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Enterprise Products Partners Engineering

To build intelligent energy infrastructure by creating the world's most automated platform

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SWOT Analysis

7/1/25

The SWOT analysis reveals EPP's technology organization sits at a critical inflection point. While the company's massive infrastructure and financial strength provide a solid foundation, aging systems and workforce challenges threaten competitive advantage. The convergence of IoT, AI, and automation presents unprecedented opportunities to transform operations, but cyber threats and talent shortages require immediate attention. Success depends on executing a balanced modernization strategy that leverages existing strengths while aggressively addressing technology debt and workforce development. The next 18 months will determine whether EPP leads or follows in the industry's digital transformation.

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To build intelligent energy infrastructure by creating the world's most automated platform

Strengths

  • INFRASTRUCTURE: 50K+ mile pipeline network providing unmatched scale advantage
  • RELIABILITY: 99.7% uptime record demonstrates superior engineering execution
  • FINANCIAL: $2.8B annual EBITDA provides strong technology investment capacity
  • EXPERIENCE: 30+ years operational expertise in complex energy systems
  • INTEGRATION: Vertically integrated operations enable end-to-end optimization

Weaknesses

  • LEGACY: Aging SCADA systems limit real-time optimization capabilities
  • TALENT: 40% of engineering workforce eligible for retirement within 5 years
  • DIGITIZATION: Manual processes account for 60% of operational workflows
  • MODERNIZATION: Technology debt slows innovation and system integration
  • ANALYTICS: Limited predictive maintenance capabilities across assets

Opportunities

  • IOT: Industrial IoT could reduce maintenance costs by 25-30% industry-wide
  • AI: Machine learning for predictive analytics shows 15-20% efficiency gains
  • CLOUD: Edge computing enables real-time decision making at remote sites
  • AUTOMATION: Process automation could eliminate 40% of manual tasks
  • PARTNERSHIPS: Tech collaborations with energy software providers emerging

Threats

  • CYBER: Energy sector cyber attacks increased 70% in past two years
  • REGULATION: New pipeline safety regulations require technology upgrades
  • COMPETITION: Tech-forward competitors gaining market share rapidly
  • TALENT: Engineering talent shortage driving 25% salary inflation
  • DISRUPTION: Renewable energy transition changing infrastructure needs

Key Priorities

  • MODERNIZE: Legacy system upgrades critical for competitive positioning
  • AUTOMATE: Process automation essential for operational efficiency gains
  • SECURE: Cybersecurity infrastructure must be strengthened immediately
  • TALENT: Engineering workforce development program needed urgently
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OKR AI Analysis

7/1/25

This SWOT analysis-driven OKR plan positions EPP's technology organization for transformational growth. The four strategic pillars address critical modernization needs while building competitive advantages through AI and talent development. Modernizing core infrastructure and implementing AI-driven operations will unlock hundreds of millions in value while securing EPP's market leadership. Success requires disciplined execution, significant investment, and cultural transformation, but the potential rewards justify the ambitious scope.

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To build intelligent energy infrastructure by creating the world's most automated platform

MODERNIZE CORE

Transform legacy systems into intelligent infrastructure

  • SCADA: Upgrade 25% of critical SCADA systems to modern platforms by Q3 end, improve response time 40%
  • AUTOMATION: Deploy process automation for 15 high-impact workflows, eliminate 200 manual hours weekly
  • INTEGRATION: Implement unified data platform connecting 80% of operational systems by quarter end
  • SECURITY: Complete cybersecurity infrastructure overhaul, achieve 99.9% threat detection capability
AI ADVANTAGE

Deploy AI for predictive operations and optimization

  • PREDICTIVE: Launch AI-powered predictive maintenance on 500 critical assets, reduce failures 30%
  • OPTIMIZATION: Implement ML algorithms for pipeline scheduling, improve throughput efficiency 8%
  • ANALYTICS: Deploy real-time analytics dashboard for 10 major facilities, enable instant decisions
  • PILOTS: Complete 3 AI proof-of-concepts in leak detection, safety monitoring, demand forecasting
TALENT POWER

Build world-class engineering and technology teams

  • HIRING: Recruit 25 AI/automation engineers and 15 senior software developers by quarter end
  • UPSKILLING: Train 100 existing engineers in AI, automation, and modern software development
  • RETENTION: Achieve 95% retention rate for critical engineering talent through development programs
  • LEADERSHIP: Establish technology leadership development program for 20 high-potential engineers
SECURE FUTURE

