5 Ways Automation Streamlines Business Processes in the Oil & Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry faces a host of challenges in integrating new technologies, from strict regulatory hurdles and compliance standards to significant safety concerns. As a result, numerous companies in this sector are behind in harnessing digital technologies, leaving plenty room for streamlining daily operations. 

Yet, the digital transformation is here, with oil and gas automation promising to reshape production processes, marketing strategies, and overall operations in the oil & gas industry. Now, we will take an in-depth look at the intricacies of automation for the industry, spotlighting potential areas, new processes, and the myriad of benefits that come with this digital shift. 

How Automation Works in the Oil & Gas Industry

At its core, the main objective of automation in the oil and gas sector is to leverage advanced computer and control systems to perform tasks. This will reduce the need for extensive human intervention. This transformation ensures that companies can accomplish more without placing added strain on their workforce. 

Before this can happen, companies must work closely with experts to decide which processes are acting as roadblocks to their profitability and growth. Questions arise: Can these processes be automated seamlessly, or is there a need to standardize them beforehand? What would be the ideal solution to tackle these challenges?

These digital solutions in the oilfield present far-reaching possibilities. From real-time monitoring of sprawling pipelines to ensuring robust communication systems and even scheduling maintenance tasks, these solutions are versatile. When executed adeptly, automation in the oil and gas industry can redefine how operations are managed, pushing the boundaries of what's achievable. This can be done while ensuring that sustainability and safety standards remain paramount.

Use Cases

Robotic Process Automation (RPA) stands at the forefront of this wave, offering numerous applications that can redefine how businesses in the oil and gas sector operate. A few examples of potential use cases include:

Requisition to Payment Processing

The Requisition to Payment (RTP) process consumes a disproportionate amount of time for accounting teams. Nevertheless, it's pivotal for a company's financial health. Integrating RPA can drastically cut down the time spent on this process, ensuring both speed and accuracy. This approach not only simplifies the workflow but also slashes administrative costs, paving the way for a more streamlined and efficient accounting system.

Apart from its direct implications on process acceleration, RPA in RTP also aids in risk mitigation by reducing chances of financial discrepancies. By automating redundant tasks, accounting teams can redirect their focus to more strategic financial planning. Furthermore, as the digital transformation wave continues to influence the oil and gas industry, companies that embrace these solutions are better positioned to stay competitive and resilient.

Pipeline and Well Monitoring

Ensuring that pipelines and wells adhere to regulatory and safety benchmarks is crucial. Given the vast geographical area these infrastructures cover, monitoring them manually is very challenging. Automation solutions equipped with sensors can gather real-time data from equipment, pipelines, and other facilities. They can measure vital parameters like temperature, pressure, and flow rates. This data, when transmitted to control centers or central rooms, streamlines the management of disparate locations, even those situated at considerable distances.

The integration of innovative technology and tools with these solutions further bolsters the efficiency of monitoring systems. Advanced control systems can also trigger automatic responses to anomalies, reducing response times and potential damage. As a result, real-time data monitoring capabilities play a pivotal role in proactive problem resolution, ensuring that potential issues are addressed before they escalate.

Managing Field Data

In the sprawling landscapes of the oil & gas industry, mobile teams are normal. However, the data they collect must seamlessly integrate into central systems. This is a process prone to errors and omissions when done manually on paper. Mobile forms and data automation stand out as crucial solutions, automating everything from data validation and integration to sophisticated analytics and regulatory compliance. This saves time, enhances accuracy, and ensures the integrity of your data.

With the deployment of RPA, the possibility of data silos and fragmentation diminishes. This integrated approach fosters a more cohesive ecosystem where data-driven decisions become the norm. In addition, such systems are also scalable, allowing companies to easily accommodate expansions or changes in field operations without compromising on data quality. This combines data collection, validation, and analytics, ensuring your data is compliant and accurate while freeing up your time to focus on other tasks.

Predictive Maintenance

Maintenance shouldn't be about educated guesses. While manual teams might be adept at following routine schedules, they could overlook emerging issues. That's where automation, enriched with machine learning and data analytics, can be helpful. By analyzing historical data and other factors, these solutions can forecast equipment failures, optimizing maintenance schedules and averting expensive unplanned downtimes.

Automated predictive maintenance also contributes to a more sustainable operational model by reducing waste and enhancing the lifespan of your equipment. With new processes coming to the forefront, companies can create virtual replicas of their machinery, allowing for more detailed diagnostics and simulations. This not only prolongs the equipment's lifespan but also supports cost-effective operations by reducing the frequency of replacements and overhauls.

Compliance Reporting

During the past few decades, oil and gas companies have grappled with billions of dollars in fines, especially concerning emissions. As governments worldwide push for climate change mitigation, the industry faces stringent emission reporting mandates. Automation aids in calculating and monitoring emissions throughout the supply chain, ensuring steadfast compliance and furnishing essential data for annual reports.

The infusion of AI and data science in automation tools provides more detailed and nuanced carbon and greenhouse gas emissions analytics. Furthermore, automation’s role doesn't end with data collection; it extends to real-time data interpretation, ensuring anomalies are detected and addressed promptly. As environmental sustainability becomes a global priority, having a robust, automated compliance reporting system translates to a better corporate image and reduces regulatory compliance vulnerabilities.

Benefits of Automation

There are plenty of reasons why automation is crucial in this industry. It underscores the importance of safety, replacing human intervention in potentially hazardous operations, thereby curtailing accidents. 

In addition, the financial implications are multifaceted. From cutting down labor costs and minimizing manual interferences to optimizing workflows to reducing downtime and perfecting maintenance schedules, automation can save lots of money.

A few key benefits of automating your processes include:

• Increased Efficiency: Automation centralizes operations, leading to remarkable speeds in processes. This efficiency overtakes traditional manual methods, offering more in less time while allowing you to manage multiple locations at once.
• Improved Safety: Automated systems possess swift detection of safety threats. They act rapidly to mitigate issues with pipeline inspections, rig maintenance, and wellhead operations, thereby enhancing emergency responses and safeguarding operations.
• Reduced Costs: Automation plays a major role by trimming labor expenses and refining processes. It minimizes downtime and optimizes maintenance, delivering evident financial benefits.
• Promotes Regulatory Compliance: Automated processes can ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. From the initial stages of data collection to the final report submission, every compliance step is performed with accuracy.

Work with experts who can help you leverage the full benefit of these innovative processes. 

Partner with Experts

EnterBridge helps oil and gas companies to harness automation, optimize operations, and seamlessly manage mobile teams. In the evolving landscape of oil and gas automation, companies need to pivot, embrace new technologies, and reconfigure their approaches to stay competitive. Automation, enriched with artificial intelligence, offers an unmatched advantage. From bolstering profitability to ensuring sustainability, the benefits are clear. Embrace this wave of change, and embark on a journey of optimization and growth.

Learn more about how we can help you streamline your processes with automation. Book a call with our team today.