Data-driven operations: Turning information into action

While engineering projects are typically focused on the construction and delivery of physical assets, operations teams are concerned with the achievability, sustainability, and durability of those assets over time. As a result, the data that was critical during a project’s development phase may not be as relevant or sufficient for ongoing operations.

Recognizing this distinction allows us to better convert and repurpose project data to enhance asset performance. After all, assets are created to deliver operational outcomes that support business goals.

The value of operational data

To manage and operate assets effectively, teams must understand and utilize data related to:

• Process safety
• Risk and process performance
• Expected outcomes related to production, asset performance and costs

However, this information is often scattered across various systems and divisions of a project. The challenge lies in extracting, consolidating, and applying this data to support decision making in areas including:

• Operational enhancements
• Process and asset performance improvements
• Change management
• Capital investment planning
• Inventory and warehousing strategies

Decisions must be made about which data is essential for deriving key performance metrics and how to use that data to drive continuous improvement in process and asset performance.

Why operational readiness must start on day one

Operations teams must proactively request the data they need, ideally from the earliest stages of a project. This represents a significant shift from traditional project planning. Businesses must understand how project data will translate into operational value and ensure that data collection processes are designed accordingly. During the operational readiness process, in the lead up to the initial product launch (First Product), teams must collaborate across the business to determine and deliver data reporting and digital requirements to enhance decision-making.

Failing to do so can result in a massive, time-consuming effort to gather critical information after the fact and often with limited success.

Data strategies powered by human insight

There are many data models that, when embedded into operational systems, can guide decisions related to:

• Risk and safety management
• Process performance
• Troubleshooting and debottlenecking
• Parts selection and corrective maintenance
• Process tuning and optimization

But operations are not just about data or assets; they’re about people. People make decisions, and systems should support them in doing so. While machine learning and AI can significantly enhance decision making, it’s ultimately people who must be empowered by data-rich environments that enable faster, more informed choices.

Aligning projects, data, and people

The journey of data, systemization, and people must happen in parallel. By aligning project planning with operational needs and empowering teams with the right data at the right time, organizations can unlock better outcomes, smarter decisions, and more resilient operations.

When operations begin, your project will be evaluated on its ability to access and share the data necessary to make informed decisions to continually deliver what it promised. At Hatch, we see data as a vital link between the assets you build and how they perform over time. From commissioning, through operations readiness and maintenance, our experienced team partners with clients to develop and implement data access strategies that ensure projects deliver lasting success and sustainability. We’d welcome a conversation about how this approach can support your next project.

Listen to Episode 11 of our Digital Transformation Podcast series, Asset Priorities in Operations.