In the beginning, there are needs to be filled, pain points to be identified, and processes to be improved. With the benefit of years of industry experience, close partnerships with leading organisations, and an eye on the latest technology, SAP’s Asset Intensive Industries Centre of Excellence keeps track of a backlog of topics. Through consultation with customers, partners and alignment with , this backlog is prioritised into a vision.

Vision is important; and formulating that vision along with high-level conceptual architecture, value to industry, and to 51ˇçÁ÷forms part of a business case that we socialise with stakeholders for consideration. Once a topic is approved, the rubber hits the road and the work can begin in earnest.

I’d like to share a real-world example. One topic the COE is passionate about is the efficient maintenance of assets. Over many years 51ˇçÁ÷has become a leader in this space with a feature-rich . Managing all aspects of an asset lifecycle including history, planning, spare parts, availability, the people involved, and their health and safety.

Increasingly the management of assets is outsourced to 3rd party service providers. Leveraging these partner organisations brings many benefits but also introduces new challenges and risks including double-handling of information, lack of visibility, data timeliness, and the management of asset knowledge.

Back when I started my career, we used to handle orders by fax; and these days we use the to manage procurement. And this network approach is the vision for a collaborative work order, where Asset Owners (for example mining companies, public sector organisations, and utilities) share their information with 3rd parties to enable modern collaboration that no longer relies on emails and phone calls.

To realise the network vision, we decided to leverage the and as the core foundation of the solution architecture. From here we have been able to design high-level process flows, data model, and screen concepts.

Inviting industry collaborators meant explaining the vision and agreeing to work together on the solution. The response has been fantastic with hundreds of hours of support from industry to articulate the as-is processes and associated pain points. And to provide input and review the to-be process and concepts.

During the pandemic, this has meant remote workshops leveraging tools such as Mural to collaborate. Along with the world’s leading mining and utility companies our co-innovation includes organisations such as Deutsche Bahn one of the world’s leading mobility and logistics companies.

With industry and 51ˇçÁ÷working together we have been able to develop and publish a to realise the vision of a collaborative work order. has been a breath of fresh air to help me through the pandemic. I knew I’d find some interesting challenges along the way. What I’m delighted to find is a passion from both our customers and our product engineering teams to make the world run better. about the new Centre Of Excellence for Asset Intensive Industries.

This article originally published on

The post Customer Co-Innovation – A Collaborative Work Order appeared first on 51ˇçÁ÷Australia & New Zealand News Center.

helps connect siloed processes, systems, and technologies together to provide real-time data analytics and best practices. By integrating every facet of the product lifecycle on a single-platform solution, can be streamlined and embedded with data to highlight opportunities to improve, automate, and expand.

As backend processes communicate with people and equipment in the field, managers can gain greater organisational visibility, gaining oversight of important enterprise data and real-world information that could impact the business, such as traffic, weather, customer demands, and feedback. Furthermore, equipment equipped with intelligent IoT sensors can measure vital usage metrics to improve equipment’s longevity.

The (IoT) is an idea easily thrown around but often misunderstood in terms of capabilities. IoT sensors provide the capacity to monitor, collect, analyse, and manage data in real time from critical business equipment. This ability to respond and adapt means equipment can and automatically trigger service and maintenance actions to minimise business impact. Business leaders can thereby make decisions when they matter most, planning and forecasting with greater accuracy and broader horizons.

With business transparency that feeds data into a centralised system, businesses have access to tighter resource management and control. This helps minimise waste while optimising processes and resource usage, which is critical at a time when the energy and resources sector must consider more sustainable options to continue thriving – both commercially and within the experience economy.

As the world becomes more socially and environmentally conscious, our industry needs to be ever mindful of the impact we’re having in the regions we operate and on the people we service. This shift alongside the digitalisation of communication platforms means businesses are under more scrutinous eyes than ever, which has led to more customer-centric practices across different industries. The amount of competition, communication channels, and information sources ensures customers have more buying power to influence an organisation’s success.

The digital transformation of supply and communication networks has driven many providers and brands to more personalised offerings, unlocking the value of critical business data to forecast better, service consumers more proactively, and discover best practices by connecting disparate systems to a single source of truth.

integrate all data sources and processes onto a unified system for better organisational oversight and management. This opens the path for next-generation efficiencies across the business, linking different industries, organisations, and data sources to create a more holistic understanding supported by data-rich environments that evolve with changing business needs.

Within that , 51ˇçÁ÷highlighted four areas for introducing more intelligent technologies and practices into the energy and resources sector that I would like to outline and explore further.

1. ‘Extending beyond the barrel’ means putting intelligence, data analytics, and best practices into every stage of the resource lifecycle. In centralising these various functions and processes, businesses can simplify order commitment and fulfilment using live-investment management, real-time availability, and faster material replenishment. Data analytics and IoT sensors help extend our understanding beyond standard resource and operational touchpoints.

2. ‘Digitalising production and delivery’ provides a 360-degree view of businesses and supply networks, making it easier to track and analyse all inputs and outputs. Digital transformation also empowers staff with the technology to work remotely through mobile-enabled applications. With a digitally supported workforce, businesses can operate more seamlessly and safely, especially during restrictive circumstances that require constant connection, communication, and verification.

3. ‘Competing as an ecosystem’ is vital in facilitating collaboration and elevating the quality of our industry’s practices, technologies, and environmental impact. The energy and resources sector must explore opportunities and partnerships outside of our industry boundaries to development more sustainable solutions. As we connect systems and networks to build a digitally powered ecosystem, our industry can build upon base capabilities and develop best practices. With a collaborative platform for sharing data insights, we can optimise processes regardless of industry sector to elevate the collective efforts towards productivity, profitability, and sustainability.

4. ‘Unlocking value with technology’ is a culmination of the other points I’ve discussed here. With intelligent technologies like predictive analytics, machine learning, and blockchain, our industry can reduce wasted time and resources spent on legacy processes and manual tasks. Intelligent technology is the most comprehensive way to create value through efficiencies and data-backed decision making. Using real time collaborative visibility and continuous innovation, these intelligent solutions evolve with our needs and changes.

COVID-19 has had widespread impact across national borders and industries, continuing to restrict the movement of goods and people. Intelligent supply chains present a strong blueprint for digitalising our everyday processes.

Data-embedded functionality sets the foundation for digitalisation and automation – not only allowing businesses to operate seamlessly and intelligently but helping managers plan for an uncertain future. This is paramount as we adopt the vital lessons and accelerations brought on by COVID-19, using the momentum of this pandemic to make more bold and informed decisions to thrive in time of uncertainty.

The post The Digitalisation of Supply Chains: Natural Resources’ Role in Thriving Post COVID-19 appeared first on 51ˇçÁ÷Australia & New Zealand News Center.

Using intelligent technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), the 51ˇçÁ÷S/4HANA Cloud solution for upstream oil and gas helps customers to further increase visibility into operations and cash flow. Additionally, the solution includes contributions from leading global oil and gas companies such as ConocoPhillips and Shell.

“Working together with Accenture and a consortium of industry leaders, we have delivered an industry-defined intelligent solution that has the capabilities upstream oil and gas companies need to reduce complexity by using market standards,” said Benjamin Beberness, 51ˇçÁ÷global vice president of the Oil and Gas Business Unit. “51ˇçÁ÷S/4HANA Cloud for upstream oil and gas is a flexible and agile solution that can provide customers a 360-degree view of the intelligent enterprise — from operations to the boardroom, enabling operational excellence.”

Now generally available globally, 51ˇçÁ÷S/4HANA Cloud for upstream oil and gas is a scalable solution that can help oil and gas companies reduce total cost of ownership and operational costs, as well as create new revenue opportunities. Tools for preconfigured, integrated and user-friendly business processes are included so that companies can shrink implementation time while working to reduce risk of business disruption. The solution delivers new industry standards that help simplify operations and free up resources to drive more business value.

