“Implementing intelligent project management
systems and AI assistants can make petrochemical projects more transparent,
dynamic, and efficient,” said Hossein Alimorad, NPC’s Director of
Planning and Development, during a panel on digital maturity in Iran’s
petrochemical sector held as part of the Seventh Development Plan.
Alimorad said many state institutions still rely
on “19th-century methods” and must redefine governance for the 21st century.
“The first step toward digital transformation is to modernize institutional
structures and mindsets. Only then can smart systems take root in practice,” he
said.
He added that one of the main challenges is
ensuring fair and inclusive access to digital transformation. “Its benefits
must reach all sectors of society, not just a few advanced players. Even
developed nations with weaknesses in certain areas should be able to harness
the potential of these technologies,” he said.
Human-centered digital shift
Alimorad emphasized that the economic,
environmental, and social effects of digital transformation must be viewed
comprehensively, with “human values at the center of all decisions.” He
identified four essential infrastructures for digitalization in the
petrochemical industry:
- Precision sensors and transducers for real-time monitoring of critical process
parameters;
- Reliable communication systems linking equipment and control centers;
- Standardized control protocols to ensure process coordination; and
- Integration of AI systems to optimize operations and enable data-driven
decision-making.
AI integration for project management and
logistics
He said NPC is developing domain-specific
language models and large language models in partnership with
information and communication technology experts. “These projects will play a
crucial role in smart management of production and logistics across the
petrochemical industry,” he said.
Alimorad also highlighted the rollout of an integrated
digital project management platform, designed to optimize and monitor
project execution. “Despite clear industry standards, some projects have
exceeded their timelines. This system will help reduce delays and boost
productivity,” he said.
While sanctions have slowed some projects,
Alimorad said internal inefficiencies have also been to blame. “In several
cases, projects were not managed effectively or funded at the right time,” he
said.
To address this, NPC plans to deploy AI-based
assistants that can predict project resource requirements and alert
managers in advance. “This will allow for more automated, optimized, and
efficient project execution,” he said.
Smart pricing and efficiency gains
Alimorad said smart pricing systems for
petrochemical products—particularly under sanctions—could minimize human error
and improve decision-making accuracy. “Digital transformation and AI can
enhance transparency, efficiency, and environmental performance while strengthening
the national economy,” he added.
He concluded that ongoing collaboration between
petrochemical and IT experts “will ensure that digitalization and smart
technologies continue to advance sustainably across Iran’s petrochemical
sector.”