IFS has announced that Odfjell Drilling is extending its use of IFS ERP applications with the implementation of IFS IoT Business Connector. The connector will allow the companies to leverage data collected from Internet of Things (IoT) devices attached to its assets.
Founded in 1973 Odfjell drilling has 2000 employees and operates in more than 20 countries. It manages and maintains off shores drilling operations in the harshest of environments, including many in the North Sea. The introduction of sensors able to detect deterioration in components well ahead of human visual inspections is a leap forward for the industry. Odfjell invests heavily in technology both to improve safety and to extend the lifetime of assets. In turn this reduces downtime and improves revenues and results.
Odfjell Drilling first selected IFS in 2012. They implemented modules including asset maintenance, document management, project management, financials, supply chain management, and human resources. When they implemented IFS Applications for Offshore Service they also enabled IFS instant replication. This allows rapid data replication between onshore and offshore facilities. This is now extended to the IoT data that is collected. It will be live in Q2 2018.
Tor Tjeldnes, CIO at Odfjell Drilling commented: “Now more than ever, we have to adapt with smart new digital solutions to stay competitive and profitable. IFS helps us achieve that and we have had a positive experience with the company’s people and technology since we first started to use IFS Applications three years ago. The IoT Business Connector will give us better control of the maintenance of our assets, and we are excited to see the positive effects this will have for our company in terms of asset reliability, service performance, and cost savings.”
Using asset data to improve service schedules.
The new solution will enable Odfjell Drilling to transmit condition data from each of their off shore rigs back to a central repository. From there, the data can be analysed and improvements made to the maintenance schedules for each rig. As the data store is built up they can undertake data analysis on identifying insights and trends.
The Oil and Gas industry is often seen as one of the harshest environments that people work in. Safety records are generally good. That is only because of companies constantly look to improve how to monitor and maintain their assets. In applying analytics to IoT data Odfjell Drilling are doing just that.
What does this mean?
Once implemented and the data is both flowing and being analysed, this should mean a step forward for Odfjell Drilling. Maintenance work can be scheduled more effectively. The company can minimise risks of dangerous tasks by carrying them out in better conditions in a timely fashion.
For IFS, who have several customers in the Oil & Gas industry, it is vindication of their investment into their IoT solution. While heavy industries such Oil & Gas are taking advantage of IoT today, other industries will follow in time. Expertise IFS gains Odfjell Drilling should assist them in other industries such as manufacturing and field service.
Glenn Arnesen, CEO of IFS in Scandinavia commented: “We are pleased that Odfjell Drilling sees the value in implementing IFS’ IoT solution into its fleet. This is a testament to our strong position in the oil and gas market and we look forward to continue our partnership with Odfjell and other drilling contractors on their digitization journey. There are large opportunities to improve operations and save costs, and we look forward to working with our clients to achieve this.”
