Business Transformation
CPChem has a rich history rooted in performance, earned by embracing transformation in evolving global markets. Now a companywide initiative, Business Transformation enhances our organizational capability through improvements and innovations that benefit our processes and people.
Performance by Design
As reflected in the company's tagline, Performance by Design. Caring by Choice. TM, our Performance by Design (PBD) program is about designing better ways to do business. At the core of PBD lies a strategy of creative problem-solving and a mindset of collaborative inspiration. Employee experience and knowledge produce ideas that drive value and identify areas for improvement within our existing systems and processes.
A staggering $1.8 billion in value has been generated through PBD, which is also a testament to the profound impact of our impressive workforce.
SDG #9, Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Business Transformation Pillars
Performance by Design – By the Numbers
initiatives completed between 2020-2023
>1,500
Keystone Award recipients (employee recognition)
>350
employee suggestions and nearly 400 PBD initiatives completed in 2023
1,000+
in total value captured
>$1.8billion
SEE Office – Two Years On
Formed in January 2022, the Strategic Execution and Enablement (SEE) Office helps CPChem projects and project teams hone skillsets, evaluate capacities, set priorities and avoid pitfalls to optimize the value of these projects from start to finish.
The SEE Office team used last year to fine-tune its Change Management training, build out new lessons and expand competencies at all levels of the organization. In 2023, the SEE Office advised employees on best practices in both change management and project management, as well as shared a systematic prioritization approach that mitigates complications from competing timelines and resources.
“I am excited to see the organization embracing a culture of change. In our first couple of years, we focused on minimizing initiative overload, increasing project transparency and collaboration, as well as building project management and change management competencies. We are continuing our focus in those areas and now we are helping to develop strong business cases and prioritize initiatives. Ultimately, we aim to help the organization to effectively execute projects to realize the true business value of our initiatives.”
Data-driven Performance
Powering Analytics
Analytics platforms are used by CPChem engineers and digital champions across the company to extract valuable insights from data collected during operations and manufacturing. CPChem uses several digital applications to accelerate data-based decisions and the company has incorporated data analytics and visualization tools into its workstreams at many sites. These applications provide valuable resources that support our digital transformation, and they are exceptional tools that help improve how we solve problems.
Real World. Artificial Intelligence.
Like many organizations, CPChem cautiously followed the rise of Generative AI in 2023. We formed a cross-functional task force with team members from Legal, HR, Public Affairs, SEE Office, Digital Workplace, Data & Analytics, IT Security and Compliance to examine and assess potential risks and benefits of this technology. As a result, CPChem adopted a corporate policy for the use of AI and formed a Generative AI Center of Excellence to bring representatives from across the enterprise to identify and pursue high-value opportunities. We also work with vendors specializing in developing technologies to monitor changes brought by the explosive influence of Generative AI.
Selective Catalytic Reduction Monitoring
CPChem implemented a machine-learning tool to monitor the Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) Beds in its ethylene furnace in 2023. This tool is used to assess the health of SCR Beds and schedule maintenance, and to provide additional visibility into NOx emissions and environmental permit targets. Adding this capability allows us to optimize operations and better care for the environment and local communities.
Working Smarter with Digitization
SWIFT Finds Success in Borger, Texas
In 2023, employees at our Borger facility piloted the Safe Work Interactive Field Technology (SWIFT) e-permitting application for use in critical job tasks. As SWIFT was used onsite for routine work permits, Borger teams were able to call on their experience and successfully implement more streamlined processes offered by SWIFT for more complex activities. Because of the pilot’s success, this site can more quickly complete permitting assignments through an electronic system that increases efficiency and allows teams to direct their entire focus to the job at hand.
Digital Workplace
Other Digital Workplace projects and products have improved work processes and efficiencies, reduced our paper footprint, increased productivity and enhanced our user experiences across the organization. Some of these improvements include implementing electronic signatures, contractor time and rate management applications, an employee portal for HR-related information, invoice capture automation, cloud computing, electronic forms, citizen-developed applications, and modernization of desktop and communication, just to name a few.
