KIOGE-2024
Cooperation of TCO and IT: Innovations for the Development of the Country
Today, it is impossible to imagine the operational activities of any business without modern digital technologies, and even more so such a complex and important industry for the economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan as petroleum.
The digital transformation of operations creates a new digital culture that increases safety, productivity, and value at all stages. The number of digital solutions optimizing processes and saving time is increasing from year to year in Kazakhstan's largest oil-producing company Tengizchevroil LLP (TCO).
Key to success – create solutions needed for the business
The success of digitalization at such complex process facilities as Tengiz field is primarily attributed to the fact that its main "customer" was the business–production operations. Digitalization in TCO is not for digitalization but for effective solutions to the tasks facing production.
The company values were collected in a kind of "chain" of 7 categories that determine priorities for further digital development.
The first link in the chain is Reservoir Engineering which is being conducted by geologists. The following are wells and field facilities, this area includes drilling and construction of field facilities. Then, logically, minor and major capital projects, after which the chain continues directly in production operations. And the following links: reliability and maintenance, turnaround, production optimization, and last but not least, marketing and transportation.
These 7 categories of values reflect all processes, from production to buyers of the products.
Accordingly, digital transformation is structured in such a way as to influence business processes throughout the value chain. Each implemented technology affects KPI and brings the company step by step closer to aspirational goals.
Digital transformation: stories of successful technologies
– At TCO, safety has always been and remains a top priority, and this principle applies, among other areas, to our approach to Digital transformation. In our program, we pay special attention to promoting a safety culture focusing on solutions that improve the safety of our employees and initiatives that help reduce the carbon footprint of the company, - Konilkosh Suyessinov, TCO Deputy General Director highlighted during his speech.
Digital transformation at TCO is being developed with a constant focus on safe production, workforce and process safety, and environmental protection.
One of the first digital products implemented at TCO was the Intelligent Vehicle Safety project. As part of it, every vehicle operated by the company and contractors has been equipped with a fatigue recognition system. The system sends signals in case of detected fatigue or drowsiness. This has helped to drastically reduce the number of incidents.
Using AI in production
The introduction of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool that can transform not only operational processes but also completely change the outlook for the future.
– The use of AI allows us to leverage production, improve safety, as well as predict and adapt to changes in the industry. The introduction of AI is not just a technological step, it is a strategic decision that helps companies remain competitive and sustainable from a long-term perspective, says Marat Kuatov, TCO Digital Champion.
Until 2020, the company focused on the development of Digital Foundations. The field, wells, oil gathering system, plants, and export facilities were digitalized, and complex IT systems were introduced. The development of cloud systems and the creation of an extensive database and platform were ongoing. Even during the coronavirus pandemic, TCO actively used digital platforms to ensure the safety of employees and coordinate work.
In 2020, the company implemented production process management systems, smart transport safety technologies, and pilot programs for drones and augmented reality glasses at the Future Growth Project - Wellhead Pressure Management Project.
In 2023, a "Digital Twin of the KTL plant" program was successfully completed at the Tengiz field. The virtual plant twin allows TCO experts to create scenarios for various situations, as well as test and optimize processes. Process optimization with the help of a virtual twin allows you to use resources more efficiently and reduce waste and impacts on the environment. Thus, the implementation of the virtual twin was not just an isolated example, but a step into the future, where digital solutions become key to the efficiency and sustainability of the operations.
Digitalization has positively impacted water resource management in the Tengiz field. The successful implementation of the water meter reading system has significantly improved the efficiency of the water resources department of Tengiz Facilities Management. The system allows to remotely collect data from water meters, eliminating the need for manual readings and increasing operational safety.
One of the company's innovations is the transition to an electronic work permit system (ePTW). It significantly reduced the amount of paperwork and allowed the company to focus directly on work and safety measures. For example, during the 2023 turnaround at KTL Train 5, over 33 thousand electronic work permits were issued that contributed to the safe and timely completion of the works. The ability to obtain electronic signatures on documents has speeded up processes that previously took a long time. This technological shift not only upgraded TCO operation, but also significantly increased its efficiency and responsiveness.
– The safety of our people and production safety are our top priorities at TCO. And we use artificial intelligence for this purpose. Thanks to AI, we are making our work environment safer and more efficient. And we have more than 20 such AIs," Marat Kuatov emphasized.
Recognition on the world stage
TCO experts took part in the world's largest ESRI UC 2024 conference on geographic information systems (GIS) from July 8 to 12, 2024. It was held in San Diego, California, and attracted thousands of specialists from all over the world.
