In the world of complex project delivery, few professionals bring the breadth of experience that Peter Smith does. Originally from the far north of New Zealand, Peter spent nearly two decades serving in both the New Zealand and British armies. His military career included multiple global deployments and instilled in him a structured approach to problem solving, a deep respect for risk, and a strong commitment to teamwork.
After leaving the military, Peter transitioned into the mining and oil & gas sectors. Over the past 12 years, he has taken on operations roles across Africa, Mongolia, and most recently Libya. While he jokes that he swapped one career of long stretches away from home in challenging environments for another, the crossover is undeniable: both careers demand discipline, adaptability, and a sharp focus on managing risk under pressure.
Peter’s career path naturally led him to Hyde Park Solutions (HPS). With more than 25 years of experience in mining and oil & gas, HPS has built a reputation for delivering Oracle Primavera solutions with a boots-on-the-ground mentality. For Peter, this approach is critical. “HPS doesn’t just configure software,” he explains. “They understand the realities of remote logistics, operational execution, and risk mitigation. They act as strategic partners, helping teams integrate tools like Oracle Primavera Cloud (OPC) seamlessly so we can focus on results rather than troubleshooting.”
Peter is particularly focused on the capabilities of Oracle Primavera Cloud. He points to portfolio management as an underrated but transformative feature. Too often, organisations manage projects in silos—treating a mine expansion and a processing plant upgrade as separate efforts. OPC changes this by enabling a unified strategy. “It allows organisations to optimise resources, track ROI, and make smarter decisions across the entire enterprise,” Peter notes. “In industries where priorities constantly shift, that big-picture perspective is essential.”
For Peter, the value of OPC extends beyond project alignment. Its cloud-native platform connects planning, scheduling, resources, and risk in real time, closing the gap between office teams and field crews. This connectivity reduces delays, streamlines communication, and ensures resources are used efficiently.
Equally important is OPC’s role in advancing sustainability. By tracking carbon footprints, optimising resource efficiency, and minimising waste, OPC equips companies to align projects with ESG targets. “In energy-intensive industries, this isn’t just about compliance—it’s about building resilience and long-term value,” Peter emphasises.
When it comes to scaling OPC, Peter recommends a phased approach. Organisations should begin with a pilot project, such as a mid-tier mining site, to test integration and gather feedback. Once proven, processes can be standardised across regions and teams, supported by tailored training and clearly defined permission structures.
He also highlights the importance of showcasing early wins. “Quick results in efficiency and risk reduction build buy-in at every level of the business,” he says. OPC’s modular flexibility and built-in dashboards make it possible to adapt to regional regulations while maintaining consistency across the enterprise.
Peter sees OPC’s strength in its heritage. Built on the foundation of Primavera P6, OPC integrates CPM scheduling, lean task management, advanced risk analysis and incorporates business cases into one unified platform. Unlike fragmented competitors such as MS Project or Procore, OPC delivers seamless office-to-field integration, mobile offline access, and AI-driven analytics without requiring costly add-ons. Backed by Oracle’s secure SaaS infrastructure, it is uniquely designed to manage the complexity of large-scale, high-risk industries. Oracle also offers secure government cloud environments for Defence, Nuclear and other government sensitive environments.
For Peter, OPC is much more than just a scheduling tool, it is a force multiplier. His experience leading operations in unpredictable environments has given him a clear perspective: precision, efficiency, and risk management can make or break a project.
“With the right partner, like Hyde Park Solutions, OPC becomes more than technology, it becomes a driver of real business outcomes,” he says. “Now is the time for industries like mining and oil & gas to embrace it and start building smarter, more connected projects.”
