Our Perspective
Our Perspective
Connected worker solutions drive operational efficiency and workforce flexibility, leveraging IoT, wearables, and AI-powered analytics in the energy industry.
Leaders face an uphill battle in the energy industry, where operational excellence and sustainability are non-negotiable. Aging infrastructure, workforce shortages, and the growing disconnect between digital initiatives and on-the-ground needs are challenging organizations to rethink their approach. Companies must modernize operations while preserving and transferring critical workforce knowledge.
Connected worker solutions are at the heart of this transformation. They are a new generation of tools and technologies designed to empower workers, streamline operations, and deliver measurable value. By integrating IoT and AI-powered analytics into everyday operations, these solutions are reshaping how energy organizations operate, innovate, and grow.
The market for connected worker solutions is projected to grow from $1.38 billion in 2022 to $3.24 billion by 2028, making their role in addressing workforce and operational challenges
A recurring challenge for energy companies lies in the disconnect between centralized digital teams and asset managers. Digital teams often design solutions without fully understanding the operational realities of field workers. As a result, the tools introduced may look promising but struggle to gain traction with those expected to use them.
For instance, some oil and gas organizations have faced hurdles during the “screening phase”. Digital solutions are evaluated but fail to address immediate, tangible needs. Field teams tasked with delivering on production targets and maintaining asset integrity are often skeptical of tools that seem disconnected from their priorities.
To overcome this, energy leaders need to bring operations and digital teams together during the early stages of evaluation. By collaborating to identify specific, measurable use cases—like improving maintenance response times or reducing safety risks—companies can accelerate adoption and achieve absolute value.
The next generation of connected worker solutions combines IoT, AI, and augmented reality (AR) technologies to deliver real-time insights, predictive capabilities, and seamless collaboration. Unlike earlier iterations focused primarily on data access, these tools directly address operational inefficiencies and workforce challenges.
However, adoption has not been without its challenges. Organizational disconnects, legacy infrastructure, and cultural resistance to change often slow progress. To overcome these barriers, energy leaders should prioritize early stakeholder involvement, pilot programs demonstrating ROI, and workforce training to ensure smooth implementation. By addressing these obstacles, companies can unlock the full potential of connected worker solutions and accelerate their digital transformation.
Reducing Downtime Through Predictive Maintenance
AI-powered IoT sensors monitor equipment performance and identify early warning signs of potential failures, such as gas leaks or overheating engines. Field workers receive instant notifications on wearables or mobile devices, allowing them to act before issues escalate. By preventing unplanned downtime, these tools improve operational continuity and reduce costly disruptions.
Preserving Institutional Knowledge and Supporting Workforce Transitions
As senior workers retire, decades of experience and expertise risk being lost. connected worker solutions centralizes operational data, troubleshooting guides, and historical insights to make this critical knowledge accessible to the entire organization. At the same time, tools like AR-based training platforms offer immersive, real-world learning experiences that help new hires build skills quickly and perform confidently.
Accelerating Decision-Making Through Real-Time Collaboration
Connected platforms allow field teams to consult remotely with experts in real time, sharing live data and visuals. Whether troubleshooting an equipment issue or managing unexpected incidents, workers can instantly access step-by-step guidance and historical data. This level of collaboration reduces response times, improves safety, and minimizes costly delays.
Addressing Key Challenges in Energy Operations
Connected worker solutions addresses some of the energy industry’s most pressing challenges, offering tailored approaches for productivity, workforce gaps, and operational sustainability.
The energy industry’s challenges are complex, but connected worker solutions offer a clear path forward. These technologies enable real-time insights, improve workforce collaboration, and support continuous learning, helping energy companies modernize operations and prepare for the future.
However, successful adoption requires more than technological implementation. Digital teams must collaborate with operations leaders to ensure solutions address genuine business needs and deliver tangible value. When aligned effectively, these tools empower workers, optimize performance, and strengthen the industry’s ability to navigate evolving demands.
The result is a smarter, safer, and more resilient energy sector where human expertise and technology work together to deliver innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. For energy leaders seeking to thrive in an ever-changing world, connected worker solutions are no longer optional; they are essential.
Anurag Kumar Srivastava
Global Upstream Lead & Consulting Partner
Anurag has over 21 years of industry experience and has collaborated with energy industry majors worldwide to solve problems across the E&P value chain. His extensive experience from field to office has translated into innovative solutions addressing industry pain points, patents, publications, and white papers. He is based in Gurugram, India, and holds a master’s in Business Administration and an Instrumentation and Control Engineering degree.
Sidharth Mishra
Vice President – Global Practice Head, Domain & Consulting Energy
Sidharth leads Wipro's Global Energy & Resources industry practice and advises clients on operational efficiency, energy transition, and decarbonization. Along with technology partners and Lab45’s AI360 team, he drives data—and AI-led transformations for the energy value chain. Sidharth has extensive experience in operations and digital product strategies for the energy and process industries.
