The Record - Issue 19: Winter 2020

115 MANU FAC TUR I NG & R E SOUR C E S performance of their assets, as well as deliver- ing powerful savings throughout the business. Truly understanding the impact of this technol- ogy has historically been challenging, particu- larly for industrial organisations that produce massive volumes of data. Consequently, organi- sations need to increasingly ensure that the right data is coming from a single source and is being delivered to the people who need it. They can achieve this by implementing a unified operation centre so everyone is looking at the same infor- mation and can collaborate around common issues. This will enable businesses to use data insights to reduce operational costs and expense. The pace of change should be seen as an exciting step forward, rather than a daunting, mammoth task that comes with a significant financial burden. With data continuing to be perceived as a valued commodity, it will evolve the relationship between the customer and technology providers by offering new insights and greater efficiencies. As business uncertainty continues, the need for industrial organisations to have greater owner- ship over their own data is critical. It will mean that technology providers can enable industrial companies to drive even faster digital accel- eration. However, if we think that the pace of change has been quick in 2020, it will be nothing compared to what the next few years will hold. We are moving towards a new era where all industrial organisations will question how and why they have put up with inefficient processes and ways of working for so long and, in doing so, will embrace technology to build a better, more efficient and sustainable future. Craig Hayman is CEO of AVEVA