Integrated Operations

Tomorrow’s fields may be operated completely differently from now, and the oil industry is approaching a leading high-tech role in which work processes and safety are emphasized together with new technology.

IO MTO method

The IO MTO method is designed to provide support for conducting analysis activities related to MTO issues (man – technology – organization) in the early stages of design, development and modification projects in the oil industry. The focus of the method is the allocation or reallocation of functions and development of work processes.

The guidelines for implementation of the method will ensure two matters. First, that such organizational changes will be analyzed in a proper and structured manner, and second, that the analysis is thoroughly documented. The method includes mapping of ambitions, as well as the at all times current overriding and detailed objectives for the prospect. These will be used and updated in the course of the analysis.

By mapping tasks for selected positions, one will gain an overview of the current situation in terms of tasks performed in the various positions. An analysis of opportunities and limitations connected to each task forms the basis for role distribution and allocation. The analysis results are further used in development of work processes and work flow modeling.

Projects delivered with the IO MTO method:

Center for Integrated Operations in the Petroleum Industry

NTNU in cooperation with research partners IFE and Sintef is responsible for an international research project on Integrated Operations (IO). The center has been nominated a center for research-based innovation by the Norwegian Research Council, and 13 industry partners is funding the center along with the Research Council. The industry partners are oil companies, engineering companies and vendors. The focus of the IO Center is IO research within the value chain, i.e. drilling, reservoir and production optimization, as well as operation and maintenance. Important aspects across the value chain are work processes, collaboration and teamwork within an MTO perspective. The center was initiated in 2006 and is provided with funding from the Research Council until 2015. http://www.ntnu.edu/iocenter

Collaboration training – SOFIO

Collaboration across geographical locations using advanced collaboration technologies, such as video conferencing and shared information surfaces, is important in order to achieve effective collaboration in an IO setting. A method for training and coaching in collaboration, SOFIO, was developed and tested within the IO Center. The method supports training in how meetings can be properly conducted in this new collaboration environment. The method is based upon observations and feedback of real-life meetings.

Projects delivered with the SOFIO method: