Often, the tasks undertaken away from the public eye, with a low profile and little public recognition, are of huge value to an industry’s operations – and data management in the UK oil&gas industry is one such case.
It is crucial that the data gathered from drilling wells and seismic activity is preserved and managed for future reference and analysis – even where technical or economic conditions hinder the development of any oil&gas discovered or where exploration is unsuccessful.
Moreover, it’s vital that future explorers know exactly where wells have been drilled previously so that they may operate safely.
Common Data Access Limited (CDA), the industry’s shared data-management service, was created on the premise that collaboration across the industry can markedly improve efficiency and help to raise exploration success and recovery rates on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS).
This year, CDA is taking on the job of “flying the flag” for data management and raising its profile in three ways: as an activity which can significantly improve operating efficiency and safety; as a process in which good practice and experience is worth sharing, and as a career option worth professional accreditation.
So how is CDA aiding collaboration between UK oil&gas companies to improve efficiency and safety?
Firstly, CDA runs the Well DataStore, the largest collection of digital well report and log data in the world, in which more than 50 UKCS operators participate, and the Seismic DataStore, which holds data for 1,000 seismic surveys and rising.
CDA also manages DEAL (www.ukdeal.co.uk), the single index and directory of well, seismic and other data for the UKCS.
Not only do these tools allow companies to comply with Government regulations and with obligations to non-operating partners, the fact that data is also quality-controlled and stored in one place brings substantial and tangible business benefits, enabling better decision-making, lower storage costs and less time spent by specialists searching for and “fixing” data.
Safety is also improved: the collection, quality control and publication of information on wells and other infrastructure reduces the risks of accidents in oil&gas operations, as well as in the fishing industry.
Secondly, until recently, the UK had lacked a formal network for data managers, but CDA is now making waves in promoting the sharing of good practice in data management, as well as in the sharing of data itself.
In March, it held the first of a continuing programme of annual events aimed at bringing data managers together to exchange ideas and experiences and explore possible improvements to practice.
The workshop – which was attended by more than 50 delegates from a range of oil&gas companies, the Department for Energy and Climate Change (DECC), the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate (NPD) and the Expert Center for Information Management (ECIM) – was hailed a resounding success.
Having been given the opportunity to explore topics including electronic data management, the exchange of data, ways of benchmarking performance, assessing and certifying competency and quantifying the value of good data management, attendees reported significant improvements in their knowledge and the benefits of the opportunity to network.
Thirdly, CDA recognises that integral to improving recognition of data management as a central part of oil&gas operations is raising the profile of those with expertise in this area.
In contrast to most other oil&gas-related disciplines, there is currently no benchmark against which to assess and certify competency in data management. CDA is therefore working with OPITO – The Oil & Gas Academy to ascertain the best way for data managers to gain accreditation in their valuable discipline.
These projects are great examples of the industry taking action through CDA to maintain competitiveness in the face of maturity so that the potential of the UK’s oil&gas resource can be maximised.
To find out more about the projects, or to join CDA, contact Colleen Bonthron at cbonthron@oilandgasuk.co.uk
Malcolm Fleming is CEO at Common Data Access Limited (CDA)
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