Collaborate Use Cases¶
The following examples demonstrate how operator's, contractor's, specialists and EPC's can all use this the collaborate module to work together. In various scenarios from management of change during a project to the overview and control of a tendering processes between an operator and multiple EPC's.
UseCase 1: An Operator and a Contractor¶
The Challenge¶
An independent oil and gas company is now developing a field in the North Sea. Its ambition is to have the project developed and analysed with one EPC (Engineering Procurement & Construction) contractor. The collaboration between the companies is most likely to happen both in the early and later stages.
These companies’ efforts will go across different disciplines and areas during the distinct phases. This means that the complexity of the activities to be performed will potentially increase. Since different programs can be used for calculations and simulations, having multidisciplinary teams from different companies working together on the same project might be challenging.
Solution¶
FieldTwin Collaborate, developed by FutureOn, along with its Field Twin Design, uniquely brings all project data and assets, both subsea and topside, with all their metadata – into plain sight through an easy-to-understand visualisation.
The solution is a new way of working in which two companies can share their data in a visualisation tool where all can see the available data and work with that in the same place. The operator can give different types of access to the contractor by choosing its user role and what is included. This gives flexibility in choosing what data is shared, e.g., the metadata of assets, pipelines, or wells, as well as the possibility of the other party modifying any data or even the layout. It will depend on what is the main goal of the collaboration.
The entire offshore and subsea installations process – from planning and feasibility to preparation and actual operations – can be done using this functionality. When the contractor has the possibility of visualising what is being done in a project and/or the data available, both companies can be on the same page about what must be performed. Also, it makes the analysis of the activities easier to do. Constant reviews and feedback make the decision-making and project management more fluid and reduce misunderstandings.
For every project, one or more collaborations can be defined. As the accessibility to it depends on the corresponding user role, different EPC contractors can work on the same task and have different results, for instance, and only the operator can view the entire model with all options at the same time. Also, different tasks can be performed simultaneously with multiple companies. In summary, they only get access to what is of interest to the operator.
Benefits¶
All parties have access to the same data
All data is shared in real-time. Any changes made (when access is granted) are updated for the other parties, making the process clearer and avoiding any misunderstandings. Also, using data standardisation enables all parties to validate it through integrations and expert tools.
Optimised collaboration
By providing a real-time view of the project, all parties are able to contribute with new and change existing data (depending on the access granted). With that, updates and changes can be done quickly, and time wasted with back-and-forth information is avoided.
Reduced risk
Visualisation of the project and its data allows the project to comply with the proper Health and Safety Executive requirements. Also, what is being or has to be done can have better and clearer judgments about its consequences.
Pre-visualisation of the work to be done
FieldTwin Collaborate allows for full pre-visualisation of the project before it is implemented using only one software. With that, importing and exporting different files and information from and to other software is not required. Time is saved, and all parties can have the same view of the project.
Control of accessed data
All the data that FieldTwin Collaborate shares are stored at and controlled by the owner of shared data. Although the data is visible to all parties involved, the source data is controlled by the owner. What access the other parties have to the shared data is controlled by user rights given by the owner.
Use Case 2: An Operator and multiple EPCs¶
The challenge¶
An independent oil and gas company is now developing a field in the North Sea. Its ambition is to have the project developed and analysed with multiple EPC (Engineering Procurement & Construction) contractors during the various stages. The collaboration between the companies is most likely to happen in not only one but different phases, such as:
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Feed
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Procurement
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Fabrication
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Installation
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Hook-up
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Commissioning
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Operation
These companies’ efforts will go across different disciplines and areas during the distinct phases. This means that the complexity of the activities to be performed will potentially increase. Since different programs can be used for calculations and simulations, having multidisciplinary teams from different companies working together on the same project might be challenging.
Solution¶
FieldTwin Collaborate, developed by FutureOn, along with its Field Twin Design, uniquely brings all project data and assets, both subsea and topside, with all their metadata – into plain sight through an easy-to-understand visualisation.
The solution is a new way of working in which more than two companies can share their data in a visualisation tool where all can see the available data and work with that in the same place. The operator can give different types of access to the contractors by choosing their user role and what is included in each one. This gives flexibility in choosing what data is shared, e.g., the metadata of assets, pipelines, or wells, as well as the possibility of the other party modifying any data or even the layout. It will depend on what is the main goal of the collaboration.
