Last month, IBM Business Consulting Services sponsored the 23rd Annual Oil & Money conference in London, organized by the International Herald Tribune and the Energy Intelligence Group. Jeremy Pakenham introduced the newly-formed IBM Business Consulting services unit which plans to “look at the way in which project development and asset management can be improved.”
Losses
IBM’s work with E&P companies shows renewed focus on the improved management of development projects as assets start-up. Losses in the range of 5% to 15% of an asset’s lifetime NPV are attributable to inefficient projects.
Downstream
Mobile technology is helping to achieve cost reduction targets and to streamline critical processes throughout the value chain. One project developed for a national oil company involved the use of HP/Compaq iPAQs to transfer data from the back office to the field force. Improved communications impacted field service in installation, repair and maintenance, scheduling of maintenance activities and real-time integration with SAP.
Upstream
IBM also spoke of its association with Landmark Graphics Corp. to deliver ‘comprehensive solutions’ to the global E&P industry. Landmark’s software has been tuned to IBM’s eServer systems including Linux clusters and high performance graphics IntelliStation workstations. Landmark’s EarthCube was demoed on an IBM M Pro IntelliStation with a T221 high-resolution monitor.
Diagnostics
IBM Business Consulting Services has developed diagnostics to support a methodical approach to performance improvement. These have already been tested within the oil industry and in other sectors. A position paper—“Global Performance Management in the Upstream Oil & Gas Sector” is available from IBM which describes the process and outlines how the market is changing. Find out if your performance is being ‘optimally managed across the business’ from www-1.ibm.com/services/strategy/files2/GW510-9206-01F.pdf .
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