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Swire Oilfield Services, Aker Solutions and Spartan Solutions have announced the exchange of oil and gas asset information using the Electronic Product Code Information Service (EPCIS) global standard.
This exchange allows Swire and Aker Solutions to connect their supply chains and share real-time information using RFID tags, bar codes and mobile computers. Both companies can now see information on their assets as they move beyond the horizon of their depots into bases and on to platforms.
Implications
This development has significant implications for the oil and gas industry as it allows trusted parties to share transit location, availability, certification and any other equipment status for all items in the supply chain. Operators need to know if equipment is on schedule to arrive at bases and platforms, and service companies want early visibility of equipment mobilisations and returns.
With demand for energy at an all time high and production costs increasing, early visibility of asset movement will improve production hours for operators and asset utilisation for service providers.
System implementation
Spartan Solutions implemented its EPCIS based Horizon system on top of its Phalanx Mobile Logistics and Service solution, which was selected by both Swire and Aker Solutions. Both companies can now alert and exchange information with any authorised subscriber on a secure basis when the assets are out of sight of their own respective supply chains.
This information sharing creates a virtual asset pool between Swire and Aker Solutions. For example, Swire can pre-allocate equipment not yet physically returned to the depot, based on the information Horizon provides. Both companies are now in a position to deliver an asset tracking service to customers while increasing internal asset utilisation. Turnaround times for equipment service will be cut and commitments can be made on assets before they are returned to depots and parts ordering streamlined.
EPCIS implementation
The EPCIS standard enables seamless, secure data exchange at every point in the lifecycle of goods and services, and will be used across supply chain processes such as goods tracking, product authentication, promotions, returns and operations management, plus electronic proof of delivery.
GS1 UK, the local representative of the global standards body responsible for the EPCIS standard, was on hand to witness the event. David Weatherby, a GS1 UK Consultant, said, "I'm pleased to verify that this is a world first in the oil and gas industry and hope that other parties follow up on the major steps taken by these three companies."
Sources: GS1 UK; Swire Oilfield Services; Aker Solutions; Spartan Solutions Ltd
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