How AI and Data Science are Elevating Operational Excellence

With the oil and gas sector undergoing a transformative shift, maintaining operational integrity and efficiency, and preparing for the impact of data and Artificial Intelligence (AI), is crucial for leaders and organizations seeking long-term success.  
 
“We are now moving into a next phase of data science characterized by artificial intelligence applications”, mused Joshua Holtz, Data Science Manager at Dow, in a recent interview with the editor at Oil & Gas IQ. The American multinational corporation headquartered in Midland, Michigan, recently set the record for the most Edison Awards ever received by an organization in a single year for their innovations. Read as Joshua shares his expert opinion on the evolution of data science and advice for organizations looking to transition to a more data-centric approach. 
 
Additionally, Joshua will be speaking on ‘Artificial Intelligence: Balancing Innovation and Risk’ at our upcoming 15th Annual Operational Excellence Oil & Gas Summit in Houston. Join him from November 5-8 to learn more about the impact of data science on operations in the industry, along with the key applications for AI including time series, forecasting, computer vision, and GenAI. 
 
Maryam Irfan, Oil & Gas IQ: To start, can you explain your role and Dow’s approach to Data Science and how it impacts operations at Dow? 
 
Joshua Holtz: I work in a group at Dow that focuses on accelerating the adoption of technology within the company, specifically in operations. I have a bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering and I am currently pursuing a master's in Computer Science. I started out at the company in operations, doing frontline operations work and supporting the operators. We call it the "Run Plant" role because you run the plant. 
 
In my current role, I aim to accelerate the adoption of technology, particularly AI, in those operational settings similar to the roles I held previously. 
 
Maryam Irfan, Oil & Gas IQ: What emerging AI technologies do you see as having the most potential impact in your field and do you have any plans to leverage those technologies? 
 
Joshua Holtz: Let me share some interesting AI use cases that you might find intriguing...  
 
In 2024, twelve Dow innovations were recognized with awards - three gold, five silver, and four bronze - including one in Digital Transformation and Data Governance for our Predictive Intelligence (PI) efforts. 
 
In our Polyurethane (PU) business, we earned a Gold Edison Award for an AI-driven initiative that uses data analytics and machine learning. This project revolutionizes the polyurethane formulation process and accelerates the time to market for our solutions. 
 
Another noteworthy project is titled "Paint Vision." Recognized externally in 2023 with an Artificial Intelligence award, this initiative identifies and predicts corrosion failures in metal coatings using computer vision and is part of our Coatings and Manufacturing business.

READ: Case Study: How to Successfully Communicate the Value of Cutting-Edge AI Across the Enterprise

The third project I find quite interesting is the "Smart Search", recognized by CIO.com in May 2023 for its revolutionary capabilities to accelerate molecule formulation and discovery. We collaborated with the Chemical Abstracts Service to create Smart Search, an AI-driven tool that reduces the time needed to discover new materials, making this partnership highly successful.

Maryam Irfan, Oil & Gas IQ: How do you foresee the impact data science will have on evolving operations in the industry over the next few years? 
 
Joshua Holtz: When I think about data science, what initially comes to mind is Predictive Intelligence, which was the primary focus until about a year and a half ago. In the predictive intelligence phase, data science focuses on time series forecasting and establishing causal relationships among various parameters and independent variables. This approach has been the traditional realm of data science for decades. 
 
However, we are now moving into a next phase of data science characterized by artificial intelligence applications, such as the Paint Vision project. It still involves analyzing causal relationships, but now incorporates different modalities of data. Instead of just time series data like temperature and pressure, we are now introducing video and image data into the mix. Additionally, everyone is now familiar with OpenAI and the advancements in large language models. These Generative AI capabilities represent the future not only for our industry but for the industry as a whole. 
 
Maryam Irfan, Oil & Gas IQ: Do you have one piece of advice for a reader who is looking to transform their organisation into a more data-centric organisation? 
 
Joshua Holtz: I think it can be overwhelming how much information is out there. When I started transitioning from traditional chemical engineering to a more data science-oriented role, I felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, and I'm sure I'm not alone in that. If you're moving from traditional roles in chemical manufacturing, petrochemicals, or general manufacturing to technology, it's like jumping onto a speeding train. 
 
The most important thing is that you have to take what you have and begin developing, taking it one step at a time. Trying to learn everything all at once can be daunting. Imagine there are 100,000 data science practitioners in the world (likely more), and as one person, trying to absorb all their work simultaneously is overwhelming and counterproductive. 
 
The key is to resist the urge to succumb to FOMO (fear of missing out) and trust in your ability to take that first step. By doing so, you’re also contributing to the ecosystem rather than just absorbing information from it. Trust your abilities and your organization's capabilities to start developing groundbreaking technology, because from my perspective, that's the key.

READ: 5 Ways Artificial Intelligence (AI) Is Reshaping the Energy Sector

Maryam Irfan, Oil & Gas IQ: What are you most looking forward to at this year’s OPEX Oil & Summit? 
 
Joshua Holtz: I love attending these events where so many brilliant people are working on fascinating projects. Hearing about their work often sparks my imagination and generates new ideas and projects. Additionally, networking and meeting these innovative individuals is refreshing, as it can be challenging to find people within the industry who are working on similar projects given the specialized skill set required. 
 
It's enjoyable to get to know other practitioners and leaders in the industry, and to hear about the difficulties, projects, and opportunities they are tackling. 

Learn more about the impact of data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) at our upcoming event:

15th Annual Operational Excellence in Oil & Gas Summit 
Houston, November 5-8, 2024