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Asset management is a key component of limiting risk and liabilities in any organization, but none more so than in oil & gas service providers. As this article in the Oil & Gas Journal makes clear, a consistent and thorough plan of preventive maintenance can not only steer your organization clear of costly fines and insurance premiums, but can also save you millions in reduced downtime and damage and, indeed, save lives.
Most often, catastrophic equipment failures are not the result of a single individual or factor. Rather, it is the result of a systemic failure to implement proper procedures, to ensure appropriate training is conducted, and to maintain equipment consistently and effectively.
Created as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident, this is precisely what the API Spec Q2 standards aim to remedy.
According to the API Spec Q2 guidelines, “the organization shall maintain a documented procedure for the establishment of a PMITP [Preventive Maintenance, Inspection, and Test Program]. The procedure shall address record keeping requirements, inspection, maintenance, redress, repair, make-up, testing, and acceptance criteria for service-related product.”
Specifically, this PMITP must include, at a minimum:
However, imagine integrating all of these components, including preventive maintenance planning, into one, seamless application. Moreover, imagine an application that can put all this information in your hands at the touch of a button, whenever you need, wherever you need it.
Contact us at Accupoint to see how we can help streamline your asset management and make your preventive maintenance planning as simple as possible.
Most often, catastrophic equipment failures are not the result of a single individual or factor. Rather, it is the result of a systemic failure to implement proper procedures, to ensure appropriate training is conducted, and to maintain equipment consistently and effectively.
Created as a result of the Deepwater Horizon incident, this is precisely what the API Spec Q2 standards aim to remedy.
According to the API Spec Q2 guidelines, “the organization shall maintain a documented procedure for the establishment of a PMITP [Preventive Maintenance, Inspection, and Test Program]. The procedure shall address record keeping requirements, inspection, maintenance, redress, repair, make-up, testing, and acceptance criteria for service-related product.”
Specifically, this PMITP must include, at a minimum:
- Actions which address preventive maintenance;
- Reports that document usage history, repairs or redress, modifications, remanufacturing, inspection, and test activities that allow direct verification for reuse of product;
- List of critical spare parts requirements by the customer and/or technical requirements including those recommended by the original equipment manufacturer;
- Controls that ensure equipment integrity to original performance requirements and design acceptance criteria are maintained
However, imagine integrating all of these components, including preventive maintenance planning, into one, seamless application. Moreover, imagine an application that can put all this information in your hands at the touch of a button, whenever you need, wherever you need it.
Contact us at Accupoint to see how we can help streamline your asset management and make your preventive maintenance planning as simple as possible.
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Great attention has been paid to the tremendous shale gas boom occurring in the United States, and rightly so. According to a report by the Energy Information Administration (EIA), this year the U.S. will surpass both Russia and Saudi Arabia to become the world’s largest producer of petroleum and natural gas hydrocarbons.
The rapidly changing landscape of worldwide energy production and consumption will impact lives in ways we can barely even imagine today, from national and international geopolitics to the prices at your local grocery store. However, one issue in particular has arisen over the harvesting of natural gas products through the process of hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.”
Although this process has existed since the 1940’s, its current iteration has since assumed the responsibility for giving oil & gas firms access to the incredible reserves of previously inaccessible energy. As such, it is one key to the evolution and success of the industry.
However, this significant opportunity does not exist without consequences. The negative impacts of fracking, documented in such films as Gasland 1 and 2 and by organizations like Food & Water Watch, are real and could affect communities all across America. Nevertheless, these risks and, indeed, the risks of any heavy industrial activity are a function of the process/quality control and risk management measures taken by the organization. When proper protocols are followed, documented, and rigorously applied, we drastically lessen the probabilities of accidents, danger, and irreversible damage.
Industry standards, like API Spec Q2, were developed for just this reason. Using rigorous preventative maintenance, document control, risk management, and other key QHSE components can create an organizational culture that emphasizes proactivity and prevention, rather than reaction and crisis management.
Ultimately, taking calculated risks and implementing the proper controls can allow us to reap the benefits of this tremendous economic opportunity while also ensuring the health and safety of our communities.
Let us know on Twitter how your organization navigates risk and opportunity, and contact us directly to see how we can help.
The rapidly changing landscape of worldwide energy production and consumption will impact lives in ways we can barely even imagine today, from national and international geopolitics to the prices at your local grocery store. However, one issue in particular has arisen over the harvesting of natural gas products through the process of hydraulic fracturing, or “fracking.”
