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As an addition to our continuing series on Non-Productive Time, we have compiled a list of the top five causes of NPT:
1. Lack of comprehensive competency/training programs.
2, Lack of effective procedures, or adequate understanding of established procedures.
3. Absence or lack of effective preventive maintenance programs.
4. Lack of contingency planning.
5. Lack of an effective change management program.
For more information on how Accupoint‘s SAM solution can help your organization minimize NPT, contact us at 800.563.6250 or visit our website to arrange a demonstration of our flexible, cloud based Spec Q2 management solution.
1. Lack of comprehensive competency/training programs.
2, Lack of effective procedures, or adequate understanding of established procedures.
3. Absence or lack of effective preventive maintenance programs.
4. Lack of contingency planning.
5. Lack of an effective change management program.
For more information on how Accupoint‘s SAM solution can help your organization minimize NPT, contact us at 800.563.6250 or visit our website to arrange a demonstration of our flexible, cloud based Spec Q2 management solution.
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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:
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:
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:
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.
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.
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In today’s post, we would like to discuss one of the essential additions to Spec Q1-9th edition: Risk Assessment and Management.
With the Deepwater Horizon incident of 2010 still fresh in our minds, we are all aware of the consequences of failing to acknowledge and address risks. However, it’s also important to realize that catastrophic incidents are neither inevitable, nor something we should have to accept as we pursue operations. Correctly managing our technology and processes can allow us to mitigate risk without impacting productivity.
To begin, let’s take a look at the requirements of Spec Q1-9th edition standard:
The organization shall maintain a documented procedure to identify and control risk associated with impact on delivery and quality of product. The procedure shall identify the techniques, tools, and their application for risk identification, assessment, and mitigation.
Risk assessment associated with product delivery shall include:
a) facility/equipment availability and maintenance; and
b) supplier performance and material availability/supply
Risk assessment associated with product quality shall include
c) delivery of non-conforming product
d) availability of competent personnel
Records of risk assessment and management including actions taken shall be maintained.
Spec Q1 emphasizes the importance of managing the risks related to facilities, equipment, materials, non-conformities, and personnel. So let’s explore the concept of risk management more fully, and review some composite factors that have been identified in past incidents:
1. Lack of Commitment-. Management sets the tone and culture of an organization, and there is a strong correlation between the level of managerial commitment and corresponding incident rates.
2. Flawed Management of Change- A large percentage of incidents take place after changes to a process or procedure. Implementing an effective management of change procedure and, more importantly, evaluating those efforts can dramatically reduce incident rates.
3. Inadequate Focus- In the race for productive operations, organizations tend to place an emphasis on response, rather than prevention. Building risk management into your processes from the beginning can help reverse that trend and lead to positive impacts to the corporate culture.
4. Ineffective Communications- In many cases, information is spread throughout the organization, with different departments having a piece of the puzzle. As an organization grows, this problem becomes worse. An effective risk assessment/management system reduces barriers to communication and improves communication systems.
In our next post, we’ll look at ways in which technology can be used to mitigate the items identified above and help your organization develop a world class compliance management system.
For more information on how Accupoint ‘s solutions can help your organization manage risk, contact us at 800.563.6250 or visit our website to arrange a demonstration of our flexible, cloud based API Spec Q1 management solution.
With the Deepwater Horizon incident of 2010 still fresh in our minds, we are all aware of the consequences of failing to acknowledge and address risks. However, it’s also important to realize that catastrophic incidents are neither inevitable, nor something we should have to accept as we pursue operations. Correctly managing our technology and processes can allow us to mitigate risk without impacting productivity.
To begin, let’s take a look at the requirements of Spec Q1-9th edition standard:
The organization shall maintain a documented procedure to identify and control risk associated with impact on delivery and quality of product. The procedure shall identify the techniques, tools, and their application for risk identification, assessment, and mitigation.
Risk assessment associated with product delivery shall include:
a) facility/equipment availability and maintenance; and
b) supplier performance and material availability/supply
Risk assessment associated with product quality shall include
c) delivery of non-conforming product
d) availability of competent personnel
Records of risk assessment and management including actions taken shall be maintained.
Spec Q1 emphasizes the importance of managing the risks related to facilities, equipment, materials, non-conformities, and personnel. So let’s explore the concept of risk management more fully, and review some composite factors that have been identified in past incidents:
1. Lack of Commitment-. Management sets the tone and culture of an organization, and there is a strong correlation between the level of managerial commitment and corresponding incident rates.
2. Flawed Management of Change- A large percentage of incidents take place after changes to a process or procedure. Implementing an effective management of change procedure and, more importantly, evaluating those efforts can dramatically reduce incident rates.
3. Inadequate Focus- In the race for productive operations, organizations tend to place an emphasis on response, rather than prevention. Building risk management into your processes from the beginning can help reverse that trend and lead to positive impacts to the corporate culture.
