A North Sea operator has adopted an advanced tool to simplify the Ex/ATEX inspection processes
A North Sea operator has adopted an advanced tool to simplify the Ex/ATEX inspection processes.
Oil and gas operators regularly say that improved Ex/ATEX-inspections would significantly reduce explosions and increase efficiency. Companies are using various solutions to help with this, and one of these is software.
Better Ex/ATEX inspections
A new product from AG Consultancy, the SAP solutions specialists, will be of interest to these operators. The company claims is the ‘first tool of its kind’ designed to overcome challenges posed by the implementation of global health and safety standards and Ex/ATEX inspections in the oil and gas industry and wider energy sector.
Following the launch of the solution by the Aberdeen-based company in May 2024, North Sea operator Spirit Energy, which provides primary energy to fuel homes and businesses across the UK and Europe, became the first to adopt the solution.
Its platform ‘Smart Ex’ allows businesses to undertake Ex/ATEX inspections internally within their SAP tool without the need for third-party products – the difficulties and inefficiencies related to managing multiple IT solutions lacking a ‘single source of truth’ is well documented.
According to its developers, the fully integrated solution is an end-to-end tool which encompasses planning, execution and analysis and covers the full life cycle of Ex/ATEX inspections.
“For the oil and gas sector, the problems posed by the use of multiple platforms when undertaking Ex/ATEX Inspections are significant and the challenges for companies can be demanding,” says Deepal Ratnayaka, director SAP consultancy services at AG Consultancy.
“Smart Ex allows businesses access to mobile, real-time updates on a single system providing insights for informed decision making by bringing together work management and inspection management needs. This negates the need for two separate IT solutions.”
Artificial intelligence and machine learning
The software is designed to be regularly updated with the latest technology including artificial intelligence and machine learning. In addition, it manages various types of inspections including integrity inspections, compliance checks, tool calibrations and maintenance checklists. It also complies with safety standards IEC60079, NEC500/505 and ATEX and has a digital auditing trail allowing for full traceability of inspections.
Reduces duplication
According to its developers, the system can help reduce manual, duplicate efforts in system updates, saving technicians’ time, and allowing for better insight into operations. It also helps with compliance via audit trails and analytics.
“Ex/ATEX inspections are an important business process and critical to the safety of staff and ongoing operations, we believe this tool can be revolutionary for organisations that are currently grappling with how best to address the challenge with multiple IT systems,” Ratnayaka adds.
“Our industry knowledge in oil and gas and energy, combined with our SAP proficiency, allows us to tailor SAP solutions to specific business needs. The successful implementation of ‘Smart Ex’ for Ex/ATEX inspections at Spirit Energy is a prime example of our expertise.”