The entire offshore and subsea installations process – from planning and feasibility to preparation and actual operations – can be done using this functionality. When the contractors have the possibility of visualising what is being done in a project and/or the data available, all companies can be on the same page about what must be performed. Also, it makes the analysis of the activities easier to do. Constant reviews and feedback make the decision-making and project management more fluid and reduce misunderstandings.
For every project, one or more collaborations can be defined. As the accessibility to it depends on the corresponding user role, different EPC contractors can work on the same task and have different results, for instance, and only the operator can view the entire model with all options at the same time. Also, different tasks can be performed simultaneously with multiple companies. In summary, they only get access to what is of interest to the operator.
Benefits¶
All parties have access to the same data
All data is shared in real-time. Any changes made (when access is granted) are updated for the other parties, making the process clearer and avoiding any misunderstandings. Also, using data standardisation enables all parties to validate it through integrations and expert tools.
Optimised collaboration
By providing a real-time view of the project, all parties can contribute with new and change existing data (depending on the access granted). With that, updates and changes can be done quickly, and time wasted with back-and-forth information is avoided.
Reduced risk
Visualisation of the project and its data allows the project to comply with the proper Health and Safety Executive requirements. Also, what is being or has to be done can have better and clearer judgments about its consequences.
Pre-visualisation of the work to be done
FieldTwin Collaborate allows for full pre-visualisation of the project before it is implemented using only one software. With that, importing and exporting different files and information from and to other software is not required. Time is saved, and all parties can have the same view of the project.
Control of accessed data
All the data that FieldTwin Collaborate shares are stored at and controlled by the owner of shared data. Although the data is visible to all parties involved, the source data is controlled by the owner. What access the other parties have to the shared data is controlled by user rights given by the owner.
Use Case 3: Change Management¶
The Challenge¶
An operator has a field that has been producing for over 20 years. It has been found that a new reservoir can be exploited some miles away from the old one. Studies about how exploitation can be done have as an alternative a tie-in to the existing facilities. However, due to the distance between them and the characteristics of the fluid, it is appointed that the use of a pump must be required.
According to the cost analysis, it is more profitable to have pumps operating rather than new facilities closer to the new reservoir. Because of this, the operator now needs to get input on where the best location for the pumps is and how the field layout must be in order to tie in the new assets and structures that must be put in place.
The Solution¶
FieldTwin Collaborate, developed by FutureOn, along with its Field Twin Design, uniquely brings all project data and assets, both subsea and topside, with all their metadata – into plain sight through an easy-to-understand visualisation.
This feature makes it possible for two or more companies to share their data and work in the same place. The operator already has the existing field layout on it. Depending on the access granted, the other party can analyse and give their input and even simulate what can be done. This allows the creation of different scenarios that can be used for the solution, which facilitates decision-making. Having all the data in one place puts companies on the same page and makes it easy to get feedback on them.
The fact that it is possible to visualise everything already built and seabed characteristics, including obstructions that had been mapped over the years, makes the analysis process clearer. There is no need for the operator to spend time sending different files with the necessary information so the other party can analyse them. This can easily be done in one place since different user roles can be defined to the companies that are not the project owners, which gives them different types of data access. This means that the operator can have all their data in the project and only share what is of interest to the other company to have their job done.
It can also be used in a later phase of the project if there is a need to have some other work performed. FieldTwin Collaborate can be activated at any time and shared with other parties, which does not limit it to being used only once.
Benefits¶
Quicker start
By having a view of what is already in the project, the analysis of the other party can start the moment it joins the collaboration. It makes it easier to understand the project and what needs to be done, saving time and, consequently, money.
Parties can be added to collaborate at any time of the operation
The solution allows the integration of other companies at any time of operation. This means that they can be added punctually to solve a problem, to help develop and/or change something on the existing layout.
Customised data access
The project owner can configure different access to the data and information. Although several companies might be part of the project during its operation, it is possible to limit access to each one according to what is necessary for them when performing the task. This is editable and may be changed if there is a need for that.
