DataGMA: Data-Driven Culture Creation in Shale Field Operations
Authors: Gonzalez Day Lucas , Cantera Pablo , Bertoldi Francisco , Docampo Ana , Bustos Brenda , Monczor Jorge 
Published: September 2019

The objective of this project, named DataGMA after Data Governance, Data Management and Data Analytics, is to transform YPF shale operations to a data-driven culture.

Recognizing that Data Governance, Management & Analytics (DGM&A) problem solving approach requires a wide interaction between the concerned players is the first step to delineate a sustainable and scalable outcome regarding DGM&A best practices. Increasing data-awareness leads to an active engagement of the whole organization around the data life cycle which, in turn, is the basis of a DGM&A virtuous cycle.

This paper presents an integrated approach through a multidisciplinary task force (DGM&A + IT + Upstream Technical Staff) designed not only to tackle the data challenges YPF faces but, and more importantly, to build data awareness and engagement around the data life cycle among the Upstream Technical Team. This combined effort assists the organization in understanding the broader picture of the situation through an exhaustive assessment and an accurate diagnosis. More than 20 initiatives were selected to deliver, with a more consistent, yet flexible, work plan, using different tools as design thinking, agile teams and Business Intelligence.

Keeping data-related issues siloed only around the DGM&A influence pulls organizations away from the great opportunity to improve their data governance and exploitation. The implemented approach expanded the process to other areas encouraging a more efficient use of the available resources, both human and material.

Crucial elements for the advance and success of this initiative are: strong sponsorship from executive management, champions in every technical discipline (D&C, G&R, Production), project management leadership, data leadership (DGM&A), IT leadership and ad-hoc task-forces for each initiative.

A continual assessment engaging the operations community was key to delineate a fit-for-purpose plan which keeps the long-term vision while solving the day-to-day data concerns through reliable quick-wins. All together it stimulates employees’ commitment towards YPF goals by increasing their awareness around the "data-problem" in an increasingly data-driven environment.

A shift in attitude is reached and the beneficiary is the whole organization that now is in the process of having high-quality validated data available and ready to be used whenever and wherever is needed. It certainly creates a competitive advantage.

In summary, the tangible results are: missing data was recovered, new data types were created and saved, data was officially safeguarded and made available through new workflows. The cost of no-quality has been revealed with real and consistent figures.

This paper describes the data challenges faced in shale field development operations in a corporation and shows a path to deal with this kind of projects in an integrated fashion. Digital Operations do not come out of a box, but processes and lessons learnt can be transferred into similar future projects.