Chris Fitzgerald has always enjoyed problem solving. He has worked all over Suncor since he started with Petro Canada over 15 years ago, with one common theme: taking complex problems and finding solutions that work for employees, leaders, and the business.
Chris, who is currently a development manager focused on optimization for Suncor's Business and Operations Services, and his team were recently recognized for an innovative approach to solving some of the company's most complex issues. The 'idea blast' is a business concept that aims to generate a large number of ideas in a short period of time before narrowing them down with the help of a panel of judges.
“The idea blast came about due to a perfect storm of needs,” says Chris. “It needed to address three things: better engagement with end-users, introducing new ideas and increasing the development pace.”
Suncor's supply chain team was chosen for the first idea blast. The supply chain team was up to the challenge; they embraced new ways of working, brought in dedicated team members, and even pitched the concepts to the executive team as a group. According to Chris, the key to a successful idea blast is an effective partnership with the solution's end-user.
“It’s fundamental,” adds Chris. “Suncor is a complex organization. Without partnership new ideas or solutions might not resonate with the team that will use it in their daily work. If the people designing the solution are the ones who ultimately use it, it creates a much more successful solution.”
Hundreds of ideas were submitted by Suncor supply chain employees, as well as external partners and vendors, for the idea blast. Connecting with people outside of our company was critical to coming up with new and unique ideas. The team refined a list of over 100 ideas over the course of three months after brainstorming the initial ideas, culminating in a pitch to the innovation board for feedback and approval.
Suncor's innovation team is currently moving forward with two digital concepts from the idea blast that have the potential to improve field worker experience and support the Northern Lights Project, a digitalization project that aims to improve operations across all of Suncor's sites. Employees developed the two ideas, which have the potential to be implemented across Suncor.
Idea Blast was a People's Choice finalist for a Suncor Excellence Award. Suncor Excellence Awards have been given out at the company for the past 20 years. The awards are given to employees and contractors who are exemplary in strengthening our company culture and living Suncor's purpose and values.
Chris, who is currently a development manager focused on optimization for Suncor's Business and Operations Services, and his team were recently recognized for an innovative approach to solving some of the company's most complex issues. The 'idea blast' is a business concept that aims to generate a large number of ideas in a short period of time before narrowing them down with the help of a panel of judges.
“The idea blast came about due to a perfect storm of needs,” says Chris. “It needed to address three things: better engagement with end-users, introducing new ideas and increasing the development pace.”
Suncor's supply chain team was chosen for the first idea blast. The supply chain team was up to the challenge; they embraced new ways of working, brought in dedicated team members, and even pitched the concepts to the executive team as a group. According to Chris, the key to a successful idea blast is an effective partnership with the solution's end-user.
“It’s fundamental,” adds Chris. “Suncor is a complex organization. Without partnership new ideas or solutions might not resonate with the team that will use it in their daily work. If the people designing the solution are the ones who ultimately use it, it creates a much more successful solution.”
Hundreds of ideas were submitted by Suncor supply chain employees, as well as external partners and vendors, for the idea blast. Connecting with people outside of our company was critical to coming up with new and unique ideas. The team refined a list of over 100 ideas over the course of three months after brainstorming the initial ideas, culminating in a pitch to the innovation board for feedback and approval.
Suncor's innovation team is currently moving forward with two digital concepts from the idea blast that have the potential to improve field worker experience and support the Northern Lights Project, a digitalization project that aims to improve operations across all of Suncor's sites. Employees developed the two ideas, which have the potential to be implemented across Suncor.
Idea Blast was a People's Choice finalist for a Suncor Excellence Award. Suncor Excellence Awards have been given out at the company for the past 20 years. The awards are given to employees and contractors who are exemplary in strengthening our company culture and living Suncor's purpose and values.