The Importance of a Data Driven Industry With Aveva’s Simon Bennett

Innovation isn’t just a buzzword at Aveva; it’s ingrained in the company’s DNA. At the forefront of this innovation journey stands Simon Bennett, the VP of Research and Innovation, spearheading Aveva’s relentless pursuit of groundbreaking ideas and transformative technologies. We had the privilege of engaging with Simon at Aveva World 2023, diving deep into the inner workings of Aveva’s Incubation Program, the significance of data in shaping innovation, and the unfolding landscape of digital twins.

The Aveva Incubation Program is a testament to Aveva’s commitment to nurturing innovation from within. Simon vividly described the process: a comprehensive net cast wide, capturing around 300 ideas sourced from every corner of the organization. Through meticulous curation, this pool is distilled down to a select 50. The most promising ideas then enter a week-long platform—a hackathon—to showcase their potential. From this crucible, one or two winning ideas emerge, earning the opportunity to evolve into full-fledged developments. It’s a process fueled by collaboration and a thirst for ingenuity.

“Data is the linchpin,” emphasizes Simon. The term ‘digital twin’ reverberates within Aveva’s walls, symbolizing a conduit for data delivery. Aveva harnesses various tools, including Aviva Data Hub and Aviva Connect, intertwining proprietary technologies and third-party ecosystems. The digital twin becomes the nexus—a convergence of data streams aimed at deciphering the most authentic truth from this mosaic of information.

This innovation ecosystem aligns seamlessly with Aveva’s mission—to digitize industries through the industrial metaverse. The technological prowess of concepts like digital twins forms the backbone of this mission, aiming not just for efficiency but for a paradigm shift in how industries operate and evolve.

Yet, Aveva is more than ideas and data—it’s about revolutionizing industries. Simon elaborates on the burgeoning impact of 3D imagery and the industrial metaverse. He paints a vivid picture where AR and VR technologies transcend the limitations of 2D, enabling global experts to seamlessly collaborate in immersive environments. It’s not just about cost savings; it’s about empowering these experts to innovate and collaborate on an unprecedented scale.

As the conversation pivots to advice for businesses, Simon wisdom shines through. “Data integrity is paramount,” he stresses. It’s about validating and believing in the quality of data sources. Starting early in this journey may demand time and investment, but the dividends in terms of information quality and digital transformation are immeasurable. Cultivating a culture that reveres accurate data—even in its most mundane form—lays the groundwork for successful utilization of digital twins.

Simon Bennett insights resonate profoundly with Aveva’s ethos of innovation, underscoring the pivotal role of data integrity and the transformative potential of digital twins. At Aveva World 2023, amidst an atmosphere of forward-thinking visionaries, Simon’s words echo Aveva’s unwavering commitment to shaping industries through technological prowess and pioneering the future through a relentless pursuit of excellence.