Seven data analytics apps and actionable strategies for gas and oil companies

Data analytics is an integral part of any company. That’s especially true for gas and oil, where data can take the guesswork out of predictive analyses and decision-making. No matter your company’s size, you can use data analytics to streamline your processes and create better, more achievable strategic plans.

Make better decisions while planning

Most basically, big data analytics in the oil and gas industry can help you determine how best to plan your productions. This process includes determining how productive past digs were. Having this information can help you decide which areas tend to be the most productive. It will even show which markets have a high demand for your product. When planning your dig, you also have to keep in mind the potential environmental impact your drilling can make on a particular region. State and federal regulations may also have official regulations you must follow regarding reporting your anticipated and actual environmental impact. Many companies use data analytics to create an effective strategy for mapping and accurately predicting that impact.

Minimize risks

There will always be some risk with a gas and oil company. However, it’s essential for your bottom line, your stakeholders, your employees, and your company at-large that you take every step possible to minimize risks of harm to your employees and the environments they’re working with. Failure to adequately minimize risks can result in high turnover, regulatory fees and violations, a decrease in investors, and more. Using data can show all your stakeholders that you’re taking safety seriously and that you’re using science and technology to minimize risks.

Make your drills and digs more productive

Data can show you the historical trends of a particular site and estimates related to how long it is likely to stay productive. This information is crucial to planning future digs and determining when it’s time to move to a different site. If you know how long a particular site is likely to remain productive, you can better plan how long to stay at the site and when it’s time to move on. Data can help you determine the productivity of other sites. This is beneficial when you’re deciding which site to move to next.

Using your equipment more efficiently

Are you trying to decide if it’s time to repair or replace a piece of machinery? Are you trying to determine which equipment will be the best and the most long-lasting for your company? Data can help. Data can help you determine how often to perform machine maintenance and assess your equipment’s lifespan so you’re not spending too much time or money replacing machines that would be cheaper and easier just to replace.

Bridge performance gaps

Are you finding that your company is underperforming in a specific field or department? This could be IT, determining where to dig next, or a variety of areas. Data can help you understand why you’re seeing these performance issues and how to fix them. You can use data on your own company and compare that to others in the industry to determine the problem you’re facing and how to fix it. The solution may be as simple as buying more machines or hiring an extra staff member. Data may also help you determine if there’s a long-term issue, such as drilling in a historically non-productive area.

Improve day-to-day operations

Besides improving operations within the fields themselves, you can use data to create better efficiency within your office spaces. Data can show you what the most optimal workflow for your company looks like. It can also reveal what your company needs to do to streamline operations.

Forecast future production

When you’re wrapping up a dig or drill, it’s crucial to assess what went well, what could’ve gone better, and how to be even more productive during the next dig. Data can help you do that. It can also help you forecast the likelihood of certain dig locations being productive. This data provides critical information to determine where to set up shop next to maximize your dig efficiency.

Data analytics and strategies

Creating actionable strategies increasingly means having useful data driving your decision-making processes. Whether you’re trying to strategize administrative tasks or field exploration, data can help you make informed decisions that produce long-term benefits. If you’re new to using data to develop your day-to-day strategies, you can hire a consultant to help you. A consultant is a great way to ensure you understand how to find and use the best data possible for your business.