Hosted by Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper

Hey there, JDE Connection listeners! Welcome back to another exciting episode of The JDE Connection Podcast with your hosts, Chandra Wobschall and Paul Houtkooper. Today, we’re thrilled to share insights from our recent conversation with Ken Piddington, CIO of US Silica, a 120-year-old company that operates mines and manufacturing facilities across the US. From frac sand used in oil well completions to low iron silica for solar panels and even kitty litter, US Silica’s product range is incredibly diverse.

The Role of JD Edwards in US Silica’s Operations

JD Edwards sits at the heart of US Silica’s operations, centralizing processes from planning and order-to-cash to inventory and manufacturing. Ken highlighted the transformative journey they undertook to consolidate all 27 of their facilities onto the JD Edwards platform by the end of 2023. This massive 18-month project involved intense coordination, a bit of kicking and screaming, but ultimately led to significant efficiencies and a unified operational approach across the company.

The Importance of Business Analysts (BAs)

A significant part of our discussion with Ken revolved around the crucial role of business analysts in the organization. Ken emphasized how BAs are integral from the inception of a project, helping to flesh out ideas, gather requirements, and facilitate communication across various departments. Their role is vital in bridging the gap between technical teams, functional users, and third-party providers. Ken noted that the diversity of tasks that BAs tackle is both a challenge and a benefit, allowing them to touch many aspects of the organization and build a wide range of skills. This breadth of experience offers numerous career paths, from technical roles within IT to strategic positions in business units.

Maintaining Momentum and Motivation

We also touched on how US Silica keeps its team motivated and aligned with the company’s goals. Ken uses transparency and visual tools to show how each project contributes to overarching corporate objectives, helping team members see the direct impact of their work. This approach helps maintain engagement and fosters a sense of contribution and purpose among employees.

Advice for Aspiring Business Analysts

For those looking to step into a BA role, Ken’s advice was clear: focus on communication, problem-solving, and the willingness to learn and adapt. These core skills are more critical than technical knowledge alone and can lead to successful transitions from various backgrounds into impactful roles in technology and business operations.

Concluding Thoughts

Our conversation with Ken was enlightening, shedding light on the dynamic and multifaceted role of business analysts in driving business success. His experience at US Silica is a testament to the power of JD Edwards in transforming business processes and the pivotal role of human skills in navigating technological transformations.

Stay tuned for more insights and stories from the world of JD Edwards here on The JDE Connection. Until next time, keep learning, sharing, and laughing together!

Toodles!

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