Falling oil prices and collapsing profit margins are driving the industry to lower costs any way possible. While reducing labor costs and gaining supplier concessions can help, output must continue, if not increase, especially on completed wells to meet commitments to buyers. Some in the industry may persist in using time-tested manual methods and localized automation, but the economics of continuing to do so just doesn’t add up nor do they scale as new drilling and completion techniques increase service densities along with operating complexities.

This presentation focuses on advanced automation architectures and software techniques that leverage data analytics and system modularity to achieve greater operational efficiency and reliability. Doing 'more with less' is highlighted through specific technologies that combine advanced hardware and software into unified platforms. Applications are then presented to comprehensively analyze the benefits, efficiencies, and robustness of these technologies and architecture design concepts.