Data Collection and Analytics Solution for an Oil Producer

• Project: Developing a cross-platform solution for convenient data input, comprehensive analytics, and forecasting
• Duration: 3 years
• Technologies: .NET, AngularJS, JavaScript, Titanium SDK

The Client is a Texas-based oil company that owns 40+ oil wells scattered across the state.

The Challenge

The client operated over 40 oil wells across the state of Texas and needed to ensure they were consistently maintained to support uninterrupted oil extraction and minimize environmental risks. One of the key challenges was that when oil and water tanks reached capacity, extraction would automatically halt, leading to production downtime and financial losses. At the same time, delayed responses could result in tank overflows, significantly increasing the risk of oil spills and ecological damage.

To perform permanent control over the wells in their possession, company staff included pumpers cruising the sights, who regularly visited each site to inspect well conditions, monitor oil and water tank levels, perform pumping when necessary, and record the results of each inspection. These records were later transferred to the back office for data aggregation and analysis, forming the basis for operational decisions.

The primary challenge stemmed from a lack of digitalization. Pumpers were required to manually record data on paper, which was prone to being lost, damaged, or misinterpreted. This outdated approach not only increased the risk of data loss but also severely limited the ability to perform meaningful analysis or visualize information, ultimately delaying critical decision-making processes.

To overcome these limitations, the client decided to invest in a custom data collection solution designed to simplify data management while remaining fully functional in rugged, offline field conditions.

With a strong track record in digital transformation projects, a deep understanding of the energy industry specifics, including the oil and gas segment, and end-to-end application development, Velvetech was the partner of choice.

The Process

The client sought to develop a system that could manage their own sites while also supporting other oil and gas companies operating beyond Texas, including in New Mexico, Arizona, and other states. With scalability as a key priority, we opted to build a SaaS solution, enabling the creation of separate accounts, user management, and easy onboarding for future clients.

However, before we got down to development, our team delved deep into the client’s business specifics and oil and gas industry intricacies inherent particularly to the state of Taxes. Given the complexity of the domain, a thoughtful and well-elaborated approach to development was essential, and we decided to start from an MVP version and expand application capabilities along the way.

Design Elaboration and Search for Suitable Equipment

Since the application was intended for use by pumpers operating in harsh field conditions, selecting appropriate devices was critical. In compliance with safety regulations, pumpers were required to wear thick protective gloves during site inspections. As a result, the devices had to offer interfaces that remained fully functional and user-friendly without requiring direct finger contact.

To ensure optimal usability in field conditions, we recommended the use of tablets and designed the user interface specifically for touch interaction — even while wearing thick gloves. Special attention was given to the layout and button sizing, ensuring that all controls were easily accessible and could be operated effortlessly without precision tapping.

Data Accumulation and Two-Way Synchronization

The oil wells were distributed across various regions of different states, including remote areas with limited or no network connectivity. From this fact there stemmed the request to create a system capable of storing data locally on the device and automatically syncing with the central server once a stable connection was available.

To meet this need, we implemented local storage functionality on the pumpers’ tablets, enabling offline data entry. We also ensured reliable two-way data synchronization, allowing both field-collected data to be transmitted to the back office and updated instructions or insights to be sent back to the field once connectivity was restored.

On top of that, we addressed potential risks associated with two-way data synchronization. For instance, if two pumpers inspected the same site without Internet access on the same day and entered separate data, it could lead to conflicts or inconsistencies during synchronization with the server.

To ensure data integrity and full visibility, we implemented the data versioning mechanism. This approach allows the system to track and preserve all changes made by different users, clearly reflecting the sequence of updates and avoiding data overwrites or losses. As a result, the system maintains a comprehensive and auditable history of all entries.

Communication with the Back Office

The primary responsibility of pumpers visiting the sites is to pump out oil and water from storage tanks once they reach capacity, ensuring stable well performance. During their inspections, they may also identify issues or malfunctions beyond their expertise to resolve. However, such problems can’t be ignored — timely reporting is essential to avoid disruptions or safety risks.

To streamline communication between field workers and the back office, we implemented an integrated messaging system along with an incident reporting feature. This allows pumpers to instantly log issues and attach photos or notes to provide qualified technicians with detailed information regarding the failure.

Data Analytics and Forecasting

To provide the client with greater operational insight and control, besides centralized data management, we integrated advanced data analytics and visualization capabilities into the solution. The system enables real-time monitoring of well performance metrics, including production rates and tank fill levels.

It also supports forecasting based on historical data to predict when oil and water tanks will reach capacity, allowing for more proactive scheduling of pump-out operations. Additionally, profitability dashboards offer a clear picture of each well’s profitability, helping the client make informed decisions on resource allocation.

Check out how we created a Real Estate Data Analytics Solution

The Outcome

To the oil company, the team delivered a comprehensive data management solution tailored for both field personnel and back-office staff. Platform users can efficiently monitor well operations, ensure proper maintenance, evaluate individual well profitability, and make data-driven decisions to optimize overall field performance.

It’s also important to highlight the high level of client engagement, which heavily contributed to the project’s success. The client was actively involved throughout all stages of development and testing, providing timely feedback and valuable insights. This close collaboration enabled us to deliver a well-aligned, high-quality solution that fully met business needs and user expectations.