Abstract

From the beginning of the oil and gas industry, we have seen many different types of companies. From small independent to large producers, they all have something in common: evolution. From the word go, all companies go through an evolution of sorts. These evolutions take place by departmentalization.

These days we have G&G, Engineering, Operations, Land, Accounting, Human Resources. Some companies even have audit and public relations departments. Now, the time has come for an entirely new department: Data. Historically, data of any type was the property of the department that generated it. G&G had well files, logs, maps, cross sections, etc. Engineering had different logs, their own well files, pre- and post-job well reports. Operations may have their own well files. Accounting and Land have a whole different way of identifying each well, operated and non-operated. Well files are not uniform, logs are not disseminated across the board, and data is lost, destroyed or hoarded.

A central, conventionalized, accessible department is needed to admin this influx of data, whether raw, calculated, or interpreted. The Data Department would be responsible for creating and tracking all data transfers, keep map and GIS information up to date, and making sure each person responsible for the data is kept up to date. Any and all geological/geophysical applications would be run from this department, as would the printing and sharing of logs, maps and cross sections. The Data Department would also be responsible for communicating with partners, keep a checklist of data needed from other partners, and making sure the data is sent to the correct partners as per their non-operated well requirements.

A Database Administrator/Manager is needed to oversee the creation, maintenance and daily operations of this department. This employee would be fluent in most applications that access the data, able to coordinate with IT, and possess the ability to cross train into other disciplines. Any and all techs that handle data on a daily basis would fall under this new group, so managerial skills are also desirable.

The oilfield is moving at an ever-increasing pace. Therefore, an entirely new department, self-sufficient and maintained, is critical to keeping data safe, secure and current. Having all data centralized eases access and use, and enables all other departments to work together in sync. A strong staff is essential, as is a strong manager. All of these things together will help the company move faster and grow healthier.