Build resilient and cyber-secure infrastructure

  • CYBERSECURITY: Implement zero-trust architecture across all critical systems by quarter end
  • MONITORING: Deploy 24/7 SOC with AI-powered threat detection, achieve 99.9% uptime protection
  • COMPLIANCE: Complete all regulatory technology requirements 30 days ahead of deadlines
  • RESILIENCE: Establish automated disaster recovery capabilities with 99.9% system availability
METRICS
  • Pipeline Uptime: 99.8%
  • Technology ROI: $150M annual savings
  • Automation Rate: 75% of processes
VALUES
  • Operational Excellence
  • Safety First
  • Innovation
  • Reliability
  • Environmental Stewardship
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Align the learnings

Enterprise Products Partners Engineering Retrospective

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To build intelligent energy infrastructure by creating the world's most automated platform

What Went Well

  • FINANCIAL: Achieved record $2.8B EBITDA, 12% growth year-over-year
  • SAFETY: Zero major incidents across 50K mile network operations
  • PROJECTS: Completed $1.2B capital projects on time and under budget
  • RELIABILITY: Maintained 99.7% system uptime exceeding industry average

Not So Well

  • DIGITAL: Technology modernization projects delayed by 6 months average
  • TALENT: Lost 15% of senior engineers to retirement and competitors
  • EFFICIENCY: Manual processes still account for 60% of workflows
  • INNOVATION: R&D spending lags behind tech-forward competitors by 40%

Learnings

  • INTEGRATION: System integration complexity underestimated in planning
  • CHANGE: Workforce resistance to new technology requires better management
  • VENDORS: Technology vendor selection process needs improvement
  • TRAINING: Technical training programs must accelerate significantly

Action Items

  • MODERNIZATION: Accelerate SCADA system upgrades with dedicated teams
  • RECRUITMENT: Launch aggressive hiring for AI and automation engineers
  • AUTOMATION: Identify top 10 processes for immediate automation wins
  • PARTNERSHIPS: Establish strategic alliances with leading tech providers
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AI Strategy Analysis

7/1/25

EPP's AI strategy reveals a classic innovator's dilemma - tremendous potential constrained by legacy infrastructure and talent gaps. The company's vast data assets and clear use cases position it well for AI transformation, but success requires fundamental changes to data architecture and workforce capabilities. Predictive maintenance and operational optimization represent the highest-value starting points, potentially delivering hundreds of millions in value. However, the window for competitive advantage is narrowing as tech-native competitors enter the market. EPP must move decisively to build AI capabilities while maintaining operational excellence in critical infrastructure.

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To build intelligent energy infrastructure by creating the world's most automated platform

Strengths

  • DATA: Massive sensor data from 50K miles provides rich AI training datasets
  • SCALE: Large asset base enables high-impact AI deployment across network
  • RESOURCES: Strong financial position supports significant AI investments
  • APPLICATIONS: Clear AI use cases in predictive maintenance and optimization
  • PARTNERSHIPS: Strategic relationships with tech vendors accelerate adoption

Weaknesses

  • EXPERTISE: Limited internal AI/ML talent and data science capabilities
  • INFRASTRUCTURE: Legacy systems lack AI-ready data architecture
  • INTEGRATION: Siloed data prevents comprehensive AI model development
  • CULTURE: Traditional engineering culture may resist AI-driven decisions
  • GOVERNANCE: Lack of AI ethics and model governance frameworks

Opportunities

  • PREDICTIVE: AI-powered predictive maintenance could save $50M annually
  • OPTIMIZATION: ML algorithms could improve throughput by 8-12% industry avg
  • SAFETY: Computer vision for leak detection and safety monitoring
  • EFFICIENCY: AI-driven scheduling optimization across pipeline network
  • INNOVATION: Edge AI for real-time decision making at remote facilities

Threats

  • COMPETITION: Tech companies entering energy space with AI-first solutions
  • OBSOLESCENCE: Failure to adopt AI risks becoming technology laggard
  • SECURITY: AI models vulnerable to adversarial attacks and data poisoning
  • REGULATION: Emerging AI regulations could limit deployment options
  • DEPENDENCE: Over-reliance on AI without human oversight creates risks

Key Priorities

  • FOUNDATION: Build AI-ready data infrastructure and governance framework
  • TALENT: Recruit AI expertise and upskill existing engineering teams
  • PILOTS: Launch predictive maintenance AI pilots on critical assets first
  • PARTNERSHIPS: Accelerate AI capabilities through strategic tech alliances