Utility Week - authoritative, impartial and essential reading for senior people within utilities, regulators and government
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UTILITY WEEK | 15TH - 21ST SEPTEMBER 2017 | 23 Before the gas enters the grid it is "washed" at high pressure, com- pressed so it is at the same pressure as natural gas then tested for quality. Finally, an odour is added so it smells like normal gas. If you have an asset or project you would like to see featured in this slot, please send your pictures and details of the project to: paulnewton@fav-house.com or call 01342 332085 Pipe up Graeme Wright C hange is on its way, there is no doubt about that. No matter what sector, industry or business, digital disruption is paving a way for new opportunities to adapt business models, establish new services and enhance their value. Ultimately, those that embrace disruption and the technology it brings with it will reap the rewards in the years to come. With the skills gap frequently in the news, it is up to industry leaders to find the best way to not only attract new talent, but also to retain and train their employ- ees. Through the use of vital technology in the form of smart device applications, businesses can help improve their staff 's performance and introduce them to new environ- ments. More importantly, it high- lights how when it comes to one generation and the next, the transfer of knowledge goes both ways. We see this in the sector as new digitally-savvy entrants enter with knowl- edge of key tools they use in everyday life. A perfect example of this is WhatsApp, the popular cross-platform instant messaging application, which can be used within teams to share and crowd- source information to a solution instantly. Platforms such as these allow different roles and business divi- sions to come together to deliver a better outcome for customers. On the other side of this, these new entrants are less likely to know the ins and outs of "traditional" equipment, processes and solutions the way the current generations do, and will need their expertise to progress. The main thing to acknowledge here is that the nature of work is changing, and this shi will expose us all to new ways of working. Capturing and sharing knowledge across the generations will be key, in the hope of boosting productivity and shaping business goals for a digital era. We are seeing this shi work its way up from the ground up, and to support this, there needs to be a commitment to change by the boardroom. With those heading the business actively supporting transformation through education and partnerships, the opportunities could be endless for the utilities sector. Graeme Wright, chief technology officer for energy and utilities, UK and Ireland, Fujitsu "The nature of work is chang- ing and companies need to be able to exploit the talents of the technically savvy younger generation." The changing nature of work "When it comes to one generation and the next, the transfer of knowledge goes both ways" Operations & Assets