Computerized Drilling Reports Strengthen Management's Decision Process

Abstract

This paper discusses the benefits and difficulties with the implementation of a daily drilling report system using personal computers (PC's) at rig site throughout the Panhandle Region. The system's purpose being to capture and send data daily to the Borger, Texas office. In 1991, laptop PC's were introduced to rig site operations. Training of field and office personal was essential, but proved to be less demanding than originally anticipated. Benefits of the new systemA much higher accuracy (92%) of critical data compared to 62% of the old main frame system.Detailed daily costs are captured and are checked against the AFE cost estimate for discrepancies.Management is using the daily cost information for timely budget decisions rather than waiting for invoice payment system to provide cost information. The main problems experienced are with the modems and cellular telephones. When operations are in fringe areas of coverage, equal distance between towers, or bad weather is moving through, loss of clear signals affects communication. Overall the improved quality and quantity of data has more users asking for and receiving, in a convient, timely manner, the needed information to a number of myriad decisions and reports necessary to support an active drilling and completion program. PC's have been accepted by both office and field supervisors as an efficient way of doing today's business. Background A company wide daily drilling report system has been in use since 1984. Morning reports were called into the office, written on the correct forms and given to a data entry clerk for input into the main frame computer system. Essential drilling data along with total daily and cumulative costs were reported. Except for printed or on screen morning reports, little use was made of the data because of its poor quality, lack of consistent use of terms and format and limited number of specific data elements To obtain customized reports from company headquarters or additional captured data could take as long P. 71^