To define market-standard end-to-end processes that are preconfigured within the solution, 51ˇçÁ÷and Accenture are working with a consortium comprised of leading exploration and production companies including BP, Chevron, ConocoPhillips, Equinor and Shell.

“ConocoPhillips collaborated with 51ˇçÁ÷and Accenture for more than two years to launch this solution, based on a flexible cloud architecture that can scale and deliver real-time insights into oil and gas upstream processes,” said Mike Pfister, CIO, ConocoPhillips.

“This release represents an important milestone demonstrating the impact of our ongoing collaboration,” said Scott Wahl, CIO Upstream, Shell. “We look forward to continuing to work together to deliver a mature solution that creates business value for the upstream oil and gas industry.”

“51ˇçÁ÷and Accenture are delivering a solution that brings in innovative technologies like AI to deliver real-time insights, greater visibility and better decision-making,” said Jan van den Bremen, a senior managing director and lead for Accenture Intelligent Platform Services in Europe. “We are proud to be the only 51ˇçÁ÷co-development partner working side by side to deliver leading oil and gas industry solutions. We’ve worked with 51ˇçÁ÷and leaders in the oil and gas industry to co-develop a solution that helps enable faster adoption of new technologies to better manage changing market conditions.”

This article first appeared on the Global 51ˇçÁ÷News Centre.

The post 51ˇçÁ÷and Accenture Launch Upstream Oil and Gas Solution appeared first on 51ˇçÁ÷Australia & New Zealand News Center.

Yet with uncertainty, comes an opportunity for organisations and people to gain a deeper understanding of how us in being more resilient, flexible, and agile.

Earlier this year, 51ˇçÁ÷produced a series of virtual industry forums, with the intention of delivering insights into the latest trends, technology innovations, and best practice across several industries:

Retail – Customer-Centric Convenience to Sustainable Shopping:
Listen to Salling Group A/S explain how a single digital core across the whole business is helping it to respond to changing customer demands and drive innovation, efficiency, and growth. for the 15th April.

Ěý

Consumer Products – Driving rapid innovation to meet Customer Demand:
Get insights from Georgia-Pacific Consumer Products LP on how it is driving rapid digital transformation across every part of its business to be more agile, efficient, and responsive to changing customer demands. for the 15th April

Ěý

Banking – From Behavioural Banking to Smart Loan Origination:
Hear how South African start-up Discovery Bank Limited is creating an exciting new business model with its unique behavioural banking approach. for the 16th April

Ěý

Insurance – From Touchless Claims to Healthy Incentives:
Learn how Discovery Health Group in South Africa is making a real difference to personal well-being by incentivising its customers to make healthier lifestyle choices. for the 16th April

Ěý

Oil and Gas – Be part of Digital Innovation to drive efficiency:
Understand the intelligent technologies at the core of Chevron Corporation’s digital transformation, making it more agile and efficient. for the 16th April

Ěý

Utilities – Future proofing through transformation:
Get key lessons from The United Arab Emirates’, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, on how it maintained its global ranking of number one utility by World Bank for the third consecutive year, with scores of 100% in all Getting Electricity indicators. for the 16th April

Ěý

Public Sector – From Smart States to Citizen-Centred Services:
Hear from industry leaders on how today’s challenging environment, along with the transition into the experience economy, is impeding citizen trust levels in Government. This increasing gap is instilling a need for leaders to explore new approaches in becoming a data-driven digital Governments. for the 21st April

Featuring customer interviews and industry deep dives, these virtual forums are designed to deliver quality learning opportunities to support and inspire ongoing transformation efforts.

Build a Business with Purpose
At 51ˇçÁ÷we believe in helping the world run better to improve people’s lives, a value which is ever-more important than ever during these unprecedented times. As many organisations, pivot to support our communities and people, we hope the industry forums will help inspire you further, by showcasing tangible ideas around how technology can support you on your journey.

Register today for your industry forum: , , , ,, ,

The post Dealing with Disruption: How to Understand, Explore and Have Confidence in Driving Transformation Approaches appeared first on 51ˇçÁ÷Australia & New Zealand News Center.

