The Power of Data - Unlocking Complex Value Across Petroleum Development Oman Through Six-Sigma Concept
Authors: Al Salmi Ahmed , Al Zaabi Yousuf , Al Kindi Nasser , Bryant Wayne , Kays Carl , Al Shukaili Aisha 
Published: October 2022

Successful problem-solving is at the heart of any successful organization. The Six-Sigma problem-solving approach uses advanced data analysis techniques in conjunction with statistical testing to direct a team towards the problem solution. Since the introduction, the PDO Six-Sigma program has delivered &gt;40 projects across 8 directorates, with projects making significant improvements across a range of diverse areas from Operational Carbon Reduction and Well Drilling Efficiency to HR response times and IT request efficiency.

The PDO Six-Sigma training and development team have designed a highly effective improvement that is focused on training and coaching staff to execute structured problem-solving projects across all corners of the organization. This advanced problem-solving program method and the rapid success it has delivered so far, makes it a leader in the Oil and Gas industry. The PDO approach is fully transferable and equally effective to any organization in Sultanate of Oman. The program is fully organized and coordinated internally by talented Omani coaches and has delivered significant, quantifiable benefits from day 1 (&gt;$42m savings).

Six-Sigma capabilities are very rare in Sultanate of Oman, and the launch of this approach reinforces PDO's reputation as a leader in Lean & Continuous Improvement techniques. Since it's conception this small program has delivered &gt;15 projects/year and (on average) savings of over $21 million per year for PDO, with some individual projects delivering &gt;$2.5 million savings. The importance of this program for industry in Sultanate of Oman cannot be underestimated as it is now developed to a stage to be readily transferable if organizations have the same commitment to improvement. Several projects are already being replicated across internal directorates within PDO. In addition to the quantifiable cost savings, the program has also delivered customer satisfaction benefits as well as significant simplification and productivity improvements. PDO has been a pioneer in Sultanate of Oman in applying this approach effectively and efficiently. This overall technique, the training package, and the knowledge within the development team could be a game-changer and used as a catalyst to transform the industry in Sultanate of Oman. With very little investment, this approach could be replicated in almost any area of business from the Government sector to Manufacturing and Banking.

The PDO Six-Sigma approach is unique in Oil and Gas and highly innovative in Sultanate of Oman. The methodology rapidly drives data-based measurements to effectively identify and validate root causes and improvements to complex problems. Where many Continuous Improvement techniques rely on team-based judgment and knowledge to identify solutions, the PDO Six-Sigma approach steers the team using the power of data and statistical analysis – this has proven to be incredibly powerful and effective for PDO.