Data Analytics: Creating An Analytics-Enabled Workforce

New self-service data analytics tools allow plants to create an analytics-enabled workforce that can readily address production issues and continuously improve processes The specialty chemicals sector of the chemical process industries (CPI) is highly complex, from both a production and a market standpoint. Smaller batches (with a finite quantity) coupled with an ever-changing variety of raw materials, operating conditions and processes can present huge challenges to production teams. Increasing operating costs and a competitive market amplify those challenges. To maintain a solid market position, companies need to find new ways to remain innovative, sustainable and competitive (Figure 1). Figure 1. Specialty chemical companies need to find data-analytics-driven ways to sustain their market position[/caption] One way to do so is by increasing financial flexibility to safeguard against commoditization. This can be done by getting as much out of existing production capacity as possible. In a market where growth is continuing, and rolling out new products is becoming more and more difficult, sustainability is crucial. The production teams that will undoubtedly have a leg up will be the ones embracing the emerging technologies that…