Al and data to drive digital future of chemical industry

AVEVA's Al and data solutions boost efficiency, resilience, and sustainability in chemicals, from feedstock optimisation to predictive analytics, as Gulf firms adopt cloud and digital twin tech for smarter operations, Naveen Kumar tells OGN

- SREE BHAT

AS the digital revolution sweeps through the industrial world, the chemical sector inds itself balancing legacy infrastructure with emerging technologies that promise transformative efficiency and resilience.

At AVEVA World in San Francisco, Naveen Kumar, Vice President - Chemicals, Natural Resources and Manufacturing, AVEVA. shared his insights with OGN energy magazine on how the sector is evolving in response to these forces, and how the company's solutions are helping shape that future.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a buzzword but a catalyst for tangible change.

Kumar noted that as AI moves from hype to practical application, human-Al collaboration is key to drive real progress in industrial settings.

He emphasised that the journey toward full industrial AI integration will rely on patient advancement, human oversight, and trust in technology.

Kumar highlighted the growing importance of robust data infrastructure, which enables realss time collaboration across organisations.

Whether it's optimising feedstock sourcing or enabling traceability for EV batteries and pharmaceuticals, the ability to connect, analyse, and share data is becoming a cornerstone of industrial resilience.

He acknowledged that data quality remains a significant hurdle, one AVEVA tackles through advanced simulations and automated reconciliation technologies like production accounting.

These tools not only fill gaps and validate inputs but also enable predictive scenario planning, offering executives a clearer view of future emissions and operational outcomes.

The following are excerpts from the interview:

How are digital technologies reshaping the chemical industry, and what role does AVEVA play, especially within the Gulf region?