Thoughts on Non-Productive Time

Non-productive time (NPT) is a dreaded term in the drilling industry, referring to any period where operations are stalled due to inefficiencies, equipment failures, or human error. It translates to wasted resources, budget overruns, missed deadlines, and overall decreased productivity. While NPT is often seen as an unavoidable challenge, the reality is that much of it is preventable with the right strategies in place.

The High Cost of NPT in Drilling
Drilling contractors and operators recognize the heavy toll that NPT takes on financial performance and operational efficiency. Common consequences of excessive NPT include:

• Increased Costs: Every hour of downtime adds expenses without generating revenue.
• Project Delays: Setbacks can cause cascading delays across an entire project timeline.
• Equipment Wear and Tear: Unplanned stoppages and frequent restarts can accelerate equipment degradation.
• Regulatory and Compliance Risks: Extended NPT can lead to safety concerns and potential non-compliance with industry standards.

Why Root Cause Analysis is Essential
One of the most effective ways to minimize NPT is by learning from past mistakes through root cause analysis (RCA). This process involves identifying the underlying causes of downtime rather than just addressing immediate symptoms. Unfortunately, many companies take a surface-level approach, patching the first issue they find and moving on, without fully investigating deeper systemic problems.

Without a structured RCA process, businesses risk repeating the same costly mistakes. A thorough approach includes:

• Data Collection: Logging detailed NPT events, including operational and environmental conditions.
• Categorization: Classifying the types of failures (mechanical, human error, supply chain issues, etc.).
• Analysis & Resolution: Identifying patterns and implementing corrective actions to prevent recurrence.

Leveraging Technology to Reduce NPT
To conduct a comprehensive RCA and effectively communicate findings across teams, companies need the right tools. Accupoint’s SAM solution provides a cloud-based platform that streamlines the entire RCA process by:

• Automating data collection and categorization of NPT events.
• Providing real-time analytics to identify trends and recurring issues.
• Offering a centralized system for documenting corrective actions and ensuring accountability.
• Enhancing communication between compliance teams, field operators, and management.

Take Control of Your NPT Reduction Strategy
The key to reducing NPT lies in proactive analysis, clear documentation, and implementing long-term solutions. With Accupoint’s flexible, cloud-based Spec-Q2 management solution, companies can systematically track and eliminate inefficiencies.

Want to minimize downtime and improve operational performance? Contact us at 800.563.6250 or visit our website to arrange a demonstration.