Chemical manufacturer realize the benefits of AI

So far, one of the main benefits of artificial intelligence in the field of chemicals is safer operation.

Success so far

In terms of reshaping the process, a chemical manufacturer is using a digital tool that combines advanced robotics and imaging technology to predict the performance of marine coatings. Another company plans to use drones to inspect its factories. Another approach is to use data science to identify successful leadership traits.

In terms of using artificial intelligence to rethink human-computer relationship, chemical manufacturers are relatively more advanced than other industries. This reflects the importance of worker safety in the chemical industry, as one of the main benefits of AI implementations so far has been safer operations – for example, reducing the need for manual maintenance access to inaccessible areas.

Focus areas

Three areas of focus will be key for chemical manufacturers to realize the full benefits of the re conceived process:

Customer: develop the potential of intelligent virtual agent for internal use and customer service desk use.

Asset: create a “smart plant” that uses cognitive learning to predict insight.

Workers: help employees work with machines to enhance their capabilities.

Challenges to overcome

The use of artificial intelligence in chemical enterprises will grow rapidly. But challenges must be overcome, including the separation of operational data (currently run by the plant).

Another obstacle is investment. Chemical enterprises will think from the perspective of “Big Bang” capital account. To fully embrace AI, they need a radical cultural shift to make it / OT organizations more flexible.

Opportunity of “lost middle zone”

Artificial intelligence can help solve another challenge – the aging of the labor force. First, it can help educate existing employees how to turn to new things. Secondly, artificial intelligence promotes knowledge acquisition by allowing experienced workers to teach intelligent machines.

In human + machine, the authors discuss the spectrum of human / machine alliance, which gives human and machine other opportunities to cooperate in the “missing middle”, in which everyone strengthens each other. This includes using machines to enhance humans with data-driven insight. Humans can also train artificial intelligence technologies, such as chat robots and robot process automation (RPA).

Four steps taken

How can chemical manufacturer prepare for the future brought about by the re envisioned process

Define what artificial intelligence, machine learning and reimagining processes really mean to the industry.

Through design thinking, explore the feasibility of re imagination process.

Consider labor and AI as complementary, not competitors.

Develop an integrated data source.

Chemical manufacturers have embarked on their journey of artificial intelligence, which is measured, not fast. But with the emergence of the process of re imagination, the pace of progress will accelerate.