Digital Tools, AI Modernize Mexico’s Oil and Gas Sector: Hexagon

Q: How has Hexagon contributed to Mexico’s industrial sectors and digital transformation over the years?

A: Hexagon has been present in Mexico for over four decades, and during that time we have worked hand in hand with companies across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations. During that time we have not just provided technology but have really taken the time to understand their pain points, their challenges, and where the opportunities lie.

Our mission has always been to accelerate digital transformation, helping clients design and operate facilities that are safer, more profitable, and sustainable. We call this unlocking the “value of information,” because when you can capture, connect, and use data effectively, you modernize projects and strengthen what we refer to as digital maturity.

We achieve this through an integrated platform, combining traceability, control, and operational efficiency, plus tools for asset management and optimization. Over the years, Hexagon has grown through strategic acquisitions, allowing us to cover the entire asset lifecycle, from plant design and project execution to operations, maintenance, and continuous improvement. That is why our division is called Asset Lifecycle Intelligence.

While Hexagon divisions operate independently, we share the same vision: enabling smarter, more connected industries. In Mexico, that is what we have been doing: helping companies move from traditional processes to a fully digital environment that supports long-term competitiveness.

Q: How does Hexagon’s technology support oil and gas operators in Mexico, and what role does digitalization play?

A: Mexico’s oil and gas industry  faces unique challenges: logistics, regulatory frameworks, workforce skills, and technology gaps are just a few. Our role is to help close those gaps. Historically, our design tools have been widely used by EPCs and operators like PEMEX. These tools do not just handle mechanical design, they cover electrical, instrumentation, and control systems, creating a rich dataset that becomes the foundation for operations later.

A good example is Dos Bocas. Every company involved in that project was requested to use our design technology. Now, the next step is helping operators fully leverage that data. That is where Digital Twins come in. They allow operators to monitor assets in real time, simulate conditions, and implement predictive maintenance, thus reducing unplanned shutdowns and improving visibility across the entire operation.

We are also embedding AI into our platforms to make life easier for designers, project managers, and operators. But technology alone is not enough. We pair it with consulting and expert support because we aim to become a partner, not just a provider, helping clients achieve efficiency, sustainability, and extended asset lifecycles.

Sustainability is a big part of this. Our solutions can measure energy and water consumption, emissions, and even simulate future scenarios if production structures change. All of this helps improve efficiency and asset performance while supporting corporate sustainability goals. Ultimately, we want to help Mexican operators become more agile and digital, closing the gap that still exists in parts of the industry.

Q: How does Hexagon help clients address cybersecurity and IT/OT integration challenges in industrial facilities?

A: Cybersecurity is a critical topic today, especially when we talk about IT and OT. Historically, these two environments—information technology and operational technology—have been managed by separate teams. But now, they need to work together, and that integration creates new risks if it is not done properly.

To help close these gaps, one of our key solutions is Cyber Integrity, which protects industrial assets by assessing vulnerabilities, reviewing critical control equipment in distributed control systems, and providing clear recommendations. We also deliver best-practice workshops and consulting to strengthen security strategies.

Beyond cybersecurity, we offer tools for alarm management in control systems, ensuring operators have visibility and control. The goal is simple: make sure only the right people can access the right systems, while keeping operations safe and efficient.

Q: What opportunities exist in modernizing Mexico’s older oil and gas assets, and how does Hexagon support these efforts?

A: This is a big opportunity area. In oil and gas, we often talk about brownfields—existing assets—and greenfields, which are new plants. Many facilities in Mexico have been operating for decades. Some have been upgraded, but others are still using outdated processes. That is where digital modernization comes in.

For example, at older plants, we can scan the facility to capture massive amounts of data. If the original design was created using our tools, we can integrate that information and build a Digital Twin. This gives operators real-time visibility, supports predictive maintenance, and improves decision-making.

One of the biggest challenges in brownfields is document control. Over time, changes happen, but they are often undocumented or kept on paper. Our platform solves that by managing documents, tracking modifications, and keeping information up to date. This improves efficiency, extends asset life, and ensures compliance.

For new plants, this approach should start from day one. Take Dos Bocas as an example: we are working with the refinery team to make sure they use all models and databases instead of relying on manual processes. That is how we help clients move from traditional operations to a fully digital environment—whether it is modernizing existing assets or building new ones.

Q: How can technology help PEMEX modernize and operate more efficiently?

A: Technology is and will be key for PEMEX to stay competitive and reach the level of companies like Petrobras, YPF or Ecopetrol, which are already using advanced digital tools to maximize asset performance. With private investment entering new fields, there is a big opportunity to digitalize assets from the start.

AI and integrated platforms help anticipate system behavior, prevent unplanned shutdowns, and turn data into actionable insights. This means better productivity, safer operations, and compliance—all while extending asset life. For PEMEX, modernization is not just about new tools; it is about building a digital culture that drives efficiency and sustainability.

Q: What is Mexico’s potential in digital innovation and sustainability for the oil and gas sector, and how does Hexagon see its role?

A: Mexico has the opportunity to become a regional leader in digital innovation and sustainability. If the industry takes the right steps and moves past political and structural barriers. The resources and talent exist; the challenge is accelerating adoption and creating a clear roadmap for modernization.

At Hexagon, we see ourselves as a strategic partner in that journey. Our role is to help companies transform data into intelligent decisions, enabling operations that are safer, more sustainable, and more resilient. We are not just talking about technology for efficiency; we are talking about tools that measure energy and water consumption, track emissions, and simulate future scenarios to support sustainability goals.

Ultimately, digital innovation is not just optional anymore; it is the foundation for competitiveness. And we want to make sure Mexico’s oil and gas sector leads that transformation, not just follows it.

Hexagon’s Asset Lifecycle Intelligence division enables organizations to design, build, operate, and maintain assets more efficiently and safely across their entire lifecycle. It delivers precision digital solutions across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations among other industries. Leveraging predictive analytics, digital twins, and 3D modeling under its Smart Digital Reality framework, the unit provides complementary capabilities that enhance asset performance, reliability, cybersecurity of critical operations and sustainability beyond the operational scope.