Deploying Common Process Across Global Wells Teams—Integrating an Online Project Management Application with Effective Behaviours to Enable High Performance

Abstract

Abstract BP has successfully deployed a web based project management application across the global wells teams to support common processes used in well delivery. Widespread use of the application is now made in drilling and completions activities and other planning functions within the wells community. This is just one of the tools that have contributed to the 19% drilling and completions performance improvement recorded in BP during 2003. The project's goal is to standardise the use of proven common processes, creating a shared repository for critical knowledge, reducing time for project initiation and planning, managing risk and supporting the stage gate decision making. An extensive management reporting capability also reduces the administrative burden. Positive results include quicker start-up of new teams and improved planning. The keys to success are organisational commitment to the common processes and the use of proven project management practices in drilling and completions activities. Behaviours have also been addressed. Over 90% of the application was based on established, commercially available software, increasing reliability, reducing implementation risk and enabling the developers to focus on the key functionality and user interface. The application's process templates are regularly reviewed and are updated periodically to ensure continuous improvement and long term sustainability. This paper contains a summary of the common processes and presents a case study of the project, its goals, results, critical success factors, challenges and lessons learned, supported by several examples. The paper will be of interest to both managers and engineers.