Digital Modernization for the Challenges of the Oil and Gas Industry
Change is good, everybody says. Most companies are good at it, especially in the retail sector. But try a change in the oil exploration and production sector. Whereas oil and gas companies are big in capital and large in revenues, their ROI (return on investment) is extremely low when compared to other businesses. This reality, not known to many, results in oil and gas-related companies having extremely strict procedures when it comes to investing in recent technologies outside of those specifically about their operation.
Back in March 2019, Cloudtivity in Ecuador, the preferred Microsoft licensing, and services supplier of ENAP Sipetrol, was called to discuss their current scenario when it came to collaboration, teamwork, and project management. ENAP Sipetrol has been a customer of ours for a couple of years, and different approaches have been taken to sell the benefits of Microsoft 365, although unsuccessful. Budget restrictions and several other priorities set digital transformation and the modern workplace at the backend of their priorities.
The problems had always been there. Picture several mostly disconnected offices and remote campsites. Staff working in different shifts, that although working together was too far from being connected. Projects that tasks that were never finished or were done in a way that did not meet their expectations. Excessive use of procrastinating emails, most of which were never read as staff works in cycles of 21 days (about 3 weeks) on/ 7 days off. Documents are saved on everyone’s computers, but accessible to almost none. Plus, a general lack of interest in doing things better. The work was done, for better or worse.
We were familiar with the scenario. We had solved that same set of issues for other customers, using our “Office 365. The solution worked for other customers. We were recognized as worldwide finalists for the Collaboration category at the 2019 Microsoft Inspire. As it was known to us that their Microsoft licensing contract was due for renewal in November 2019, we decided to offer ENAP Sipetrol a solution that comprised all their needs. Microsoft 365 offered all the tools they needed, and Cloudtivity could provide the deployment, training, and customization needed to adapt these tools to their specific needs.
It was not easy though. Our heroes Servio Romero and Jose Ovalles had to spend time at remote locations, in the middle of the Ecuadorian jungle. From having to be vaccinated and travel in canoes through the river to spending time in the jungle with limited access to everyday tools, they went through several challenges to get the job done. But it was worth it.
Today, ENAP Sipetrol uses Microsoft Teams for meetings and team management. Planner for tasks and ongoing task management. SharePoint Online and One Drive have replaced saving files in individual computers, and have opened the door to enhanced collaboration, teamwork, and information availability. Microsoft 365 has brought an array of possibilities never seen on campsites where isolation was the norm. Staff use Microsoft Teams to gain immediate access to communication within sites, and program meetings that were nonexistent in the past.
(context) Oil exploration and production in Ecuador are handled by several local and foreign companies. ENAP Sipetrol is one of the leading oil exploration and production companies. ENAP Sipetrol was founded in 1990, to develop hydrocarbon exploration and production activities outside of Chile, taking advantage of the know-how of its professional and technical teams, in search of new business opportunities abroad. Currently, this subsidiary carries out productive activities in Argentina, Ecuador, and Egypt.
Problem:
Companies in the Oil & Gas industry that operate under demanding conditions, staff in rotating shifts throughout vast regions, and different facilities face the challenge to keep teams communicated and focused on meeting productions goals.
Solution:
Deploying M365 with the help of our experienced IT Team and particular method is a formula for success, as we have a record of accomplishment of stepping up to the challenge of implementing Microsoft solutions in diverse scenarios. We make sure that the company adopts and leverages the power of the most advanced business tools by providing continuous support to end customers and certified training to IT staff.
