Remote Collaboration Models for Oil and Gas - A Comparison of Asset- and Hub-Based Models
Authors: Bybee Karen 
Published: February 2015

This article, written by Assistant Technology Editor Karen Bybee, contains highlights of paper SPE 112136, "Remote Collaboration Models for Oil and Gas - A Comparison of Asset- and Hub- Based Models," by Adrian Chapman, Spencer Roberts, and Jonathan Krome, SPE, IBM Global Business Services, originally prepared for the 2008 SPE Intelligent Energy Conference and Exhibition, Amsterdam, 25-27 February. The paper has not been peer reviewed.

Innovations in various collaboration technologies are helping companies to make the intelligent oil field (IOF) a reality. Core to the IOF are collaborative environments (CEs) or remote operations centers—high-tech communications, visualization, and audio-enhanced monitoring or control rooms that enable more-effective data collection, monitoring, communications, and knowledge and information sharing. Currently, there are two philosophies for implementation of these centers—an asset-based center that services a single asset and a central-hub model that services multiple assets.

Introduction

The IOF, also known as the digital oil field of the future, encompasses a CE for communication, data collection, reporting and monitoring, and knowledge and information sharing. These environments, or physical workspaces, are intended to help people make more-informed decisions and to take the appropriate actions across the enterprise. In addition, they enable alignment, focus, and a common understanding to help prioritize opportunities.

Innovations in various collaboration technologies are helping companies to make the IOF a reality. One of the key implementation components currently attracting attention is the collaboration or remote surveillance center—a high-tech, communications, visualization, and audio-enhanced monitoring or control room. Although the facility is intended to create an atmosphere for improved communication and multifunctional work and a means to help eliminate organizational barriers, the center itself is only the physical manifestation of the desired spirit of richer and increased human interaction.

Currently, there are two philosophies for the implementation of these centers—an asset-based center that services a single asset and a central hub that services multiple assets. Each approach has its own merits and potential pitfalls. Although there is no single correct answer, certain considerations that could assist in determining the most appropriate approach for the given circumstances are recommended before construction begins. Factors such as corporate culture and employee skill base can have a large effect on the success of the final choice. Without such an evaluation, many efforts will continue to be burdened or opportunities will be deferred or lost.

Collaboration Center

Webster's dictionary defines collaboration as working jointly with others especially in an intellectual endeavor, or cooperating with an agency or instrumentality with which one is not immediately connected. The oil industry has been collaborating internally, such as a business unit with a research and development group, and externally, such as with suppliers, for years. What makes the recent CEs different from collaboration in the past is the reliance on real-time data and information, with the intent of real-time analysis and decision making, in a fixed, fit-for-purpose physical space. The degree of real-time action taking, whether through remote control or other means, is much more variable for CEs, even within the same company.