EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
As technology continues to rapidly evolve and sustainability regulations become more stringent , the role of the CIO as it relates to delivering sustainability is increasingly in focus . In the process industries , which comprise carbonheavy sectors such as cement , mining and metals , automation , electrification and digital applications are helping to make operations more sustainable . By leveraging advanced digital solutions , CIOs can enhance sustainability reporting with accurate process information and create an IT-OT environment that enables actionable insights that help companies reduce their environmental impact and improve efficiency .
One of the most effective strategies to achieve this is the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies , such as AI , digitalisation and IoT solutions . These technologies enable real-time data collection and monitoring of environmental metrics , such as energy consumption , emissions and resource efficiency , which are essential to building a clear picture of the environmental footprint of operations . This data allows the company to understand its environmental impact , report on it , and then identify areas for operational efficiency improvements . For example , a company could use predictive maintenance technologies to not only extend the life of equipment but also contribute to energy conservation by ensuring machinery operates efficiently , reducing energy waste and improving operational productivity .
While moving in this digital journey to meet sustainability goals there will be required investment in not only technologies used to collect , optimise , predict and report , but also in the IT-OT infrastructure to ensure today ’ s cybersecurity needs are met .
As opposed to viewing these investments as costs to their business , leaders who are positioning their companies to make significant impacts towards sustainability must instead focus on developing compelling business cases based on value delivered to their business . Understanding that improved production efficiency , increased business agility , reduced product variability and superior customer service are all elements that not only enable a company to stand out among its competition but do so in a more profitable way while ensuring compliance with those regulatory requirements .
Ultimately , CIOs are key partners in driving sustainability within their organisations . They are IT technology experts , and they collaborate with both internal and external teams to identify technologies and digital solutions that reduce a company ’ s environmental footprint . Thanks to their role in the senior leadership team , they are often best placed to make the business case to invest in these solutions to deliver change and create greener enterprises . p
CIOs can enhance sustainability reporting with accurate process information and create an IT- OT environment that enables actionable insights .
SANJIT SHEWALE , VP AND GLOBAL HEAD OF DIGITAL
BUSINESS , PROCESS INDUSTRIES , ABB
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