In today’s digital oilfield, information is king. Sound exploration and production decisions demand high-quality field data. As such, operational efficiency, cash flow, and competitive edge all hinge on an operator’s field data capture capabilities.

Supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) and other remote monitoring technologies connect well sites with field and corporate offices. Such systems transmit valuable telemetry, such as production volumes, pressures, and equipment status, but can be cost-prohibitive to deploy. And even with the most sophisticated automated data acquisition capabilities, E&P companies require more extensive visibility into their production operations than remote monitoring technology alone can provide. A current and complete view of operations requires a field data capture approach that combines people, process, and technology.

The Digital Oilfield Demands Real-Time, Accurate Data

Lease operators are on the front line when it comes to field data capture. Historically equipped with a grease pencil or spreadsheet, lease operators record a wide range of well site data, including meter readings, tank levels, well tests, and events. Traditional data capture, however, is plagued by data entry errors and inconsistencies. What’s more, manually recorded data can take days or even longer to be collated into a structured form, such as loading into a master well database, for review and analysis.

The solution to improving data acquisition lies in the smartphones that field staff carry in their pockets. In an increasingly “mobile-first” world, mobile apps are replacing traditional personal computer software programs. And nowhere is the need for mobile apps more apparent than in a well route’s remote and rugged environment.

What is Field Data Capture Software?

Field data capture software is a specialized mobile application that allows oil and gas operators to collect, validate, and transmit production data directly from wellsites. These applications are built specifically for the unique requirements of lease operators who need to record accurate measurements in remote, challenging environments.

Field data capture software includes industry-specific features like automated volume calculations, production analytics, and integration with existing SCADA systems. The software runs on smartphones and tablets, allowing lease operators to input meter readings, tank levels, well tests, and operational events using simple touchscreen interfaces.

W Energy’s field data gathering solution is the only high-performance native mobile app designed exclusively for oil and gas field operators. The platform offers complete offline functionality, so lease operators can continue working even without cellular service. When connectivity returns, all data syncs automatically to corporate systems in real-time.

Key Benefits of Oil and Gas Field Data Capture Software for Lease Operators

Comprehensive Data Acquisition

It enables operators to efficiently collect all required production and operations data, including oil & gas volumes, well status, pressures, well tests, sales runs, water hauls, and BS&W draws.

Real-Time Reporting

Mobile apps maintain asynchronous connections with the cloud, ensuring that data is synced instantly with a production database. When cellular service is temporarily unavailable in remote locations, data is cached in disconnected mode and synced automatically when cellular service is available.

Data Quality

Administrators can define reference data, such as field, lease, or well name, allowing field staff to choose from standardized lists. Combined with data entry validation, inaccurate and inconsistent data is significantly reduced.

Ease of Use

Mobile apps require minimal training compared to desktop applications. Intuitive user interfaces leverage touchscreen technology, enabling lease operators to record field data with just one hand. Staff bring their own device (BYOD), allowing them to choose their preferred mobile device in the field.

Integrated Functions

Apps take advantage of native mobile functionality, including the ability to take a photo, associate it with a property or well, and tag assets with location data.

Low-Cost Field Data Capture

Mobile apps are a highly effective method of capturing field data, which takes advantage of a lease operator’s existing smartphone. As a result, E&P companies can dramatically improve operational awareness at a fraction of the cost of SCADA and other automated monitoring systems.

Armed with their smartphone and an app built specifically for field data capture, lease operators are powering a new generation of digital oilfield.

W Energy: A Smarter Way to Capture Field Data

A pioneer of oil and gas field data capture for independents, W Energy Software offers next-generation mobile technology designed specifically for lease operators. Our mobile app features include one-touch data entry for liquids and gas, battery, events, and well tests, as well as data caching and charting. With more than 100 production attributes to track, the mobile solution can be customized to fit each client’s exact field data capture needs.

What’s more, W Energy Software’s lease operator app is fully integrated with our leading cloud-based production and operations reporting platform. As a result, data recorded by field staff seamlessly drives real-time production dashboards, back-office reporting, and analysis.

Request a demo today to experience the difference W Energy’s Field Data Gathering Solution can make in your operations.

References:

https://wenergysoftware.com/solutions/upstream/field-data-gathering/

https://wenergysoftware.com/resources/insights/field-data-gathering-use-cases/

https://wenergysoftware.com/resources/insights/what-field-data-gathering/

https://wenergysoftware.com/resources/insights/deep-dive-into-w-energy-field-data-gathering/