4. Ineffective Communications- In many cases, information is spread throughout the organization, with different departments having a piece of the puzzle. As an organization grows, this problem becomes worse. An effective risk assessment/management system reduces barriers to communication and improves communication systems.
In our next post, we’ll look at ways in which technology can be used to mitigate the items identified above and help your organization develop a world class compliance management system.
For more information on how Accupoint ‘s solutions can help your organization manage risk, contact us at 800.563.6250 or visit our website to arrange a demonstration of our flexible, cloud based API Spec Q1 management solution.
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Achieving compliance with API Spec Q1-9th Edition and/or API Spec Q2 can be challenging for any organization. Accupoint Software is committed to providing oil and gas manufacturers and service providers with everything they need to become compliant.
As such, Accupoint is extremely proud to provide, at no cost, our overviews of the API Spec Q1-9th edition and API Spec Q2 requirements. In these guides, we break down the major components of each standard and explain, in clear detail, what the requirements mean for your organization.
Click here for our API Spec Q1 and API Spec Q2 guides.
Also, please drop us a line on Twitter, join our LinkedIn group, or comment below to let us know what you think and what kinds of content you would find helpful.
As always, if you’re interested in cutting edge solutions to your compliance needs, contact us or request a demo today!
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As we mentioned in our previous post on preventative maintenance programs, the vast majority of catastrophic incidents are not the result of a single factor. Time and again, however, a lack of effective communication appears as a root cause.
Specifically, a lack of communication with respect to policy, procedures, process or instructions can result in ill-informed employees and a failure to identify hazards. How can an organization manage this communication process with respect to proposed changes within the organization? One way is to develop and implement an effective Management of Change program.
Management of Change (MOC) is defined as a process used to prevent an incident or loss by identifying, assessing, managing, documenting, and communicating proposed changes prior to implementing them. The complex nature of MOC causes many companies to struggle with implementing an effective system. Often, existing MOC is accomplished using a manual system of spreadsheets which result in increased costs, time delays and lack of visibility.
One common obstacle to an effective MOC program is the tendency to route all information or all changes through an MOC program. This is not necessary and often is detrimental. Develop the MOC program so that only necessary information moves through the process. Typically, MOC is NOT required when the change is like for like or kind for kind.
That being said, let’s turn our attention to program structure. There are six basic steps to an effective Management of Change program:
1. Initiation
2. Impact Analysis
3. Approval
4. Execution
5. Review
6. Closure
A well-documented Management of Change (MOC) program can be used to demonstrate an organization’s commitment to due diligence in risk mitigation efforts. By effectively implementing and communicating proposed changes, you ensure a safer, more informed and more efficient work environment that reduces liability and prevents incidents.
To learn how Accupoint’s cloud-based solutions can help streamline your Management of Change process, please call us toll-free at 800-563-6250 or visit us at www.accupointsoftware.com
Specifically, a lack of communication with respect to policy, procedures, process or instructions can result in ill-informed employees and a failure to identify hazards. How can an organization manage this communication process with respect to proposed changes within the organization? One way is to develop and implement an effective Management of Change program.
Management of Change (MOC) is defined as a process used to prevent an incident or loss by identifying, assessing, managing, documenting, and communicating proposed changes prior to implementing them. The complex nature of MOC causes many companies to struggle with implementing an effective system. Often, existing MOC is accomplished using a manual system of spreadsheets which result in increased costs, time delays and lack of visibility.
One common obstacle to an effective MOC program is the tendency to route all information or all changes through an MOC program. This is not necessary and often is detrimental. Develop the MOC program so that only necessary information moves through the process. Typically, MOC is NOT required when the change is like for like or kind for kind.
That being said, let’s turn our attention to program structure. There are six basic steps to an effective Management of Change program:
1. Initiation
- During this stage, the requested changes are documented with related details and submitted to the appropriate parties for the advancement of the project.
2. Impact Analysis
- Impact analysis determines how the proposed changes will affect operations, as well as similar processes.
3. Approval
- During this stage, the appropriate parties approve the proposed changes and modifications.
4. Execution
- During execution, the program will communicate the change, verify the tasks, and integrate with customer requirements.
5. Review
- Review is an after-action evaluation to determine effectiveness and lessons learned, as well as a transfer of knowledge.
6. Closure
A well-documented Management of Change (MOC) program can be used to demonstrate an organization’s commitment to due diligence in risk mitigation efforts. By effectively implementing and communicating proposed changes, you ensure a safer, more informed and more efficient work environment that reduces liability and prevents incidents.
To learn how Accupoint’s cloud-based solutions can help streamline your Management of Change process, please call us toll-free at 800-563-6250 or visit us at www.accupointsoftware.com
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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.
