Establishment of a Robust Digital Transformation Framework to Increase Production and Perpetuate Operational Efficiency Gains

Abstract

Abstract The goal of this study is to illustrate the main findings, drivers, and challenges of operational processes digitalization in offshore oil platforms. Some studies show low rates of successful digital initiatives even in an environment where businesses from all industries are concentrating on boost their digital transformation to quickly respond to market changes, increase their competitiveness, and provide value to their clients. Therefore, it is vital to create a clear digital process stream, define the digital pillars, and establish the principles of the digital culture in an ongoing quest for the sustainability and scalability of digital tools, along with the dedication to perpetuating benefits to enhance productivity and improve efficiency. It became clear that Digital Transformation is less about training data scientists and programmers and more about training individuals capable of driving technologies with values and purpose. In a competitive environment, who prevails is the one that can successfully implement and perpetuate ideas. Additionally, technology can succeed or fail depending on people and processes. In this context, a comprehensive examination of digital transformation frameworks was conducted, and the People-Process-Technology (PPT) framework was selected. Some of the agile traps were detailed, exposing risks of agile methods. Then, an analysis of cultural change considering people training was also performed, where different strategies are exhibited together with its results. Finally, a discussion about sharing data and values among corporations is presented, showing that companies that are engaged in disseminating data are more likely to survive and contribute to their clients, suppliers, and the whole society. Only after starting a journey of creating a new culture, it was possible to implement more than 200 digital solutions since 2020 with almost zero capital expenditure and generated more than 2.5 million oil barrels of value. In conclusion, it was found that there is no "Digital Transformation", but rather a "Cultural Transformation Using Digital Solutions".