Although this process has existed since the 1940’s, its current iteration has since assumed the responsibility for giving oil & gas firms access to the incredible reserves of previously inaccessible energy. As such, it is one key to the evolution and success of the industry.
However, this significant opportunity does not exist without consequences. The negative impacts of fracking, documented in such films as Gasland 1 and 2 and by organizations like Food & Water Watch, are real and could affect communities all across America. Nevertheless, these risks and, indeed, the risks of any heavy industrial activity are a function of the process/quality control and risk management measures taken by the organization. When proper protocols are followed, documented, and rigorously applied, we drastically lessen the probabilities of accidents, danger, and irreversible damage.
Industry standards, like API Spec Q2, were developed for just this reason. Using rigorous preventative maintenance, document control, risk management, and other key QHSE components can create an organizational culture that emphasizes proactivity and prevention, rather than reaction and crisis management.
Ultimately, taking calculated risks and implementing the proper controls can allow us to reap the benefits of this tremendous economic opportunity while also ensuring the health and safety of our communities.
Let us know on Twitter how your organization navigates risk and opportunity, and contact us directly to see how we can help.
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Our friend Henry Carroll at Dokaan, LLC has some important thoughts on how Q2 can help your organization achieve a competitive advantage:
How can API Spec Q2 standards help your company gain a competitive edge?
The answer is early compliance.
Over the past few months, Accupoint Software has worked with a number of clients to prepare for the implementation of the Spec Q2 standards. These will be the predominant global standards for oil & gas service companies as early as 2016. Although implementation of these standards has been delayed , we have learned that the wheels are, indeed, in motion.
Major oil companies, such as BP, Shell, and Exxon-Mobil have already begun making preparations for the implementation of the Q2 standards. New contracts with these companies require a commitment by service providers to be in compliance by mid-summer 2014. The first step towards compliance with Q2 will require service providers to perform a Spec Q2 GAP analysis of their QMS and then to commit to a timeframe for developing and implementing compliance procedures.
While the API has yet to release the Spec Q2 guidance document, they have already begun taking applications, with the first audits to be conducted in January of 2014.
What does this mean for you?
Once your company is in compliance with the Q2 standards, not only will you be in a position to meet the requirements of the major oil & gas firms, but you will also have an edge over competitors with respect to insurance and pending governmental requirements.
To let us show you how we can help your organization take the next step, contact Dokaan, LLC at: http://www.txbop.com/ or Accupoint at: http://www.accupointsoftware.com
How can API Spec Q2 standards help your company gain a competitive edge?
The answer is early compliance.
Over the past few months, Accupoint Software has worked with a number of clients to prepare for the implementation of the Spec Q2 standards. These will be the predominant global standards for oil & gas service companies as early as 2016. Although implementation of these standards has been delayed , we have learned that the wheels are, indeed, in motion.
Major oil companies, such as BP, Shell, and Exxon-Mobil have already begun making preparations for the implementation of the Q2 standards. New contracts with these companies require a commitment by service providers to be in compliance by mid-summer 2014. The first step towards compliance with Q2 will require service providers to perform a Spec Q2 GAP analysis of their QMS and then to commit to a timeframe for developing and implementing compliance procedures.
While the API has yet to release the Spec Q2 guidance document, they have already begun taking applications, with the first audits to be conducted in January of 2014.
What does this mean for you?
Once your company is in compliance with the Q2 standards, not only will you be in a position to meet the requirements of the major oil & gas firms, but you will also have an edge over competitors with respect to insurance and pending governmental requirements.
To let us show you how we can help your organization take the next step, contact Dokaan, LLC at: http://www.txbop.com/ or Accupoint at: http://www.accupointsoftware.com
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The American Petroleum Institute has begun to accept applications for certification to the new Q2 specification. The first audits are expected to be performed sometime after the new year (2014). This is a game changer for oil & gas service providers.
To learn more, visit our website at www.accupointsoftware.com or call us toll-free 800.563.6250.
January is right around the corner.
To learn more, visit our website at www.accupointsoftware.com or call us toll-free 800.563.6250.
January is right around the corner.
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Accupoint Software, a global provider of compliance management software solutions, is pleased to announce our association with Dokaan, LLC. Dokaan, a Texas-based compliance consulting firm specializing in well control equipment, has selected Accupoint as a compliance management partner for manufacturers and upstream oilfield service companies.