Use Case 4: Working with external specialists¶
The Challenge¶
An operator has several fields that are under production in the North Sea. Every year, a risk assessment of the operation must be done, which can be performed by different specialists, like internal and external auditors, for instance.
These companies, which can be an internal department of the company or external companies, need to have a clear understanding of the process and everything involved. The more detailed the analysis, the better the risk assessment is performed. It is not certain that everyone who works on the risk assessment has a deep knowledge of all the operation steps, such as the responsible for the operation. Therefore, to perform a complete analysis that covers all the risks, the information shall be clear and accessible.
This work is usually done with the operator providing different documents stating the flowchart of the process, assets, structure, and people involved in the activities. In addition, they can also provide the risks already mapped, the consequences, and the mitigation actions that can be taken.
Although many details might be given to the professionals who will do the assessment, it can be time-consuming to gather all the existing information and understand exactly where all the weaknesses are.
Solution¶
Field Twin Design, developed by Future On, brings all the project data and assets, both subsea and topside, with all their metadata – into one place, providing an easy-to-understand visualisation. FieldTwin Collaborate, which now can be incorporated, is the new way of having two or more companies working with the same data in the same place.
The solution allows more than one company to access the projects, representing a more straightforward way of sharing the data and a better understanding of the activities. The entire process of offshore and subsea installations can be included, which facilitates a walkthrough of the activities. Also, having the possibility of attaching documents to the field layout in addition to the metadata included makes the analysis faster and more precise.
With a complete view of the project, the risk identification is more accurate. This allows for prioritising the key ones, which will be further used to develop the assessment criteria in a way it covers all business units. Once the criteria are defined, the risk assessment can be performed. FieldTwin Collaborate can add value to this entire process not only by giving a complete overview of the project but also because it makes it possible to analyse how different activities interact and impact each other, directly or not.
The solution is available to be added to each project and can be configured according to its purpose. This means that the owner can grant different access to the project and the information chosen to be displayed.
Benefits¶
Time-saving
Having the field layout including what is utilised for operation allows the other party to work more efficiently without demanding time from different professionals involved in the operation to explain what and when the activities are performed. If all documents and data needed for the analysis are already available, in many cases, this can reduce or eliminate the requirement for other documents, and only what is needed to be clarified will be requested.
Simplified collaboration
The unified view of the project simplifies multi-language and facilitates cross-disciplinary communication. This reduces the opportunities for misunderstandings and supports knowledge transfer and collaboration.
Return on investment
With all its details, the visualisation tool allows professionals to focus on their tasks. The work can be performed more independently by the specialists. Giving them the possibility to access all the data (or most part of it) in one place makes the work smoother and, eventually, faster. Also, more details can be accessed, facilitating understanding and providing better results.
Customised data access
FieldTwin Collaborate is configurable according to the correct access the company performing a task shall have. This is made by the project owner, which is free to have all metadata it wants in the software but only gives permission to what will be used by the other party. With that, it is possible to have more than one company performing the same or different tasks simultaneously.
Use Case 5: Two Operators¶
The Challenge¶
The development of a field is usually done by two or more operators involved in a project. The effort demanded in the different stages can be minor or significant depending on the tasks performed. In the early stages, demanding work is necessary in order to understand all the details of the field and develop the best solution that will lead to the expected output. In a later stage, when the field is already in operation, visualisation and understanding are not facilitated when several files of different software are being used. Following up on what is being done may be challenging, demanding professionals to explain and making it harder to have feedback about enhancements or suggestions about the operations.
Although all Operator companies have their shares in the field, only one becomes the project's operator. Consequently, keeping track of all changes might be difficult for others. Even though they are informed of the ongoing project's actions, the back-and-forth documentation involved takes time. Therefore, an agreement between parts concerning the final layout of the field takes a considerable amount of time that can influence the beginning of the operation, impact the expenses of the project, and delay the income.
Solution¶
Along with its Field Twin Design, FutureOn developed FieldTwin Collaborate, which uniquely brings a collaboration of all project data and assets, both subsea and topside, with all their metadata – into plain sight through an easy-to-understand visualisation for all parties in the project.
Using an innovative way of working, companies are able to share their data with the other party and work together on the decision-making process and analysis needed during planning or operation. The project owner can give different types of access to the other company, defined by the user role and what is included in it. With that, visualisation or modification of the data and the field layout can be limited or expanded depending on the purpose of the collaboration.
