4th Industrial Revolution event gives U.S. companies view into Aramco’s digitalization journey

The U.S. Saudi Arabian Business Council in partnership with Aramco Americas hosted an Industrial Revolution 4.0 (IR4.0) virtual webinar on October 29 that attracted more than 80 U.S. companies. The webinar, “Doing business with Aramco: Industrial Revolution 4.0 and How to Utilize Saudi Aramco Digital Hub,” highlighted the company's digital transformation initiative along with the digital hub at the industrial city, King Salman Energy Park (SPARK).

Attendees were also introduced to new innovations and technologies as well as opportunities for collaboration with Aramco Americas in the IR4.0 technologies sector.

“The event was very well-received and served as an opportunity to share Aramco's already robust IR 4.0 work as well as next steps in that journey,” said Adel AIShahrani, Manager, Procurement & Supply Chain Management, Aramco Americas.  

Saudi Aramco's Abdallah AlThaaly, Director of Industrial Development & Strategic Supply,
highlighted that “Aramco is transforming its operations with a full embrace of the 4th Industrial Revolution.  This means companies and manufacturers like you are a top priority for us.”  We are looking for reliable companies and manufacturers that share our same vision of business growth and sustainability.  We want to build 'win-win' partnerships that are strategically aligned.”

He was introduced by Delano Roosevelt, the head of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council, who is the grandson of former U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Hiba Alajeeb, Supply Chain Analyst, Saudi Aramco, explained the logic behind the company's technology push, saying “our goal is to be the world's most digitalized energy company.” She presented over $7.5 billion in business opportunities across nine technology sectors, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, 3D printing, cloud computing and 5G communications.

Participants learned about 170 business opportunities associated with IKTVA, which has already generated 468 investment agreements and $6.5 billion in committed capital expenditures. “The goal of IKTVA is to create jobs and raise local content in our supply chain to 70 percent,” said Maha Alkaabi, Supply Chain Analyst, IKTVA Support Division, Saudi Aramco.

Participants also learned about how to become a registered supplier in the company's supplier network by using an online portal. “Strategic sourcing and supplier relations is your gateway to doing business with Aramco Americas and Saudi Aramco,” said Myra Bozeman, Supplier Relations Management, Aramco Americas.

AIShahrani concluded the meeting, saying he was very pleased by the turnout and encouraged participants to stay engaged with Aramco. “There are tremendous opportunities waiting for you in Saudi Arabia,” he told the audience.