Swire Oilfield Services has launched what it is describing as the industry’s first full-service track and trace service - OverVu.
The system was developed to tackle the multi-billion dollar problem of lost, misplaced and delayed equipment in the oil and gas industry, drawing on military logistics, commercial and retail expertise.
The software platform is being showcased this week, during ONS, on board the s/s LOYAL in Stavanger Port. It allows companies to identify, locate and track assets and equipment across the globe through a web browser.
OverVu uses Global Positioning System (GPS), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and other automatic identification (auto-ID) technologies to collect all relevant movement data about any item, not just containers, practically anywhere in the world.
It can be integrated into existing business applications and uses components compliant with international standards for identification of assets and materials, data communications and sharing events.
Nick Coaton, General Manager of Track & Trace Solutions, who has overseen the product’s development, said: “Supply chain inefficiency is a significant issue for the industry and one that is only set to become greater as operations move into more challenging environments. Giving customers full supply chain visibility through OverVu allows them to make better, more accurate business decisions saving time, reducing operating costs and enhancing the safety of their staff.”
Roar Lorvik, Manager of RFID Solutions at supply and demand chain standards organization GS1’s Norway unit, said: “Swire Oilfield Services has applied GS1 global standards which are essential to supporting streamlined operations and information sharing across the supply chain. Swire Oilfield Services is an end-user member of GS1 and has signed a Smart Centre Main Partner Agreement with GS1 Norway for cooperation. Through this framework, Swire and GS1 Norway will develop a showcase at the GS1 Norway Smart Centre to illustrate use of Swire’s innovative track and trace solution.”
GS1 Norway is also working to develop the EPIM LogisticsHub (ELH), a common knowledgebase for tracking cargo carrying units (CCUs) and contents in the Norwegian offshore industry. EPIM is a membership organization governed by the operators on the NCS. GS1 Norway also has a seat in the ELH reference group.
Knut Vala, Business Development Manager at GS1 Norway, said: “A key element of the ELH project is to ensure that global standards are employed, which is fundamental to support interoperability in the global market. Several GS1 standards, the same which are employed in OverVu, are applied to this.”
The EPIM LogisticsHub (ELH) project was started in April 2013, as a response to the challenges of logistic tracking in the oil and gas industry. The aim is to deliver pilot implementations in 2014 followed by full scale implementation and operation in 2015.
ELH will be a common knowledgebase for tracking Cargo Carrying Units (CCUs) and equipment in the Norwegian offshore industry. By adding a radio frequency identification chip (RFID tag) on all CCUs, it will be possible for operators, rig owners, supply bases, suppliers and transporters to find out where in the logistics chain their cargo is, and all relevant information about transportation route and operations will be tracked and stored.
By implementing ELH, EPIM expect logistics in the oil and gas industry to become up to 25% more efficient.
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