zaman’s session serves as a testament to AVEVA’s dedication to enabling businesses to thrive, innovate, and prosper in the ever-evolving world of technology and data.