CMPC [BCS: CMPC]

Gustavo Vieira, global chief information officer for CMPC, is a seasoned professional dedicated to fostering innovation and driving business transformation through digital technology. His broad vision and extensive experience garnered from leading roles in prominent mining, metals, paper, and pulp organizations worldwide enable him to drive strategic planning initiatives, implement effective cost-control measures, and manage portfolios with precision. As a key figure in the digital transformation and smart infrastructure space, his specialties include strategic planning, effective cost control, portfolio management, vendor management, enterprise infrastructure management, ERP systems (SAP R/3, Oracle), service management, and enterprise architecture. Throughout his career, Vieira has accumulated invaluable international exposure through roles in South America, North America, Europe, and Asia, enriching his understanding of diverse business landscapes and cultural nuances.

In an interview with CIOReview Latin America, Vieira sheds light on the promise AI holds in digital transformation and underscores the importance of prioritizing business outcomes over technological deployment.

Can you outline your key roles and responsibilities at CMPC?

CMPC has operations spanning 12 countries across Latin America, Europe, and the United States. As the global CIO, my responsibilities entail overseeing all technology aspects for CMPC globally, including infrastructure management, data centers, applications, telecommunications, cybersecurity, and fostering innovation within the company.

What are some of the current challenges in the industry?

Scaling successful solutions across diverse operations poses a significant challenge. It is not merely about implementing projects but also establishing scalable capabilities that can swiftly adapt to varying business needs across regions.

“Digital transformation should not be confined to a single department but should permeate throughout the organization.”

What innovative developments in digital transformation do you anticipate will reshape the landscape of business challenges?

AI will play a pivotal role in transforming industries. AI promises enhanced efficiency, innovation, and improved communication across stakeholders. It offers a new paradigm for facilitating seamless interaction among clients, suppliers, and employees and connecting open-source ecosystems. Although engineering decentralization was garnering attention, AI continues to play a pivotal role in automating repetitive tasks, freeing up engineers to focus on higher-level problem-solving and creative innovation.

Can you discuss the key aspects of a recent project you have been involved in?

We have implemented AI technology to optimize the control of industrial plants, allowing for dynamic adjustments based on raw materials and desired output. We can determine the optimal configuration for an industrial plant solely based on technology rather than relying on human operators. This marks the initial steps toward establishing a fully automated industrial plant controlled entirely by AI, akin to a "ghost" facility. For organizational security, we implement AI projects aimed at enhancing and fortifying our safety measures. Additionally, we have deployed video analytics for railroad security and improved the maintenance processes for our fleet of trucks to prevent accidents.

We emphasize enhancing plant competitiveness and improving efficiency in industrial operations. In pursuit of optimal plant setup and control, leveraging AI offers operators the ability to configure an inducer plant using data-driven insights sourced not only from individual operator experience but also from industrial sensors. This approach aims to empower operators with comprehensive information, enabling them to determine and implement the most effective plant configuration based on data analytics.

What technological innovation within digital transformation excites you the most and what impacts do you foresee in the industry?

Blockchain holds immense potential, although its practical applications in the industry remain limited. Exploring and harnessing blockchain technology could revolutionize various business processes and enhance transparency and efficiency across sectors. However, further exploration and adoption are needed to realize its full potential.

What advice do you offer to professionals in similar roles across tech companies?

Digital transformation should not be confined to a single department but should permeate throughout the organization. It is crucial to view it as a business transformation enabled by digital technology, focusing more on the business outcomes rather than solely on technology implementation.

This initiative represents more than just a project but embodies a fundamental shift in the company culture towards embracing digital transformation as an integral part of the organization's future, requiring ongoing attention and commitment. It is crucial to prioritize considering technology as the backbone of the business and emphasize discussions on the business aspect rather than solely technology.