Resources | Cegal

Uncover your subsurface project and data landscape to drive meaningful transformation

Written by Paul Gabriel | Nov 30, 2023 12:06:54 PM

In the oil and gas industry, where decisions are based on the analysis of a seismic survey or well log, managing the ever-growing volumes of data is not just a technical challenge — it's a strategic imperative 

The industry's reliance on diverse and complex data sets, from geological surveys to real-time operational data, has never been greater. Yet, effectively storing, accessing, and analyzing this data to drive decisions remains a challenge. 

This blog delves into how defining your subsurface project and data environment is the first step to increasing efficiency, driving innovation, and navigating your evolving data landscape.

Navigating the data maze in oil and gas 

Companies frequently struggle to navigate their vast data landscapes, facing several key issues: 

  • Distinguishing current, relevant data from outdated information. This is a constant challenge that often leads to the accumulation of obsolete data, clouding decision-making processes. 

  • Duplicated data. Redundancies not only waste storage and resources but also create confusion. Identifying and consolidating these duplicates is crucial for maintaining data integrity.

  • Corrupted data. This presents a significant risk, potentially leading to operational errors. Ensuring data integrity is vital, yet many companies lack the tools to effectively monitor and rectify corrupted data.

  • Dispersed data. The scattered nature of data across different systems and departments adds to the complexity. Locating specific, relevant data can be a time-consuming task, hindering timely access and decision-making. This often results in missed opportunities and delays in response to market changes. 

Companies need to develop a streamlined, efficient approach to data management, ensuring not only the organization and storage of data but also its quality, relevance, and accessibility.  

Paul Gabriel, Data Services Manager in Cegal

Addressing these challenges is crucial for the oil and gas industry. Doing so will enhance operational efficiency, enable more informed decision-making, and strengthen their position in a competitive, data-driven market. 

How can the Cegal Data Assessment help you fast-track your subsurface data management strategy?

In an industry where the accuracy and management of data can define success, Cegal presents the Data Assessment - a service solution that is part of the Cegal Data Program. Our approach is rooted in leveraging advanced file and project scanning technologies to process and analyze metadata from your file systems. Our priority is subsurface projects and data, and we include a suite of the most popular subsurface applications such as Petrel, Kingdom, and Paleoscan. Once completed we analyze the results offsite and deliver you a report, presentation, and full file listings. 

This innovative method offers unparalleled business insights, setting a new standard in data management. Below we present some of the benefits this service offers: 

  • Maximized disk space utilization: Our service identifies redundant, outdated, or corrupt projects and data, freeing up essential disk space and optimizing data storage efficiency.

  • Enhanced ESG standing: By reducing data storage, we help your company advance its Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, contributing to a more sustainable digital footprint. 

  • Cost efficiency: By optimizing data storage and management, costs associated with data maintenance and storage solutions will be significantly reduced. 

  • Elevated exploration and production: Access precise datasets for improved exploration and production, ensuring that decisions are made on the most reliable and relevant data. 

  • Assured regulatory compliance: Ensure compliance with industry regulations regarding data integrity and management, particularly for licensed data. 

  • Streamlined decision-making: The analysis helps support the development of a single source of truth for all subsurface datasets, facilitating quicker and more accurate decision-making.

  • Seamless cloud migration: Smoothly transition to cloud-based solutions with a clear understanding of your data landscape, ensuring efficient migration and future growth by only taking what you need. 
  • Robust data governance frameworks: Set the foundation for effective data governance initiatives, positioning your company for ongoing data-driven advancements. 

Cegal's Data Assessment is not just a service tool - it's the first step to transforming your data management, supporting operational excellence, and driving forward-thinking decision-making. 

Streamlining seismic license compliance in the UK 

In March 2023, a large multinational energy company announced its acquisition of a major international energy company's UK division.  During this transition, the international energy company faced a critical challenge - the removal of certain seismic data whose licenses were not included in the acquisition. The presence of unlicensed datasets posed a risk of legal and financial repercussions. Traditionally, this would have been a lengthy, manual process, involving identifying and deleting files from various storage mediums and embedded within specific software projects. 

Seeking an efficient solution, the company turned to Cegal and its Data Program via the Data Assessment. Cegal’s technology scanned the company’s storage systems and software projects, providing a comprehensive data inventory and analysis within one week. This efficient process offered a complete view of the company’s UK subsurface data landscape. 

Utilizing Cegal technologies, the unlicensed seismic files were then programmatically removed from both disk storage and software projects. To ensure full transparency and accountability, Cegal provided a detailed audit trail, guaranteeing regulatory compliance and peace of mind. 

This swift and effective execution of Cegal's Data Program allowed the international energy company to fulfill its seismic licensing obligations seamlessly during the transition. The company achieved compliance while avoiding potential legal liabilities, therefore protecting its reputation and ensuring operational continuity. 

The service was excellent, very reactive to our requirements, and reduced the cycle time by about 90% to locate and remove the target data files. 

Quote from the Geoscience Manager.

Conclusion - Transforming data management into a strategic advantage 

The Cegal Data Assessment stands as an efficient and effective solution in revolutionizing data management for the oil and gas industry.  

By swiftly addressing the challenges of data organization, legacy data, and compliance, our service significantly enhances operational efficiency and decision-making.

Read more about Cegal's Subsurface Data Services here >