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Digital Transformation

SMART WORKS Framework: The Key to Effective Connected Worker Technology Selection

Welcome back to our four-part blog series on Hexagon’s Human-Centered Connected Worker (CW) Ecosystem. In this blog, we spotlight the Technology Layer—the driving force behind CW solutions that deliver personalized experiences, real-time insights and seamless interoperability.

 

Enhancing Hexagon’s CW Solutions through Technology 

Hexagon’s CW ecosystem comprises four interconnected layers, each essential to delivering comprehensive, human-centric solutions. At its core, the technology layer answers a fundamental question: “What technological capabilities are needed to enable optimal human-centered connectivity?” Central to this layer is the SMART WORKS technology selection model, which defines technical requirements based on the most critical connected solution functionalities, ensuring the chosen technologies align with the unique demands of the CW environment.

In our previous blog, we introduced Hexagon’s process-driven architecture—a five-tiered framework designed to synchronize workflows from strategic planning to task execution. The technology layer enables the process design layer, providing essential technical functionalities that deliver the greatest value at every level.

Aligning technology with business goals is crucial for successful digital transformation. According to McKinsey & Co., companies that effectively integrate digital technologies can increase their earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (widely known as EBITDA) by up to 26%, demonstrating how strategic adoption supports profitability. Similarly, a 2023 Deloitte report highlights a 25% productivity increase and a 22% improvement in safety when advanced technologies are effectively integrated, further underscoring the relevance of Hexagon’s strategic approach to CW solutions.

Organizations can define and prioritize the most critical technology requirements by leveraging the SMART WORKS framework to review operational goals, process objectives and individual job performance targets. This ensures CW solutions are supported by essential technical capabilities, ultimately delivering impactful and user-centered functionalities. 

 

The Three Dimensions of CW Solutions 

The full potential of CW solutions emerges when they address three core dimensions:

  1. CW centricity

  2. Real-time access & analytics

  3. Integration & interoperability

These dimensions form the foundation for effective, scalable CW investments. Given the high percentage of digital transformation initiatives that fail to meet expectations, aligning CW solutions with these dimensions is critical to addressing challenges and achieving meaningful results.  

 

Dimension 1: CW Centricity 

CW Centricity emphasizes designing solutions that genuinely address workers’ needs, preferences and challenges by ensuring tools are intuitive, relevant and engaging. Organizations adopting the centricity principle can foster higher adoption rates, increased satisfaction and improved productivity. Safety-oriented tools, engaging workflows, personalized interfaces and role-based learning are a few tactics that promote a worker-centric environment.

Table 1.0: CW Centricity 

Attributes 

Explanation 

Challenges 

Affect/Statistics 

Human-Centered Design 

Success depends on user acceptance. Tools designed with workers’ needs in mind are intuitive and relevant 

Poor user experience: Produces low adoption rates 

Increased Adoption 

Personalization drives higher adoption and comfort 

Lack of personalization: Disengages users 

Enhanced Productivity 

Supportive technologies boost job satisfaction and productivity 

Inadequate training & support: Leads to underutilization 

 

Dimension 2: Real-Time Access & Analytics 

Real-time access and analytics empower workers by providing actionable insights that optimize decision-making and enhance worker capabilities. This dimension leverages advanced analytics1 and automation to improve productivity, identify trends and enable proactive issue resolution. 

Table 2.0: Real Time Access & Analytics  

Attributes 

Explanation 

Challenges 

Affect/Statistics 

Timely Decision-Making 

Real-time data supports quick, informed decisions in dynamic environments 

Delayed data availability: Slows responsiveness 

Proactive Issue Resolution 

Analytics identify and address issues early, minimizing downtime 

Inaccurate data: Skews insights 

Operational Efficiency 

Streamlined workflows, driven by actionable insights, boost efficiency 

Overwhelming data: Unnecessarily burdens workers 

 

Dimension 3: Integration & Interoperability 

Integration and interoperability ensure systems and technologies work harmoniously, facilitating comprehensive data exchange, more sophisticated collaboration opportunities and the adaptive capacity to succeed in connected environments. Scalable platforms and unified workflows eliminate silos and improve cross-functional efficiency.

