We are fortunate to have a double bill of presenters on 6 Sep.

The first talk is from Owen Salvage who has driven a new approach to project led data analytics within ABB engineering. The second talk is from Sean Blencowe who will provide insights on how to stretch the art of the possible from current systems.

Please also sign up here: https://skillsmatter.com/meetups/11271-project-data-and-analytics

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Pushing the bounds of data analytics within a major international engineering company

Owen Salvage will talk about ABB’s approach to establishing a global co-ordinated Project Delivery function within the IS-Delivery arm of this 140,000 strong Engineering Organisation. The growing role of analytics and building the organisational ability to exploit the potential has moved data led development into the centre stage. What data do we need, how is it used, what use cases do we aspire to? This implies knowledge and a vision for the future. A future which appears out of reach by relying on established process thinking. Insights often come in response to situational drivers using the data we have to hand. Owen will discuss how a responsive infrastructure for a data led approach to understanding the challenges can be built looking at the leadership, first level operations. He will close on a discussion of the sustainable, predictive analytics capability he is building now the quality of information has reached an appropriate level of maturity.

Bio

With over 30 years experience, Owen has worked in project and operational roles within engineering and Information Services (IS): locally, internationally and globally across many sectors including chemicals, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, consulting and power generation. Many insights have come from dealing with a wide range of challenges and looking at numerous problems from different angles and reflecting on lessons, every step of the way.

Owen is currently with ABB performing global roles, for many years in the ERP arena, leading to a series of assignments building new capabilities within ABB’s IS group. Recently the assignment has been the design, build and implementation of a global IS Project delivery organisation. And now, Owen has established a new group, working with Data across the IS organisation, to set the stage for data led development of the IS landscape including projects. His 'personal quest' for solutions has been pivotal in the use of low cost innovations to support large scale initiatives, characterise performance as well as developing predictive tools to understand how teams (project or organisational) function within a situational context.

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Stretching the art of the possible, avoid the risks of wholesale transformation: Sean Blencowe, CEO, Green Light Change

There is a general march towards project and portfolio data lakes but a significant number of projects still operate in the world of spreadsheets and corporate systems. Moving away from spreadsheets typically requires transformational change that all too often sacrifice engagement, value and flexibility. Sean will highlight some of the practical data challenges at the coalface of project delivery. He will explore what can be done to extract additional value from current approaches and why this brings significant merit. How far can we stretch the art of the possible while avoiding the risks of big-bang transformation?

Bio

Leading the development and deployment of innovative technology into healthcare, finance, retail and construction sectors for over 20 years. Serial entrepreneur, co-founded 2 successful business, now on the third. Broad international project and programme experience spanning big brands like Lloyds Banking Group, GE Healthcare and IKEA through to small SMEs. He is on a mission to help businesses really get data driven while embracing their uniqueness and retaining adaptability. AI and BI has wonderful promise, but like all of us humans, it too is impaired by poor data.