Founded by Henry Carroll in 2007 and based in the heart of the Permian Basin, Dokaan, LLC works with some of the world’s most advanced exploration and production companies to achieve safer operations and maximize equipment investments.
“As a member company of the American Petroleum Institute and a participant in product and service specifications and standards development I know that the changing regulatory environments would be adding to already complicated compliance issues. Accupoint Software provides user friendly programs that will save time and money. Imagine compliance software organizing information and producing return on investment. Having taken the lead in the latest Q1 revision and Q2 published in 2012 Accupoint is ahead of the game - which is where I want my clients to be.” says Henry Carroll, Owner of Dokaan, LLC.
“Accupoint is extremely pleased to be working with such a progressive and successful organization so dedicated to safety and high performance in the oil & gas industry. With the tremendous impact oil & gas exploration will have on the American economy, it is imperative that companies all along the supply chain use their operational knowledge to create safer, more flexible, and more proactive environments.“ said Jeff Cianciola, CEO of Accupoint. Software.
Founded in 2007, Accupoint Software specializes in flexible, cloud based compliance management solutions for manufacturing and oil & gas focused companies.
For more information, please visit www.txbop.com or www.accupointsoftware.com.
Founded by Henry Carroll in 2007 and based in the heart of the Permian Basin, Dokaan, LLC works with some of the world’s most advanced exploration and production companies to achieve safer operations and maximize equipment investments.
“As a member company of the American Petroleum Institute and a participant in product and service specifications and standards development I know that the changing regulatory environments would be adding to already complicated compliance issues. Accupoint Software provides user friendly programs that will save time and money. Imagine compliance software organizing information and producing return on investment. Having taken the lead in the latest Q1 revision and Q2 published in 2012 Accupoint is ahead of the game - which is where I want my clients to be.” says Henry Carroll, Owner of Dokaan, LLC.
“Accupoint is extremely pleased to be working with such a progressive and successful organization so dedicated to safety and high performance in the oil & gas industry. With the tremendous impact oil & gas exploration will have on the American economy, it is imperative that companies all along the supply chain use their operational knowledge to create safer, more flexible, and more proactive environments.“ said Jeff Cianciola, CEO of Accupoint. Software.
Founded in 2007, Accupoint Software specializes in flexible, cloud based compliance management solutions for manufacturing and oil & gas focused companies.
For more information, please visit www.txbop.com or www.accupointsoftware.com.
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Following the traditional headlines, there is a deeply misguided pessimism in the media when it comes to manufacturing in the United States. Given the recent political/economic issues, it seems the days when the Big Three automotives, US Steel, and other industrial giants dominated the global landscape are long gone.
Moreover, people seem to have lost faith in the opportunities manufacturing can provide as a career. Production is seen as something dirty, unsafe, with long hours and low pay that will only worsen as employers outsource production to China and other BRIC nations.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
America remains the wealthiest, most productive country on Earth, due, in large part, to the resurgence of manufacturing and the burgeoning shale-energy industry. Moreover, the United States continues to lead the world in technology, innovation and advanced manufacturing. Furthermore, as with the rise of the middle class in emerging markets and the maturing of the global labor force, more companies are looking to “homesource” production in the United States. Organizations such as the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition are similarly dedicated to showcasing the wonderful opportunities present in the manufacturing sector, from skilled laborers to quality inspection to supervisory/management roles.
Today, on October 4th, we celebrate National Manufacturing Day, during which we celebrate our roots as the greatest industrial power the world has ever seen and aim to change the perception of manufacturing. Accupoint is proud to take part in this educational effort. We service some of the country’s most innovative. Every day, we grow more and more impressed and excited at the prospects for manufacturing.
Please join us today in sharing in the pride of the companies that built America’s past and will continue to build its future.
To find out how Accupoint can help you build a world class organization, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250.
Moreover, people seem to have lost faith in the opportunities manufacturing can provide as a career. Production is seen as something dirty, unsafe, with long hours and low pay that will only worsen as employers outsource production to China and other BRIC nations.
Nothing could be further from the truth.
America remains the wealthiest, most productive country on Earth, due, in large part, to the resurgence of manufacturing and the burgeoning shale-energy industry. Moreover, the United States continues to lead the world in technology, innovation and advanced manufacturing. Furthermore, as with the rise of the middle class in emerging markets and the maturing of the global labor force, more companies are looking to “homesource” production in the United States. Organizations such as the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition are similarly dedicated to showcasing the wonderful opportunities present in the manufacturing sector, from skilled laborers to quality inspection to supervisory/management roles.
