From Dirt to Digital: Transformation Grounded in Field Culture | ANDREA HINE, ENERGIZE, Episode 8

Summary

In the 'Energize the Tech Revolution' podcast, Andrea Hine, a product owner at Suncor, discusses her journey from mechanical engineer to tech leader, focusing on worker safety and efficiency. She shares insights on the evolution of technology in hazardous work areas, the development of the connected worker program, and the impact of digitalization on safety and productivity. Andrea emphasizes the importance of involving frontline workers in product development and the need for the industry to move from pilots to large-scale tech deployment.

Takeaways

• 👩‍💼 Andrea Hine, a product owner at Suncor, has over a decade of experience in improving worker safety and efficiency.
• 💡 Suncor has led digital projects in hazardous areas, streamlining critical processes and driving cultural change across operating sites.
• 🚀 Andrea's journey from a mechanical engineer to a product leader in the energy sector was driven by a desire to work in oil and gas and evolve with technological advancements.
• 🛠️ Technological maturity in the field was initially low, with large, expensive cameras being the primary tools, but has since evolved significantly.
• 📱 Suncor has equipped frontline workers with iPhones rated for hazardous locations, leading to a significant shift in how work is done and enhancing safety.
• 🔗 The connected worker program at Suncor was a response to the need for real-time connectivity and information, improving both safety and efficiency.
• 🔄 An iterative approach was key to product development, with frontline workers heavily involved to ensure the technology met their needs.
• 📶 Suncor invested heavily in connectivity, recognizing it as mission-critical for effective operation.
• 🤖 While AI is a growing focus, Suncor emphasizes the foundational steps of digitalization before leveraging AI for predictive modeling and decision-making.
• 📈 The success of Suncor's digital initiatives is evident in increased safety, efficiency, and productivity, with workers finding innovative uses for the technology.
• 🗣️ Andrea advises aspiring product leaders to focus on cultural understanding, active listening, and emotional intelligence, rather than just technical skills.

Q & A

What is Andrea Hine's role at Suncor?

Andrea Hine is a product owner at Suncor, leading digital projects in hazardous areas, streamlining critical processes, and driving cultural change across operating sites for thousands of frontline workers.

How did Andrea transition from mechanical engineering to product leadership in the energy sector?

Andrea started her career as a mechanical engineer, dabbled in the downstream oil and gas industry, and then moved to organizational behavior and change management. She worked in various field-based positions for a decade before moving to corporate, where she helped lead the connected worker program and field enablement program at Suncor.

What technological advancements has Andrea been involved in at Suncor?

Andrea has been involved in equipping frontline field workers with iPhones rated for hazardous locations, which has revolutionized the way work is done by providing real-time connectivity and improving safety.

How has Suncor addressed the issue of technological maturity in the field?

Suncor has addressed technological maturity by investing in devices rated for hazardous locations and creating a product that is the first rated iPhone for such areas, in collaboration with Otterbox.

What was the initial challenge Suncor faced when introducing technology to the field workers?

The initial challenge was that the technology introduced did not seamlessly integrate into the workers' toolkit and was seen more as a nuisance than a tool for enhancing safety and efficiency.

How did Andrea involve operation staff in the product development process?

Andrea involved operation staff by developing products 100% with the frontline workers, using an iterative process that prioritized their needs and feedback.

What is the importance of connectivity in the connected worker program at Suncor?

Connectivity is crucial for the connected worker program as it enables real-time information and communication, which is mission-critical for worker safety and operational efficiency. Suncor has invested in Wi-Fi and LTE at all operating sites to ensure robust connectivity.

How does Suncor leverage AI in its connected worker program?

Suncor leverages AI by overlaying it on top of a strong digital foundation, including connectivity, cloud-based applications, and data strategy. This allows for predictive modeling and better decision-making without the end-users necessarily noticing the AI at work.

What are some key successes and benefits Suncor has seen from the connected worker program?

Key successes include improved safety through real-time information, increased efficiency in operations, and cost savings due to better decision-making. Workers have also found innovative ways to use their devices for tasks that the development team did not initially consider.

What advice does Andrea have for someone aspiring to be a product leader in the energy sector?

Andrea advises focusing on understanding end-users, having a strong emotional quotient, being a good listener, and being curious. While technical knowledge is helpful, the ability to manage culture and engage workers is pivotal.

What is Andrea's perspective on attending conferences to learn about the connected worker space?

Andrea recommends attending conferences like the connected worker conference in Chicago, which brings together professionals from various industries to share insights and experiences.