Driving Procurement Efficiencies for Oil & Gas - with Faraz Shahid of Cheniere Energy
Jan 14, 2025
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Faraz Shahid, Supply Chain Center of Excellence Lead at Cheniere Energy, shares insights on leveraging technology in the oil and gas industry. He discusses how automation and predictive AI are streamlining procurement processes amidst workforce shortages and data complexities. Shahid highlights the role of AI in enhancing transactional efficiency and managing supplier partnerships while emphasizing sustainability and accountability in supply chains. He also addresses the challenges of integrating legacy data and securing funding for innovation, paving the way for a resilient future.
Workforce shortages in the LNG sector are driving the need for AI solutions to enhance procurement efficiency and address labor challenges.
The future of LNG procurement emphasizes sustainability and supply chain resilience, requiring a balance between ethical sourcing and energy security.
Deep dives
Challenges in the LNG Sector
The LNG industry faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of workforce shortages and data management. Many skilled laborers, such as welders and engineers, have exited the industry due to retirements or have transitioned to sectors with more job opportunities, complicating access to specialized labor. This labor shortage coincides with a surge in LNG projects requiring these skills, exacerbating supply chain pressures. Consequently, the industry must enhance transactional efficiency through technology, particularly AI, to navigate these hurdles without sacrificing strategic decision-making.
Leveraging AI for Operational Efficiency
AI is increasingly seen as a solution for enhancing operational efficiency within the LNG sector. The adoption of predictive and generative AI technologies can help organizations manage unstructured data and streamline processes across sourcing, inventory management, and contract management. For instance, advancements in AI-driven predictive modeling can optimize inventory forecasting and enhance supplier relationships by facilitating more accurate demand predictions. Although the technology is still maturing, these tools present opportunities for industries to transition towards greater automation and efficiency.
Future of Procurement and Sustainability
The future of procurement in the LNG sector will hinge on an improved customer experience and a shift towards sustainable practices. Companies are increasingly recognizing the intrinsic value of supply chain resilience and sustainability, focusing on risk management and ethical sourcing along with cost considerations. As industry players move toward ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) compliance, they must balance environmental impacts with energy security, especially in light of increasing demand for cleaner energy sources. By prioritizing supplier diversity and local content, the industry can enhance overall sustainability while fostering innovation and community engagement.
Today’s guest is Faraz Shahid, Supply Chain Center of Excellence Lead at Cheniere Energy. Cheniere Energy is an American liquefied natural gas company headquartered in Houston, Texas. From automation to predictive AI, Faraz shares his perspective on how technology is reshaping procurement processes to drive efficiency and address industry challenges. Throughout the episode, Faraz highlights the unique hurdles faced by the LNG sector, including workforce shortages, data management complexities, and supply chain resilience. He explores the role of AI in transactional efficiency, predictive inventory management, and supplier partnerships, offering insights into how these technologies can optimize operations without replacing strategic decision-making. This episode is sponsored by Arkestro. Learn how brands work with Emerj and other Emerj Media options at emerj.com/ad1.
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