It’s been more than two years since peak oil prices of $120/bbl. The economic downturn and early retirement of many experts has compounded the well-known issue of an aging workforce in the oil and gas industry. Hiring freezes have further impacted the industry’s knowledge gap problem along with the need for ways to solve these critical issues.

Many supermajors are exploring the use of technology and remote collaboration as one solution to address this pain point. For example, augmented reality (AR) allows retirees and consultants to lend their expertise to field workers without ever leaving the comfort of their homes. Gone are the days of flying an expert to a remote offshore location for a first-hand perspective at a problem. AR allows them to see exactly what’s going on from anywhere at any time. In fact, AR compounds the effectiveness of Baby Boomers’ advice—they can provide counsel and troubleshooting expertise to multiple projects in multiple regions in a single day.

Companies like Optech4D, a provider of 3-D virtual reality (VR) and AR technologies to oil and gas and other heavy industries, develop software that enables “consulting from the couch”—remote expert collaboration. This collaboration effort allows companies to leverage Baby Boomers’ expertise while minimizing expense. Using remote expert functionality, workers can get a second opinion, feel confident in their issue diagnosis and have access to information anytime, anywhere while reducing downtime.

Hands-free for hands-on operations

Additionally, AR glasses keep workers’ hands free to perform the needed tasks as directed by the consulting expert. While most companies have tablets, laptops and other mobile devices in the field, they can be cumbersome and face a number of usability challenges. Smart safety glasses paired with Optech4D’s software reveals important information in the workers’ vision of field, giving them access to operational instructions, checklists, 3-D models of equipment and more in real time. In addition, the technology has the capability to stream live video two-way, allowing field workers to see and interact with subject matter experts from anywhere in the world. This turnkey technology uses existing Wi-Fi or satellite hot-spot connectivity to host communications between the two parties, adjusting visual and audio qualities for the available bandwidth onsite.

In a time where safety, efficiency and cost savings are paramount, remote expert functionality ticks every box. Concerning safety, remote expert functionality requires a single person to enter a potentially hazardous situation while sharing the sights and sounds of the situation with others located offsite. In terms of efficiency, downtime is mitigated as experts no longer have to travel to the job site to assess, diagnose and fix an issue. In regard to cost reduction, field workers can resolve technical issues in near real time, allowing them to get back to work without ever leaving the work site.

For example, field engineers and technicians rely on access to accurate documentation when operating and maintaining high-speed rotating equipment (such as turbines, pumps and compressors). For customer Dresser-Rand, one of the largest manufacturers of highspeed rotating equipment, this information is critical to ensure the safe operation and reliability of these multimillion- dollar assets. For industrial-sized compressors, it is common for an assembly to contain more than 3,500 parts, which can make training new technicians on maintenance a difficult task. Performing maintenance on these compressors requires taking the asset offline for many days and executing a detailed procedure to remove the internal components, or “bundle,” which can result in lost revenues for that process in the facility. Furthermore, maintenance procedures contain a specific series of critical steps that ensure the equipment is brought back online quickly and safely. Therefore, reducing the total time for executing maintenance and limiting opportunities for human error has an immediate impact on the industry with regard to improving safety and revenues.

To address this, Optech4D has developed a seamless AR software that uses cloud services to provide technicians with electronic procedures and documentation during maintenance processes.

Making training programs stick

Real-time support is one way technology is reshaping the oil and gas safety and efficiency landscape, but the benefits extend into other areas as well. AR and VR also are redefining training and development in the oil and gas sector. Designed as a complement (not replacement) to companies’ existing investments, the Vision4D suite of software is engaging and effective. Furthermore, this platform gives employers a way to measure employees’ competency levels and ensure they retain important training information to perform their jobs safely. In a study carried out by the National Training Laboratory for Applied Behavioral Science it was concluded that retention rates for traditional classroom lectures are at 5%, and audiovisual (such as e-learning) are at 20%, while practice by doing (such as with VR training simulator technologies) are at 75%. In short, VR training complements existing training programs by validating the successful transfer of critical knowledge to employees and trainees.

This type of benchmarking and supplemental training aids in the preservation and sharing of critical knowledge across the technical workforce. By embedding best practices and the experience of countless engineers, virtual training provides a way for personnel to make mistakes and learn from them in a safe environment, ensuring higher retention rates and lowering the potential for critical errors in the workplace. Additionally, the current millennial workforce grew up in an age of mobile technology, and studies have shown that they respond better to training programs that are more immersive and engaging.

One of the industry’s largest E&P companies has reported dramatic reductions in training costs while also achieving an increase in engagement and retention rates for its offshore helicopter landing officers. Optech4D developed a fully immersive, highly realistic environment where helicopter landing officers can experience the dangers and extremes of a helicopter crash on an offshore oil platform. Using VR, the officer is able to witness a helicopter on fire and is required to assess the emergency and execute the response plan in a quick and safe manner. The beauty of VR simulations is that the trainee is allowed to make mistakes, sometimes dangerous or lifethreatening, and experience the outcomes with no serious repercussions. Allowing officers to learn from their mistakes in the virtual world will better prepare them for the emergency should it occur, allowing them to execute the emergency action plan quickly and accurately. Metrics on the accuracy, time, mistakes and completion percentage are logged during training and are reviewed with the training managers. This allows users to not only more closely determine pass/fail criteria but also have the ability to track and trend retention rates and performance and identify gaps in the training program.

Arming the next generation with industry knowledge

These technologies are backed by something other companies can’t promise: industry expertise. Other AR and VR technologies are made in Silicon Valley by people who have never been on a drilling site or offshore rig. Optech4D comprises oil and gas industry veterans who truly understand the needs, situations and challenges faced by its end users.

As companies continue to ponder how they will address “the great crew change” and associated knowledge gap, AR and VR solutions gain adoption, use and benefits. While some have elected to take an early retirement and others had the choice made for them, remote expert functionality and AR technology allow them to continue working in the field they love in a temporary, part-time or consulting role. The slowing of the knowledge flight will benefit the industry for years to come.