What is your company’s core strength when it comes to offshore oil and gas work?
In collaboration with a partner network of manufacturing and development partners that includes companies such as Airbus, Honeywell, Samsung, and Sonim, eCom is driving digital transformation in hazardous areas. A key component is the eCom Mobile Worker platform, an integrated wireless ecosystem built around rugged and explosion-proof mobile computers, wireless peripheral devices, and smart software applications.
What challenges have you faced while performing offshore work in the region?
It’s always about connectivity, and ensuring WiFi or future-4G private networks in a rough and remote location. Furthermore, it’s about safety and reliability: all eCom products enable staff to work 24/7 shifts, offering high battery capacities and very specific lone-worker protection solutions.
What is eCom contributing to the digitalisation of the offshore sector?
Digitalisation in the oil and gas industry encompasses industrial-strength wireless communications, digital networks, and wirelessly connected devices. However, many companies are unsure of the steps they need to take. eCom is an enabler and trendsetter in mobile digitalisation in ex-hazardous and remote areas and is a pioneer of products certified for use in ATEX Zone 1. eCom mobile devices have the performance necessary to run a variety of professional software applications, providing a platform to create new solutions to meet the challenges in the oil and gas sector. We also recently introduced Bluetooth beacon technology for hazardous areas.
How do you see the offshore oil and gas sector performing, both globally and regionally?
We already recognise and experience a re-strengthening of the offshore segment, with prices probably leading around $50 to $70 per barrel. The oil and gas offshore segment may never be as it was before, but by leveraging the increased efficiency that the digital transformation enables, in terms of applications and mobile devices, we will see businesses prosper in the foreseeable future.
How do you help your clients to address the drilling, extraction, and seismic analysis challenges that operators face in offshore projects?
Drilling pipes and assets are tracked and administrated while drilling by tagging, and by specific applications running on intrinsically safe devices like smartphones, tablets, or PDAs connected to the offshore – as well as the onshore – company network. This ensures that the age or the condition of assets are monitored or limited in use, with an eye toward stock orders and supply chain.