Table 3.0: Integration & Interoperability 

Attributes 

Explanation 

Challenges 

Affect/Statistics 

Seamless Data Exchange 

Systems communicate effortlessly, providing a holistic view of operations 

Siloed data systems: Hinder collaboration 

Cross-Functional Collaboration 

Enhances teamwork across departments and functions 

Compatibility issues: Incompatible systems limit workflows 

Scalability & Flexibility 

Adaptable systems integrate new technologies with minimal disruption 

Lack of standardization: Complicates integration 

 

The three dimensions of Connected Worker solutions—Connected Worker Centricity, Real-Time Access & Analytics and Integration & Interoperability—form the essential pillars for successful connected worker solutions. By focusing on these dimensions, organizations base solution design on delivering a holistic approach that resolves common challenges and empowers connected workers to concentrate on higher-value activities, ultimately enhancing productivity and engagement by eliminating mundane tasks.

 

Introducing the SMART WORKS Technology Selection Framework 

With a thorough understanding of the three essential dimensions of human-centered connected worker ecosystems—we now turn to how Hexagon’s SMART WORKS Technology Selection Framework ensures technology choices align with these dimensions.

This framework is designed to continuously meet the evolving requirements of CW solutions.  It offers a strategic, holistic approach to technology selection that prioritizes user needs, optimizes operational efficiencies and promotes seamless integration. By leveraging the SMART WORKS framework, organizations can confidently navigate the complexities of digital transformation, ensuring that their technology investments drive meaningful and sustainable outcomes. 

Figure 1 SMART WORKS Technology Selection Framework 

 

Table 4.0 summarizes how each SMART attribute aligns with the CW dimensions: 

Smart  

Attribute 

CW  

Centricity 

Real-Time Access 
& Analytics 

Integration 
& Interoperability 

S - Safety & Compliance 

Intuitive safety tools that promote user adoption and compliance 

Real-time safety monitoring for immediate responses 

Seamless integration with operational workflows for efficient compliance 

M - Mobile Access & Connectivity 

User-friendly mobile apps with personalized interfaces 

Keeps workers connected and informed in real-time 

Integration with enterprise systems for consistent online/offline access 

A - Advanced Technologies 

AI/ML-driven insights for personalization and engagement 

IoT sensors and predictive analytics for instant decision-making 

Scalable architecture for integrating advanced technologies 

R - Real-Time Data & Analytics 

Task-specific insights to boost productivity 

Proactive decision-making by real-time analytics 

Smooth data interoperability across platforms 

T - Training & Development 

On-demand, interactive learning tailored to roles 

Real-time feedback for skill development 

Integrated platforms with current, aligned materials 

W - Workflow & Task Management 

User-centric digital workflows for task management 

Automates workflows with real-time prioritization 

Seamless integration for streamlined processes 

O - Operational Efficiency 

Feedback and insights drive continuous improvement 

Real-time maintenance analytics optimize resources and reduce downtime 

Scalable processes to meet evolving business needs 

R - Remote Support & Collaboration 

Personalized virtual assistance for workers 

Real-time support for instant guidance. 

Integrated communication platforms reduce downtime 

K - Knowledge Management 

Easy access to personalized repositories 

Real-time information retrieval for decision-making 

Integrated tools ensure relevant, up-to-date knowledge sharing 

S - Security 

User-centric security protocols to protect data integrity 

Real-time threat detection and response systems 

Secure integration with existing IT infrastructure for personal data protection 

 

These attributes form the foundation of SMART WORKS, ensuring technical solutions meet human-centered needs.

 

How Hexagons Products Align with SMART WORKS 

Hexagons suite of products, including AcceleratorKMS, AcceleratorLXP, ETQ Reliance, HxGN EAM, j5 Operations Management Solutions and HxGN SDx2, align seamlessly with the SMART WORKS framework. They enhance CW centricity, provide real-time insights and ensure seamless integration, enabling organizations to achieve higher adoption rates and operational efficiency. 

Table 5: The SMART WORKS Technology Selection Framework in Action 

Attribute 

Hexagon Product 

CW Centricity 

Real-Time Access & Analytics 

Integration & Interoperability 

S - Safety & Compliance 

ETQ Reliance 

Intuitive safety monitoring and incident reporting 

Real-time safety monitoring and reporting 

Seamless integration with operational workflows for compliance 

Use Case Example 

A pharmaceutical company streamlined safety and compliance processes, reducing incident response times by 30% and improving overall safety compliance. 

M - Mobile Access & Connectivity 

j5 Operations Management Solutions mobile capabilities 

User-friendly interface with personalized notifications 

Keeps workers connected in real-time 

Integrates with enterprise systems for consistent access 

Use Case Example 

An oil and gas company improved task completion efficiency by 25% and enhanced communication across teams with real-time updates and notifications. 

