On many fronts, 2020 is a year of adaptation and refinement. This is especially true for utilities, like oil and gas producers, who are working to develop critical remote operations during this challenging time. Not only has the global Coronavirus pandemic come with enormous health and economic consequences, but other factors have forced the oil and gas sector to adjust their approaches. Declining prices and an increasingly competitive marketplace are compelling companies to do more with less. Even traditionally more stable utilities, like water and electricity, are struggling.
Although utilities can’t control external forces, they can ensure that their internal protocols are prepared to meet the moment. As an assessment by PwC concludes, “even the best thought-out and thoroughly tested business continuity plans should be adaptable to fully address the fast-moving and unknown variables of an outbreak like COVID-19.” In other words, COVID-19 has illuminated existing shortcomings that companies will need to address both to survive now and to thrive in the future.
For utilities, oil and gas producers, and pumping facilities, this means adopting remote operations capabilities that facilitate business continuity, workplace flexibility, and operational efficiency. When doing so, here are three priorities to consider.
#1 OPTIMIZE YOUR WORKFORCE
The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of remotely operating pumping stations and other production-level facilities. Worker safety protocols, employee preferences, and social distancing guidelines are forcing companies to keep fewer people on-site, subsequently reducing productivity if these critical systems cannot be remotely operated.