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Plains Gp Holdings Engineering

To build and operate advanced midstream technology systems by becoming North America's most efficient and sustainable energy transportation network.

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To build and operate advanced midstream technology systems by becoming North America's most efficient and sustainable energy transportation network.

Strengths

  • INFRASTRUCTURE: Extensive pipeline network spanning 18,700 miles
  • CAPACITY: Handling capabilities of 7+ million barrels per day
  • TERMINALS: Strategic 38 terminal locations with 26M barrel capacity
  • PARTNERSHIPS: Joint ventures with major energy companies
  • SCALABILITY: Flexible operations enabling rapid response to demand

Weaknesses

  • TECHNOLOGY: Aging infrastructure requiring significant upgrades
  • AUTOMATION: Limited implementation of advanced control systems
  • INTEGRATION: Siloed systems across acquisition-built network
  • TALENT: Engineering skill gaps in emerging digital technologies
  • ANALYTICS: Underutilized operational data limiting optimization

Opportunities

  • DIGITIZATION: Enhanced monitoring systems for predictive maintenance
  • EFFICIENCY: Potential 15% throughput increase via automation
  • SUSTAINABILITY: Emissions reduction technologies meeting new regs
  • DIVERSIFICATION: Infrastructure adaptation for renewable fuels
  • OPTIMIZATION: AI-driven flow management to reduce power consumption

Threats

  • CYBERSECURITY: Increasing sophisticated threats to critical systems
  • REGULATION: Evolving environmental compliance requirements
  • COMPETITION: New tech-enabled midstream infrastructure projects
  • TALENT: Industry-wide competition for specialized digital skills
  • OBSOLESCENCE: Legacy systems vulnerable to rapid tech evolution

Key Priorities

  • MODERNIZATION: Implement comprehensive digital infrastructure plan
  • INTEGRATION: Unify disparate systems into central control platform
  • TALENT: Develop specialized engineering capabilities in automation
  • SECURITY: Strengthen cybersecurity posture across all systems
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To build and operate advanced midstream technology systems by becoming North America's most efficient and sustainable energy transportation network.

DIGITAL BACKBONE

Create unified technology infrastructure for operations

  • PLATFORM: Implement centralized operational data platform connecting 80% of assets by Q3
  • INTEGRATION: Reduce system interfaces by 40% through standardized API implementation
  • ARCHITECTURE: Complete technology modernization roadmap with 3-year implementation timeline
  • GOVERNANCE: Establish data standards and governance framework across all engineering systems
SMART OPERATIONS

Leverage AI/ML to transform operational efficiency

  • MONITORING: Deploy predictive maintenance AI on 50% of critical infrastructure components
  • OPTIMIZATION: Implement flow optimization algorithms reducing energy usage by 10%
  • AUTOMATION: Automate 30% of routine operational procedures currently requiring manual input
  • ANALYTICS: Create real-time performance dashboards for 100% of major pipeline segments
TALENT REVOLUTION

Build world-class digital engineering capabilities

  • HIRING: Fill 85% of identified critical technology roles with qualified candidates
  • TRAINING: Ensure 70% of engineering staff complete advanced digital skills certification
  • RETENTION: Improve engineering talent retention by establishing technical career paths
  • CULTURE: Launch innovation program with 25% of engineers participating in first quarter
FORTRESS SECURITY

Create industry-leading cybersecurity posture

  • ASSESSMENT: Complete comprehensive OT security audit across 100% of operational systems
  • IMPLEMENTATION: Deploy advanced threat detection on 75% of critical control systems
  • RESPONSE: Establish 24/7 security operations center with <15 minute incident response time
  • RESILIENCE: Conduct quarterly cyber incident simulation exercises with 90% success metrics
METRICS
  • SYSTEM UPTIME: 99.95% across all operational technology systems
  • INCIDENT PREVENTION: 30% reduction in predictable operational disruptions
  • DIGITAL MATURITY: Achieve Level 3 on industry digital transformation index
VALUES
  • Safety & Environmental Responsibility
  • Ethics & Integrity
  • Accountability
  • Entrepreneurial Spirit
  • Respect & Fairness
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Align the learnings

Plains Gp Holdings Engineering Retrospective

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To build and operate advanced midstream technology systems by becoming North America's most efficient and sustainable energy transportation network.

What Went Well

  • OPERATIONS: Achieved 99.2% system reliability exceeding quarterly target
  • PROJECTS: Completed 3 major terminal automation upgrades ahead of schedule
  • INTEGRATION: Successfully merged monitoring systems from latest acquisition
  • EFFICIENCY: Reduced power consumption by 8% through optimization efforts
  • COMPLIANCE: Zero reportable incidents across all engineering operations

Not So Well

  • MODERNIZATION: Digital transformation initiatives fell behind schedule
  • TALENT: Engineering department experienced 15% higher turnover than target
  • COSTS: Technology upgrade expenses exceeded budget by approximately 12%
  • CYBERSECURITY: Three minor incidents requiring unplanned system patches
  • INTEGRATION: Data integration challenges with legacy terminal systems

Learnings

  • PLANNING: Need for more realistic timelines on technology implementation
  • EXPERTISE: Critical skill gaps identified in automation and cloud systems
  • METHODOLOGY: Traditional waterfall approach limiting agile improvements
  • ARCHITECTURE: Current infrastructure limits ability to implement new tech
  • LEADERSHIP: Technical management requires additional digital competencies

Action Items

  • DEVELOP: Comprehensive engineering talent development and retention plan
  • IMPLEMENT: Standardized data architecture across all operational systems
  • ACCELERATE: Cybersecurity enhancement program for operational technology
  • ESTABLISH: Cross-functional digital transformation team with clear KPIs
  • EVALUATE: Strategic technology partnerships to address expertise gaps
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To build and operate advanced midstream technology systems by becoming North America's most efficient and sustainable energy transportation network.

Strengths

  • DATA: Vast operational datasets available from existing systems
  • MONITORING: Established sensor networks across critical assets
  • ANALYTICS: Basic infrastructure for operational data collection
  • FOUNDATION: Existing SCADA systems compatible with AI integration
  • INITIATIVES: Early pilot projects for predictive maintenance

Weaknesses

  • EXPERTISE: Limited AI engineering talent within organization
  • ARCHITECTURE: Data silos preventing comprehensive analysis
  • INVESTMENT: Insufficient dedicated resources for AI initiatives
  • STANDARDS: Lack of unified approach to AI implementation
  • INTEGRATION: Limited connectivity between operational systems

Opportunities

  • EFFICIENCY: 20%+ operational cost reduction through AI automation
  • PREDICTION: Real-time leak detection and prevention capabilities
  • OPTIMIZATION: Flow scheduling algorithms to maximize throughput
  • SUSTAINABILITY: AI-driven energy consumption reduction
  • SAFETY: Enhanced risk identification and mitigation capabilities

Threats

  • COMPETITORS: Industry rivals deploying advanced AI solutions faster
  • VENDORS: Dependency on third-party AI solutions and expertise
  • REGULATION: Evolving compliance requirements for AI systems
  • RELIABILITY: Ensuring AI system performance in critical functions
  • SECURITY: AI-specific vulnerabilities in operational technology

Key Priorities

  • TALENT: Build specialized AI engineering capabilities and culture
  • PLATFORM: Develop unified data architecture for AI applications
  • DEPLOYMENT: Implement AI for predictive maintenance and safety
  • GOVERNANCE: Establish AI standards and validation frameworks