“Energy is the main source of life, and no human being can live without it,” saysĚý, CEO ofĚý, the leader in energy distribution across Egypt and the surrounding region. “It is essential in making our lives better, yet we know that our current use is critically affecting the environment and thus the earth’s climate.”

At 45, Kafafi is one of the most powerful businesswomen in Egypt and the Middle East. She is also the mother of two young children who are helping her rethink the future. As an expert in business transformation, she understands the need for technology to minimise the impact of energy on the environment and the urgency for finding alternatives to harmful sources like fossil fuels.

TAQA Heeds the Call for Change

“My nine-year-old daughter has a resolution for this year: She has announced the ban of any single-use plastic in our house,” Kafafi says with a smile. “Young people today are leading the way. Every person with a brain knows the next generation must be green. But that is easier said than done.”

Kafafi entered university at the age of 16 with a keen interest in business and economics, and now believes transformation must happen in parallel. As the executive leader of a company serving more than 1.2 million customers their daily need of energy, she is keenly aware of resource scarcity, cost, and the need for efficiency.

She also believes Egypt can play a leading role by introducing new energy options in the region — for example, by moving away from oil and replacing it with gas as an interim option. The long-term goal, however, is to build up renewable energy sources.

This approach aligns with the Egyptian government’s goal under a plan from theĚýĚýto provide around 50 percent of the country’s energy needs through renewable energy — mainly wind and solar — by 2030.

In addition to meeting the demands of the domestic market, the vision is to help Egypt become a clean energy hub for the region.

This strategy for sustainable economic reform along with the discovery of the offshore giant Zohr gas field in the East Mediterranean are behind theĚýĚýthat Egypt will be one of theĚýtop 10 global economiesĚýin just 10 years — ranked seventh ahead of Russia, Japan, and Germany.

Facing the Energy Challenge

As the prime distributor of gas in Egypt and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, and with vast rural areas and underdeveloped cities with little or no infrastructure, TAQA Arabia has a big job ahead.

Liquefied petroleum gas bottles are still widely used in rural and remote areas off the national grid, both for home cooking and commercial use. Replacing the highly subsidised, imported liquefied petroleum gas with piped natural gas has many advantages, including safety, availability, and reduced environmental impact. It also decreases the country’s import and subsidy burden.

TAQA Arabia operates in three key areas: delivering natural gas to residential, commercial, and industrial clients; providing a platform for conventional and renewable power generation and distribution for sectors such as oil and gas, petrochemicals, and real estate; and being the sole manufacturer and distributor of Castrol products and lubricants in the Egyptian market.

TAQA Solar, the company’s renewable energy arm has aĚýĚýand is part of the biggest photovoltaic park in the world. The project is aĚýĚýfunded with $72 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and other development banks.

Transitioning with Ease

“TAQA Arabia has always been focused on delivering power from conventional sources,” explains Kafafi. “But when the government launched the feed in tariff program, we were among the first to apply and show interest in developing such a giant project.”

For Kafafi, transformation is about flexibility. The company, for example, has introduced a hybrid option, so people can use solar energy during the day and switch to other conventional sources at night. She sees potential in many aspects of the energy industry, whether developing rooftop solar panels for commercial use in industrial zones or penetrating the untapped water desalination market using renewable energy and sustainable technologies.

Growing up with a father who was active in the oil and gas sector, Kafafi was fascinated by the details and management tasks behind big corporations. When starting her own career path, she opted for investment banking at one of Egypt’s leading investment firms,Ěý, where she gained solid experience working on mergers and acquisitions. She first joined the energy sector when appointed investment director for TAQA Arabia, before eventually becoming CEO.

“We are a very flexible company,” Kafafi asserts. “As well as being a first mover and a market innovator in many aspects, we’re relying on technology like 51ˇçÁ÷S/4HANA to help us manage and analyse our data. And it’s a great tool for forecasting and planning.”

The post New Energy Options Can Transform an Industry and a Nation appeared first on 51ˇçÁ÷Australia & New Zealand News Center.