Keywords: SCADA, Oil & Gas, Business Performance, Business Intelligence, Offshore Production, Onshore Production, Pipelines
According to a new ARC Advisory Group global research study, the worldwide Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) market for the oil & gas industry reflects the impact of new technology on SCADA components and cost-effective communications for transferring both data and knowledge.
Today’s systems are easier to integrate and provide improved capabilities and functionalities. Owner-operators today use SCADA technology to help improve operations and link operations to business processes to improve business performance management and maximize previous capital investments in systems and other assets.
A number of significant factors drive this market. These include continuing worldwide demand for additional energy from carbon-based fuels, the shifting of exploration and production locations to more remote and hostile environments, and end user requirements to link SCADA systems to business systems.
Onshore Trends
Until oil prices collapsed in the fourth quarter, shale production was the fastest-growing onshore market segment in the US. Although controversial, many other countries also intend to develop their shale resources. Production companies can often complete two to three wells per week in these fields. Progressive companies have adopted a standardized, “cookie-cutter” automation approach for these wells.
Offshore Trends
Offshore production continues to move into deeper waters. The drop in oil prices have curtailed this investment, but the potential remains. Events like the Deepwater Horizon accident have increased the scrutiny of regulatory agencies and the industry is responding with even greater focus on process and personnel safety.
Trends in Transportation
Unlike SCADA systems for production operations, pipeline SCADA involves operators sitting in control rooms. Optimized alarming and operating graphics have moved to the forefront in an effort to reduce incidents due to human errors in a manner similar to other process industries.
Technology Increases Functionality
Today’s SCADA suppliers offer more flexible hardware with added intelligence, emphasizing total solutions by coupling hardware and software with service packages. Traditional SCADA suppliers are introducing new and innovative product features and helping clients develop migration planning programs. Additionally, suppliers offer a wider range of web-enabled advanced applications and packaged solutions, particularly for users seeking to integrate SCADA with business and enterprise-level applications and supply chains. Beyond the traditional data gathering and control functions, the addition of business intelligence- enabled applications has enhanced the value of SCADA systems.
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