Digital-enabled Value Creation in the Chemical Industry

Augmenting What Already Works

Chemical plants are complex ecosystems where every gain counts. Proven methodologies—such as asset reliability strategies, lean maintenance, or structured performance management—remain essential. But when these are enhanced by digital enablers, the effect is exponential.

Advanced process control, predictive analytics, digital shopfloor management and mobile maintenance workflows all serve to increase efficiency and effectiveness. One European producer, for instance, reduced unplanned downtime by 22 percent within a year by pairing predictive tools with structured reliability programs—freeing up €4.7 million in capacity and cutting maintenance costs by 15 percent.

This is not “technology first”—it’s value first, technology enabled.

Choose Impact Over Hype

 In an environment flooded with options, being selective is not a constraint—it’s a strategy. The temptation to deploy broad digital programs often leads to fragmentation and fatigue. Technology can be seductive—but impact comes from applying the right solution to the right problem, not from chasing trends. True transformation stems from a clear line of sight between a business problem and a targeted intervention.

The key is to stay focused. Ask yourself: Where is performance stuck today? What could we unlock with better visibility, faster decision-making, or smarter maintenance? Digital tools should always serve these answers—not distract from them.

Learnings from Digital Transformations

Decades of experience in operational change have shown that speed, learning, and pragmatism matter more than perfection. The following principles help keep digital efforts grounded in performance:

• Business-centric digital solutions: follow principle of business-pull – not “technology push”
• Clear path from pilot to scale: start fast, learn quickly, scale proven solutions and… stay selective
• Integrated transformation approach: leverage process know-how from your people – ensure adoption and best solution
• Solid business case and benefit tracking: push for clear business case and follow/demonstrate effect
• Change Management & leadership engagement: invest in credible change story & take organization along 

These principles are simple—but applying them with discipline often makes the difference between a successful transformation and another stalled pilot.

A Shift in How We Think About Digital

Digital value generation in chemicals is not only about futureproofing through technology. It’s about present-proofing performance. It asks leaders to see digital not as a separate journey but as a lever to drive real gains in safety, efficiency, and reliability.
 It also requires focus: prioritizing what works over what’s fashionable and blending digital tools with the operational knowledge already on the shop floor.

In the end, it’s not about technology adoption—it’s about performance evolution, owned by those who deliver it daily.