Today, on October 4th, we celebrate National Manufacturing Day, during which we celebrate our roots as the greatest industrial power the world has ever seen and aim to change the perception of manufacturing. Accupoint is proud to take part in this educational effort. We service some of the country’s most innovative. Every day, we grow more and more impressed and excited at the prospects for manufacturing.
Please join us today in sharing in the pride of the companies that built America’s past and will continue to build its future.
To find out how Accupoint can help you build a world class organization, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250.
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There’s a great discussion regarding QMS going on over at the ISO 9001 LinkedIn boards. Unfortunately, we’re still seeing the mindset that QMS software can’t or doesn’t add value to companies, much less create a competitive advantage or generate profit. Our friend Dave Gentile even goes so far as to suggest that Word documents are sufficient for navigating today’s complex quality control operations. At Accupoint, however, we believe QMS is more than compliance or preparing for quality audits. QMS is about creating better prepared, more agile organizations.
It’s an old cliché that “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” Yet, like all clichés, hidden just beyond its inanity is its truth: the first step to making decisions that positively impact your organization is possessing high-quality information. Furthermore, to set yourself apart from your competitors, it’s imperative that you find new and innovative ways of collecting that information, provide enterprise-level access to that information, and then use that information correctly. An effective QMS, particularly Accupoint’s solutions, can help you do just that.
All across the manufacturing and oil & gas sectors, Accupoint’s family of knowledge management solutions have given our clients the power to transform information into knowledge that gets results. Our intuitive user-interface integrates quality, health and safety, and environmental management modules into one seamless application. This results in less training, less hassle, and more accurate reporting. Furthermore, our solutions are cloud-based and designed specifically for point-of-operation use. This means everyone from your production managers to control/compliance officers to your c-level executives can access our application on any mobile device. By making it easy to report quality issues and access real-time data, our application helps organizations emphasize prevention, rather than crisis management.
QMS isn’t just about compliance. QMS is about creating progressive, flexible, adaptable organizations that are always seeking improvement. The fact that you’ve found us is the first step. Let us help you make the next one.
For more information on how Accupoint can help streamline your Quality Management Software needs, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250
It’s an old cliché that “if you can’t measure it, you can’t manage it.” Yet, like all clichés, hidden just beyond its inanity is its truth: the first step to making decisions that positively impact your organization is possessing high-quality information. Furthermore, to set yourself apart from your competitors, it’s imperative that you find new and innovative ways of collecting that information, provide enterprise-level access to that information, and then use that information correctly. An effective QMS, particularly Accupoint’s solutions, can help you do just that.
All across the manufacturing and oil & gas sectors, Accupoint’s family of knowledge management solutions have given our clients the power to transform information into knowledge that gets results. Our intuitive user-interface integrates quality, health and safety, and environmental management modules into one seamless application. This results in less training, less hassle, and more accurate reporting. Furthermore, our solutions are cloud-based and designed specifically for point-of-operation use. This means everyone from your production managers to control/compliance officers to your c-level executives can access our application on any mobile device. By making it easy to report quality issues and access real-time data, our application helps organizations emphasize prevention, rather than crisis management.
QMS isn’t just about compliance. QMS is about creating progressive, flexible, adaptable organizations that are always seeking improvement. The fact that you’ve found us is the first step. Let us help you make the next one.
For more information on how Accupoint can help streamline your Quality Management Software needs, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250
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The benefits of an effective Quality Management System (QMS) are significant. A well planned and maintained QMS serves as a vehicle for future growth, expanded markets, customer satisfaction, waste reduction and continuous improvement leading to phenomenal ROI. The returns simply outweigh the cost.
With API Spec Q2, we are using quality management as a catalyst to prevent a recurrence of the devastating loss of life, environmental damage and economic turmoil that we witnessed in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon incident.
API Q2 is designed to manage risk and improve business operations. As such, the supply chain and ultimately, the Majors will demand adherence from those below. Over time, all players in the industry will be forced to adopt API Q2 if they wish to continue supplying the sector.
In the past, many suppliers were grandfathered into the oil and gas industry based on the past performance. In the future, certification to one or more quality standards will become the norm.
That being said now is the time to formalize your QMS, and if already in place, consider making application for third party recognition.
To find out how Accupoint Software can help streamline the implementation and maintenance of Quality Management Systems, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250.
With API Spec Q2, we are using quality management as a catalyst to prevent a recurrence of the devastating loss of life, environmental damage and economic turmoil that we witnessed in the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon incident.