The functionality can be used for the entire offshore and subsea installations process – from planning and feasibility to preparation and actual operations. This facilitates the understanding of the project and allows all parties involved to make tests and discuss what can be done differently. Also, the challenges faced during any stage of the development can be inputted, and different scenarios for solutions can be simulated and analysed. This clarifies the actions being taken and avoids misunderstandings.
Benefits¶
All parties have access to the same data
All data is shared in real-time. Any changes made (when access is granted) are updated for the other parties, making the process clearer and avoiding any misunderstandings. Also, using data standardisation enables all parties to validate it through integrations and expert tools.
Optimised collaboration
By providing a real-time view of the project, all parties are able to contribute by providing new and/or changing existing data (depending on the access granted). Updates and modifications can be done quickly, saving time spent with back-and-forth information.
Reduced risk
Visualisation of the project and its data allows the project to comply with the proper Health and Safety Executive requirements. Also, what is being or has to be done can have better and clearer judgments about its consequences.
Pre-visualisation of the work to be done
FieldTwin Collaborate allows for full pre-visualisation of the project before it is implemented using only one software. With that, the process of importing and exporting different files and information from and to other software is not required. Time is saved, and all parties can have the same view of the project.
Easy to follow the ongoing project
Having the Collaborate tool allows the other company involved in the project (which is not the operator) to keep track and follow what is being done. With that, any changes to be made are easier to clarify, and actions can be taken more quickly.
Use Case 6: Bidding Round¶
The Challenge¶
An independent operator is preparing a bidding round that will have the participation of 3 EPC companies that are interested in developing a project with them. This process aims to select one of the three EPCs that will help the operator with the field project. Data and information about the area and existing infrastructure must be shared with all parties so they can develop their offer. The development includes subsea layout (with or without existing infrastructure), well position, top side information, etc. Therefore, the information received needs to be gathered and analysed in the most optimised way to give the best development plan.
Important to say that not all companies work with the same programs, which can also be different from the ones the operator work with. This may lead to challenges concerning the analysis and presentation of the result once the EPCs companies develop their project for the given field. Thus, an extra effort may be necessary in order to ensure the information is clear.
Solution¶
The new feature of FutureOn, FieldTwin Collaborate, brings an optimised solution for this scenario. First, FieldTwin Design allows the operator to create an initial model with all necessary information that must be shared with the companies participating in the bidding. Files of bathymetry, seabed obstructions, reservoir, pipelines, assets, and well positioning can be uploaded in a project exclusively for this use. The respective metadata needed can also be inputted.
Once the project is created, with the Collaborate functionality, it can be shared for all three companies without the need to send several files. Each company has separate access, giving them the freedom to work and test their solutions. The changes made in the project can be seen neither by the other EPC companies nor by the operator. Access can be controlled to be given only when it is desired to. This gives them an equal opportunity to develop the projects since everyone uses the same software, and the result can be analysed using the same approach.
It is an innovative way of working that gives the capability for the companies to facilitate their internal decision-making process and the external analysis of the operator. Discussions can be more fluid, and comparisons are easy to be done. All relevant information can be inputted, which gives a better understanding of the proposed solution. Once the bidding process reaches its deadline, all EPC companies can share their result with the operator, which can decide who won. The chosen model can then be used for further field development, and the two companies (operator and EPC) can work together on it.
Benefits¶
All parties have access to the same key information
All key information and data that must be shared with the parties involved in the bidding round can be inputted into the “base” model. This means that all parties have the same starting point and place to work on developing their ideas. Data is shared equally by all of them since only one software is being used.
Limited access
Changes made by the EPC companies cannot be seen without them giving the right access to the operator. This means that their tests and analysis during the process will not be shared if it is not desired.
Facilitated decision making
By having all the results from the different parties in one software, comparisons between them are easier to be done. Cost analysis and other simulations, for instance, can be done in all of them. The decision-making process is facilitated due to the same approach that can be applied.
Further steps are easier to follow
Once the project is chosen, it can be used by the operator and EPC for further steps in the field development. Any changes needed in the future are easier to discuss and analyse, which may save time for implementation.