Mansur Rusayev, Lead Specialist in GIS technologies, presented a SimOps map, which is a method of managing production processes in which various types of work are performed simultaneously in the same place.
– These maps are part of a SimOps GIS platform, and they have revolutionized the way we plan and execute our projects. One of the key features of the platform is its ability to allow planners from different groups to identify conflicts of work activities at the early stages of planning. This proactive approach allows us to adjust plans during implementation, ensuring a smoother and more efficient workflow," says Mansur Rusayev.
At Tengiz, SimOps helps ensure the smooth and safe execution of operational tasks. In the context of a large-scale oil and gas project such as Tengiz, the need to simultaneously perform various types of work requires a high degree of coordination and strict compliance with safety procedures. Thanks to the implementation of SimOps, TCO continues to effectively manage complex operations, reducing risks and increasing productivity, which contributes to the successful implementation of the project and maintaining high safety standards in the field.
– The use of SimOps requires the application of modern technologies and software for planning and monitoring operations. For example, project management systems, and software solutions for modeling and simulation, including safety monitoring systems help to monitor the progress of work in real-time and respond promptly to any changes. This allows you to flexibly manage processes and make timely adjustments to plans," says Mansur Rusayev.
Participation in the ESRI UC 2024 conference was an important step for TCO in the direction of further development and improvement of GIS technologies, which in turn, contributes to successful implementation of existing and future projects.
TCO's impact on the development of the Kazakhstani IT industry
An excellent example of a partnership between IT and the petroleum sector is a cooperation between TCO and companies in Atyrau Oblast providing advanced IT solutions and services to increase efficiency and improve the business segment.
Joint development with AYACOM
Thus, TCO played a major role in the formation and development of AYACOM. Among the key achievements of the team: experience in managing IT services, which allowed scaling service projects across the country, which is reflected in products such as MPS (Managed Print Services), ISS (Infrastructure Support Services), and AVCS (Audio-Video Conference Systems).
The team implements international experience in Kazakhstani national and private companies, providing services that are still in the development stage in Kazakhstan. Building a culture and knowledge management system ensured highly qualified personnel and the introduction of advanced management and monitoring systems with the ability to analyze Big Data and use AI significantly increased the overall value of services.
It is no exaggeration to state that TCO has become a key driver of the growth, creating conditions for the development of local human resources and increasing the share of Kazakhstani content in the portfolio of AYACOM solutions.
Norsec Delta Projects: the path of a system integration leader
TCO production operations require uninterrupted operation of IT infrastructure. The Norsec Delta Projects team ensures the stable operation of servers, networks, and databases, supplies the necessary IT devices and components and develops specialized software to optimize production processes.
One of the key activities of the company is the development of systems for monitoring and managing processes in real-time. Norsec Delta Projects also offers solutions for workflow automation and data management.
TCO has had a significant impact on the development of this company, providing the opportunity to work on large-scale projects in the oil and gas industry. Today, Norsec Delta Projects is actively implementing advanced technologies, offering innovative solutions to improve the efficiency and safety of production processes.
"AtyrauTechInvest» (ATI) and TCO: introduction of innovations
Since 2018, ATI has been cooperating with TCO, successfully implementing projects and providing a wide range of IT services: software development and implementation, project management, provision of specialists working with Agile and SAFe methodology, technical support, data analysis, reporting, implementation and support of key management systems and equipment.
Cooperation with TCO contributed to the introduction of high standards within the company, which allowed the implementation of large-scale projects and contributed to its growth.
In 2024, celebrating its 20th Anniversary, ATI launched Kulsary IT Smart School in the Zhylyoi district of Atyrau Oblast, where children study the basics of coding in Roblox and Minecraft, including neural networks. The company supports large and underprivileged families, providing equal opportunities for quality education, and actively participates in social projects.
During the state of emergency caused by flooding in Atyrau Oblast this spring, ATI made a significant contribution to strengthening the banks of the Zhaiyk River. The GIS development team conducted flood impact analysis using geospatial as well as historical data and developed scenarios to identify vulnerable areas.
Thus, TCO's cooperation with local IT companies contributes to the development and modernization of the oil and gas industry of the country. The introduction of advanced technologies, creation of new jobs, support for educational initiatives, and active participation in charity projects demonstrate how partnership between business and the IT sector can become a powerful driver of positive changes in society.