Downstream operations require a great deal of attention to detail. They are capital-intensive and time-consuming. Therefore, working smartly and reducing manual processes will help Oil and Gas businesses to optimize their operational costs, reduce workload, and enhance productivity.

The most effective way organizations can enhance their workflow and increase operational efficiency is to harness the power of Robotics Process Automation (RPA).

RPA technology allows users to create robots that can imitate human actions and complete tasks like a human. However, the difference between human interventions and RPA bots is that the latter works around the clock, faster than humans, and can complete tasks with optimal accuracy.

RPA is easy to implement, all you have to do is to schedule the workload and the bots will perform them.

In this article, we highlight the benefits of implementing RPA in your business.

Benefits of Implementing Robotic Process Automation(RPA) 

In the Oil and Gas industry, several processes can be automated to enhance productivity, profitability and efficiency.

RPA helps businesses to maintain scalability and agility. Its analytical features enable businesses to respond and adapt to changing market trends, meet customer’s demands and maintain their competitive edge. 

Outlined below are some specific benefits that implementing RPA will bring to your downstream business. 

Automating Rig and Well Drilling Operation

Rig and well drilling is a daunting operation that requires all hands to be on deck. It takes the collaborative efforts of over 100 drilling crews to execute a well drilling project. This operation also requires meticulous planning, as a single error could cause an explosion. As a result, precision is foremost on the mind of the crew as they execute the job.

However, automating the well-drilling process using RockEye ERP’s native RPA would lessen the risk of exposure to danger.

The machinery can be controlled by sensors, and the RPA dashboard can provide a real-time view of the downhole, the parameters, the drill pipe and other core aspects of the operation. By automating rig and well drilling operations, oil and gas businesses can simplify the process, cut back the cost of manual labor, and ensure that the operations are carried out within the appropriate limits.

Remote Monitoring 

Downstream operations call for a ground-level view to ensure that nothing goes wrong. While businesses may have a foreman to keep an eye on things, they have no way of knowing if the information provided to them is accurate.

Moreso, a single employee can’t monitor the operations around the clock and that is why some businesses make their employees work in shifts to ensure that someone is around to keep an eye on the operations.

The downside to this is that it is not effective and an error in judgement could halt the entire operation.

However, IoT-enabled devices such as drones and cameras can help businesses monitor their operations remotely. This is the most effective way to get business data. While it is possible for employees to manipulate certain information; RPA bots will ensure that businesses have access to timely and accurate data across departments.

Besides, there will be a lesser need for frequent field inspection trips as information such as the flow rate, pressure, tank levels and other core aspects of the operations can be viewed on the RPA dashboard.

Production Optimisation 

Production in the downstream industry is a tedious task that requires precision and proper planning. Processes such as inflow performance analysis, nodal analysis and other crucial aspects of manufacturing petroleum products can be automated to optimize the production process.

The RPA bots will ensure the refineries run smoothly and work to their full capacity. The demand for petroleum products is on the rise, so businesses that automate their production process will stay ahead of competitors.

Asset Management

Oil and gas operations are dependent on machinery that can make the production process either efficient or difficult. This is why RPA is needed to automate the entire life cycle of assets and ensure that equipment performs to its full capacity.

In addition, robotic process automation carries out predictive maintenance checks on all equipment, predicting faults before they occur, thereby preventing equipment negligence and downtime as a piece of faulty machinery can complicate the production process.

Adherence to Regulatory Compliance

There are stringent industry rules and regulations that downstream businesses need to adhere to avoid being slammed with lawsuits. The fines for breaking any of the regulatory laws could run to the tune of billions and cause irrevocable damage to a business’ reputation.

To avoid serious financial repercussions, downstream businesses have to obey the rules, ensure the safety of their workers, and protect the environment and the public. While carrying out operations such as drilling or production, the last thing workers should worry about is regulatory compliance.

RPA bots can take that extra stress off their hands and monitor emissions from operations. Moreover, downstream regulations are susceptible to change and may be difficult to keep up with. But with RPA at the helm of operations, the system will send alerts about regulatory announcements and changes that will help downstream businesses comply with the laws.

Automating Document Management and Office Processes 

On-field operations are important, but the activities at the back-end office are equally essential and time-consuming. Important files and documents may have to be filed regularly to reduce the chances of data manipulation or discrepancies which could cause a huge business loss.

So, these administrative tasks need to be given the same attention and priority as other operations. One simple way to handle these processes across several departments is by harnessing the power of RPA.

By automating tasks such as invoice processing, sales processes, recruitment processes and so on, the time spent on each of them would reduce, and the cost of carrying out these operations will lessen. RPA also makes it easier for businesses to keep track of important files such as supply lists, debts, credit, contracts, projects, production and so on.

In a nutshell, automation enables proper bookkeeping, makes it easy to access information from various departments, and improves internal communication.

Improved Decision-making and Data Security

Data manipulation and loss are one of the biggest pain points of downstream businesses in Africa, especially for organisations with chains of business. However, RPA can offer them the opportunity to keep an eye on their businesses remotely.

It also features innovative tools that enable encryption and access control, protecting sensitive business data. Just a glance at the system’s dashboard will inform businesses about their performances, helping to improve their revenues.

Overall, it improves decision-making and helps businesses to determine the best price for their commodity.

Employee Safety

The lives of off-shore workers can be protected if the operations are performed with the help of IoT-enabled devices such as drones and cameras.

The devices provide real-time images and views of operations which lessens the need for manual interventions and the risk of hazards.

RPA Reduces Operational Costs

Downstream operations are capital-intensive and involve multiple processes that require a substantial operational cost. By leveraging RPA, businesses can streamline all processes and automate their workflow, achieving operational efficiency.

If businesses cut back on manual labour and processes, they can optimise resources and increase productivity, thereby generating more revenue. Overall, RPA offers businesses the opportunity to achieve better financial results.

Enhanced Accuracy and Reliability

One of the unique qualities that RPA bots possess is their level of reliability and accuracy. RPA improves the quality of several workflows and they are reliable. The bots get the job done at the right time, increasing the level of job accuracy by 100%.

While humans may get tired or need to take a break, bots can be programmed to work for several hours. Apart from their potential to enhance accuracy, they also implement processes faster than humans.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, robotic process automation simplifies downstream operations and enables businesses to optimize their growth. By eliminating manual processes and embracing an all-inclusive automation solution, downstream businesses will improve productivity, efficiency and experience a reduction in production costs.

RockEye offers an advanced native RPA solution that enables businesses to automate operations and processes within their company for improved productivity, profitability and efficiency.

This solution is embedded in our ERP suite, which is home to other software solutions like asset management, smart logistics, C and I operations, and a host of others.

To adopt these intuitive solutions for your downstream operations, visit our website at https://www.Rockeye.Africa/ today.