Last year, Jack explored the unrealized power of the base control system and the reality that most operators still use only 60–70% of what this critical foundation can deliver. This session builds directly on that conversation, examining how BASF and Dow are deliberately strengthening the control layer first and then safely layering advanced automation and AI on top, to improve reliability, maximize production value and reduce energy utilization. Drawing on live production examples, including a closed‑loop AI deployment that delivered nearly $1M in value within its first few months, this session explores what process excellence looks like when automation is treated as an operational asset rather than an experiment.

• Understand why advanced automation, AI and autonomous operations only succeed when the base control system is fully utilized, and how BASF and Dow are reinforcing this foundation before scaling higher‑risk, higher‑value use cases
• Gain practical insight into moving from open‑loop optimization to closed‑loop, self‑learning AI in live production environments, including the safety barriers, governance and change required to build trust and unlock measurable financial value
• Explore how modern process automation is being used to maximize production value by reducing variability, improving consistency and protecting downstream outcomes, ensuring quality, yield and throughput improve together rather than in isolation
• Learn how operators are applying advanced process control, simulation and modelling to reduce feedstock and utility utilization at a plant level