A - Advanced Technologies 

HxGN APM 

AI/ML-driven insights for engagement and personalization 

IoT sensors and predictive analytics for decision-making 

Scalable cloud and edge computing for advanced tech integration 

Use Case Example 

A manufacturing plant reduced unplanned downtime by 20% and optimized maintenance schedules, enhancing overall plant efficiency. 

R - Real-Time Data & Analytics 

AcceleratorKMS 

Task-specific insights to boost productivity 

Real-time data collection and predictive analytics for decisions 

Smooth data interoperability across platforms 

Use Case Example 

An oil and gas company was able to eliminate process flow bottlenecks with real-time analytics on related activities for their digital procedure portfolio for turnovers. 

T - Training & Development 

AcceleratorLXP 

On-demand, role-specific learning to enhance worker skills 

Real-time feedback to optimize skill development 

Integrated platforms with up-to-date, aligned training materials 

Use Case Example 

An oil and gas company leveraged digitally embedded training content to support each procedural step, providing real-time safety content. It also repurposed all procedural content, ensuring that training aligned with real-time operational data. 

W - Workorder & Task Management 

HxGN EAM 

User-centric workflows for intuitive task management 

Real-time automation for workflow visibility and prioritization 

Seamless integration for streamlined processes 

Use Case Example 

A utility company optimized asset management, resulting in a 30% increase in maintenance efficiency and better task prioritization. 

O - Operational Efficiency 

HxGN EAM 

Navigate systems and perform tasks through user-friendly interfaces 

Analytics, dashboards, and predictive analytics 

Enabling organizations to maximize the efficiency of the entire asset operational lifecycle 

Use Case Example 

A transportation company reduced operational costs by 15% and improved asset utilization with real-time analytics and predictive maintenance. 

R - Remote Support & Collaboration 

HxGN SDx2 

Personalized remote assistance for enhanced engagement 

Real-time virtual collaboration for instant guidance 

Integration with communication platforms reduced downtime 

Use Case Example 

An engineering firm reduced downtime by 20% and improved project collaboration across teams with real-time virtual assistance. 

K - Knowledge Management 

AcceleratorKMS 

Easy access to personalized knowledge repositories 

Real-time access to up-to-date information for decision-making 

Integrated tools to prevent silos and ensure information relevance 

Use Case Example 

A pipeline company used AcceleratorKMS to create dynamic and consolidated procedural flows (eliminating disjointed procedures), accelerating the time to access critical content and improving overall leak detection performance. 

S - Security 

Hexagon Security Suite 

User-centric security protocols to protect data integrity 

Real-time threat detection and response systems 

Secure integration with existing IT infrastructure for data protection 

Use Case Example 

A tech firm enhanced data protection, reducing security breaches by 40% and ensuring compliance with industry standards. 

 

Technology Layer Conclusion 

Hexagons SMART WORKS Technology Selection Framework demonstrates a deep commitment to aligning technology implementation with human-centric needs, ensuring innovative, practical solutions that are easy to adopt. Through its comprehensive suite of products, supported by real-world case studies, Hexagon illustrates how human-centered strategies can deliver transformative outcomes by enhancing productivity, safety and collaboration while reducing downtime.

By implementing Hexagons technologies focusing on human centricity, organizations can increase the predictability of success in driving transformative digital outcomes. The results presented in this conclusion section underline that successful adoption depends not just on the technology itself but also on understanding, prioritizing and committing to the human factors that foster sustained engagement and long-term value. 

 


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About the Author

Brent Kedzierski is an award-winning thought leader and innovator in the fields of Human Performance, Human-Centered Connected Worker Ecosystems, and the future of Industry. Throughout his career, he has consistently delivered groundbreaking insights and transformative contributions. Brent's expertise has earned recognition from respected publications like Harvard Business Press, Chief Learning Officer Magazine, Workforce.com, BBC News, and more. His webinars have been featured as "editor's picks of the year," and his podcast appearances consistently rank as "top-listened to" in the industry. Brent is also recognized by Marquis Who's Who in America®, who has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators. Before serving at Hexagon as a Global Senior Marketing Manager- Operations & Maintenance and as an advisor/ SME on the topic of connected workers, Brent spent nearly 25 years as Shell's veteran Global transformation strategist. Brent is a passionate advocate for creating a more human-centered approach to industry, human development, well-being, and sustainability. Brent is a passionate advocate for advancing a set of progressive ideas for creating a more human centered approach to industry, human development, well-being, and sustainability.

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