DSDE: Features

As data management (DM) moves from priority to imperative status in the beleaguered upstream industry, growing gaps between DM-mature and DM-immature organizations will determine future leaders.

Imagine the time when we are no longer concerned about the digital-transformation issues we face today, such as data availability, security, and many others. This would be the time when companies make the best out of digital infrastructure. This era might be here sooner than expected.

In addition to the well-recognized elements of digital transformation such as real-time monitoring, remote intelligence, and extraction of insights from data, there is a need to evolve the industry hardware through application of enhanced edge computing.

A recent panel discussion highlighted the industry’s progress in achieving significant digital advances. Barriers remain, however, and the measurement of success is being defined in this evolving technological step change.

There is a lot of talk these days about transitions. There are technology transitions going on. There are demographic and cultural transitions in the workforce and in society at large. But the one I want to focus on in this column is the so-called “energy transition.”

Deep learning is routinely used in products and services that affect hundreds of millions of lives, despite the fact that no one quite understands how it works. Now, the Office of Naval Research has awarded a $7.5 million grant to a group of researchers who think they can unravel the mystery.

Industrial blockchain network Data Gumbo has facilitated real-time tracking of lease operating expenses for oil and gas operators by using validated field-operating data to trigger automated payments based on agreed terms.

The agreement will use IBM’s hybrid-cloud technology and Red Hat’s OpenShift platform to expand access to Schlumberger’s Delfi exploration and production software suite.

Advanced machine-learning methods combined with aspects of game theory are helping operators understand the drivers of water production and improve forecasting and economics in unconventional basins.

The Norwegian company completed what it describes as the world’s first logistics operation with a drone to an offshore installation.