API Q2 is designed to manage risk and improve business operations. As such, the supply chain and ultimately, the Majors will demand adherence from those below. Over time, all players in the industry will be forced to adopt API Q2 if they wish to continue supplying the sector.
In the past, many suppliers were grandfathered into the oil and gas industry based on the past performance. In the future, certification to one or more quality standards will become the norm.
That being said now is the time to formalize your QMS, and if already in place, consider making application for third party recognition.
To find out how Accupoint Software can help streamline the implementation and maintenance of Quality Management Systems, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250.
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There have been many rumblings about the lack of knowledge and initiative regarding the API Q2 Specification. But the wheels are already in motion for the big oil companies.
API has been performing beta tests with drilling service companies this year. Thus far, Baker Hughes, Schlumburger, Weatherford and Halliburton have all completed their beta tests.
These site assessments were attempting to find gaps, hurdles and milestones for auditing to Q2. The information gathered from this process allows API (as well as the drilling service companies) to identify competencies in the specification. With this knowledge, API is able to better train their staff and auditors on the practical application of the new standard. The more API knows before the January 2014 deadline, the more equipped auditors will be to perform effective audits.
If there are any parts of API Q2 that are lacking, API will identify them in the beta test stages. Any additional resources that are needed will be identified and provided to ensure a smooth implementation.
These large drilling service companies found it necessary to be proactive in their pursuit of API Q2. What are you waiting for?
To find out how Accupoint can help ready your organization for the upcoming API Q2 Spec, call us toll-free 800.563.6250.
API has been performing beta tests with drilling service companies this year. Thus far, Baker Hughes, Schlumburger, Weatherford and Halliburton have all completed their beta tests.
These site assessments were attempting to find gaps, hurdles and milestones for auditing to Q2. The information gathered from this process allows API (as well as the drilling service companies) to identify competencies in the specification. With this knowledge, API is able to better train their staff and auditors on the practical application of the new standard. The more API knows before the January 2014 deadline, the more equipped auditors will be to perform effective audits.
If there are any parts of API Q2 that are lacking, API will identify them in the beta test stages. Any additional resources that are needed will be identified and provided to ensure a smooth implementation.
These large drilling service companies found it necessary to be proactive in their pursuit of API Q2. What are you waiting for?
To find out how Accupoint can help ready your organization for the upcoming API Q2 Spec, call us toll-free 800.563.6250.
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There are several challenges that will come along with the implementation of the API Q2 Specification. The first of which is the general comprehension and application of the standard. Your organization will be required to read the new standard and understand the requirements. Then you will need to determine how to blend the requirements into your operations.
Another challenge that Q2 presents is the transition from a process-based to a risk-based management system. Your organization is likely familiar with the process approach (i.e. ISO 9001), but API Q2 requires you to focus more on risk. Not only will this alter operations, but a risk-based system also requires a different workplace mentality.
Your organization likely has many compliance requirements already, and integrating API Q2 with those can present a unique challenge. You will need to devise the most efficient way to comply with API Q2 while adequately managing numerous other requirements.
There will also be some challenges for your organization with respect to supply chain and geographical differences. Complying with new API Q2 requirements will likely alter how your organization operates throughout the supply chain. Organizations in different portions of the world may have different regulatory and cultural differences, which may cause confusion.
It is important that we understand the challenges that the new standard presents. If we are proactive, we can mitigate the impacts and have a smoother transition to compliance.
To discuss how Accupoint Software can help you navigate the challenges of API Q2 compliance, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250.
Another challenge that Q2 presents is the transition from a process-based to a risk-based management system. Your organization is likely familiar with the process approach (i.e. ISO 9001), but API Q2 requires you to focus more on risk. Not only will this alter operations, but a risk-based system also requires a different workplace mentality.
Your organization likely has many compliance requirements already, and integrating API Q2 with those can present a unique challenge. You will need to devise the most efficient way to comply with API Q2 while adequately managing numerous other requirements.
There will also be some challenges for your organization with respect to supply chain and geographical differences. Complying with new API Q2 requirements will likely alter how your organization operates throughout the supply chain. Organizations in different portions of the world may have different regulatory and cultural differences, which may cause confusion.
It is important that we understand the challenges that the new standard presents. If we are proactive, we can mitigate the impacts and have a smoother transition to compliance.
To discuss how Accupoint Software can help you navigate the challenges of API Q2 compliance, call us toll-free at 800.563.6250.
