The New Automation Mindset: AI + Automation + Integration

Oxy's CIO on Cloud-Driven Efficiency

Nov 13, 2024

Yanni Charalambous, CIO of Occidental Petroleum, discusses the company's innovative approach to cloud technology and low-carbon initiatives. He highlights the integration of digital twins for enhanced efficiency and the challenges of cloud adoption in modern manufacturing. Yanni emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships and skill transformation to drive innovation. He shares insights on how software-defined factories can optimize operations and contribute to sustainability goals, setting a future roadmap for Occidental's digital transformation.

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ANECDOTE

Oxy's Three Divisions

Occidental Petroleum (Oxy) has three major divisions: oil and gas, chemicals, and low-carbon ventures.
The low-carbon ventures unit focuses on energy transition and carbon reduction.

INSIGHT

Digital Optimization in Carbon Capture

Oxy invested in carbon capture technology and building the first large-scale plant.
They aim to digitize and optimize plant operations for cost reduction and efficiency.

ADVICE

Finding Visionary Vendors and Engaging Teams

Find visionary vendors who align with your innovative vision and can contribute ideas.
Engage your team early on to ensure buy-in and facilitate skill transformation.

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In this episode, Markus Zirn and Yanni Charalambous explore the modern approach to factory automation through software-defined factories. Yanni shares insights on leveraging cloud technology, integrating digital twins for improved efficiency, and establishing their low-carbon ventures business unit. He highlights the challenges of cloud adoption, the significance of innovative technologies like carbon capture, and the vital role of strategic partnerships in driving innovation and modernization.

Timestamps

00:00 Episode Start

03:50 Yanni's work at Oxy

07:20 Innovative technologies and investments

09:55 Exploring software-defined plants and digital twins

16:30 Optimizing with a scale mindset

22:10 Cloud adoption journey at Oxy

28:20 Leveraging advanced technologies for future IT Innovations

32:25 Advice for successful cloud adoption

40:00 Economic impact of software-defined plant models

44:45 Future roadmap at Oxy

Episode Key Takeaways

Forge visionary partnerships: Collaborate with vendors and partners who align with and support your innovative vision. This alignment can streamline the adoption of new technologies and processes.
Pinpoint a transformational cloud project: Identify a high-impact project that can justify your move to the cloud. This project should enhance capabilities and agility, helping to build a solid business case for cloud adoption and drive organizational change.
Prioritize skill transformation: Focus on transforming your team’s skills to align with new technologies. Investing in their growth and development ensures faster, more efficient project execution and enhances their marketability.

Top Quote

“ Just the fact that you move to the cloud doesn't mean much to them unless you engage them from a data perspective. And show them how data now will unlock opportunities that otherwise are not there or they're extremely difficult to make happen.”

“I would advise anyone who hasn't yet embraced or engaged in this type of transformation to spend a lot of time engaging the people and making sure they understand the value proposition—what’s in it for them—in executing this. Along with finding that transformational project that inside the company that will really drive value and be visible as a value delivery.”