We all have worries about our business that can keep us up at night. That is precisely why it is important to have contingency plans in place in the event of a disaster.
 
The addition of Contingency Planning to API Q2 forces organizations to anticipate catastrophic events and create documentation defining their contingency plan procedures. The service provider must also integrate the plan into its processes between its suppliers and customers.
 
Contingency Planning is an ongoing process and must be updated periodically to mitigate risks of disruption and incidents.
 
Contingency Plans should at the very least contain:

• How to respond to specific risk scenarios
• Steps to mitigate the effects of disruptive incidents
• Assigned responsibilities and authorities
• Internal and external communication controls 

The pending API Q2, with its added Contingency Planning requirements ensures your organization will be prepared for should the unexpected occur.

If you are anything like me, you realize that sustainability is one of the biggest concerns that our planet faces today. As we become more environmentally responsible, green movements seem to be a focus of every industry. No industry has faced as much scrutiny as oil and gas has lately. So, when I see an example of responsibility, I like to take note of it.
 
Freshwater is a key component to the fracking process and hauling large quantities to dry areas is costly and inefficient. Not to mention the time and money required to transport the used water to underground disposal wells.
 
As a result of these issues, oilfield service companies such as Baker Hughes and FTS International have begun to treat the used water and reuse it in the fracking process.
 
This practice has spun off some benefits to surrounding stakeholders and businesses. The reduction in the transportation of water has drastically reduced the number of trucks on the road, thus reducing traffic in these fracking areas. Also, companies producing materials that aid in the treatment of used water are seeing an increase in business.
 
Given the benefits of recycling, likely accompanied by additional regulations for reusing fracked water, I expect this practice to become more prevalent in the oilfield service industry.

With API Q2 looming, it is crucial that we continue to uncover what it means to oil and gas service providers. An addition that I am paying close attention to is the communication requirement of the new specification. Both internal and external communications will require greater control in order to become compliant with Q2.
 
Establishing an internal communication process is equally as important to service providers as developing compliant service processes. The API Q2 guidelines for internal communication outline the steps necessary to maintain processes that ensure customer and other requirements are communicated to the relevant parties within a service organization. Appropriate levels of the organization must also be alerted when data analysis results are obtained. These controlled processes are not just about compliance but also about reducing misunderstandings and miscommunication within an organization.
 
Communicating with contractors and customers is a necessary ingredient for successful organizations. API Q2 stresses open communication with external parties to confirm that the requirements are understood and that risk is mitigated throughout the execution of services.
 
Some of these services include:

• Execution of inquiries, contracts, or handling and amendments
• Service Quality Plans
• Addressing feedback and complaints 
  

Communication, whether internal and external, can make or break an organization. Implementing the API Q2 communication guidelines enables continued business with the major industry players, as well as improved functionality throughout the organization.
 
Click here to learn more about how Accupoint’s SaM solution can help you manage the API Q2 Spec Communications Requirements.

I have been working to understand API Q2 and the new challenges it will present to the oil and gas industry. One area that has particularly struck my interest is Management of Change (MOC).
 
It is evident that API wants the integrity of the QMS maintained throughout the planning and implementing of changes. Your organization will now be required to identify potential risks associated with changes. These changes will require approval to guarantee integrity before they can be implemented across your operations.
 
MOC will be used for:

• Changes in the organizational structure
• Changes in key or essential personnel
• Changes in critical suppliers
• Changes to the management system procedures 

Whether the change is initiated internally or externally, you are responsible for notifying personnel, including the customer, of the change and the risks associated with it.
 
The addition of MOC presents unique challenges to your organization that must be understood in order to become API Q2 compliant.