Enhancing Smart ePIPE for Downstream Optimization IT Solutions
The project aimed to meet evolving business requirements and improve operational efficiency by leveraging advanced geospatial technologies and data integration.
Problem Statement
Saudi Aramco needed an enhanced version of Smart ePIPE to manage its downstream activities more effectively. The existing solution required updates in functionality, integration with off the shelf tools, and support for complex data visualizations to address challenges like corrosion management, data redundancy, and KPI tracking.
The biggest challenge was that Arguzo was not utilizing technology properly. Too much of the work was still being recorded manually, which meant that the numbers took a long time to note down and then to be analyzed. Live data was also not available and decisions can only be made after all the required data and been received. This was holding Arguzo back; they knew they could corner more of the market if they had the ability to be more mobile. The work addressed three critical issues for Pharm Ltd.:
- Improve sales and operations and production planning:
The teams focused their efforts on a few of the highest-value S&OP levers in order to review the current planning process, identify gaps in the planning infrastructure and analytically understand demand and supply variability. - Determine the right inventory level:
With hundreds of medications in the market, Pharm Ltd. needed a proper method to predict and manage their inventory. Using a mean absolute percentage analysis (MAPE), the teams defined appropriate levels for raw materials and finished products by mapping actual versus forecasted sales on the most important SKUs. - Optimize the supply chain for perfect order planning:
The diagnostic determined the stressors that affected sales and service levels. The teams focused on resolving issues related to higher-than-normal back-orders and lead times, which stressed the entire supply chain and led to delays in medications reaching consumers.
Technology Stack
- ArcGIS JavaScript API 3.x/4.x for Web GIS
- Dojo 1.x Framework for UI
- J2EE for Backend
- UPDM 2019 or latest
- ArcPY
- ArcGIS Pro
- ArcGIS Server
- ArcGIS Desktop
- Oracle Spatial / ArcSDE
Objectives
- Upgrade the Smart ePIPE application to streamline pipeline integrity, corrosion management, and performance monitoring.
- Enhance data visualization with 3D model integration and dashboard functionality.
- Optimize database architecture to eliminate redundancy and improve efficiency.
- Implement user friendly modules for notification management and bulk data uploads.
Responsibilities
- Designed and implemented frontend and backend modules using ArcGIS JavaScript API and J2EE.
- Coordinated with GIS analysts to optimize spatial data modeling
- Conducted QA testing and prepared technical documentation for various modules.
Solution
- Adopted an Agile methodology, enabling iterative development and continuous requirement gathering.
- Developed enhanced visualization tools, including an Elevation Profile Widget and 3D model integration for 43 critical pipeline locations.
- Created dashboards summarizing Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) across modules for real time monitoring.
- Integrated bulk data upload capabilities for large datasets like SIS and ILI sheets.
- Redesigned the database schema to consolidate redundant tables and improve data integrity.
Execution and Challenges
Execution:
- Delivered modular upgrades for Smart ePIPE’s main viewer, database, and PIMS.
- Integrated GIS tools such as ArcPY and ArcGIS Pro for spatial data analysis.
- Enhanced user experience with improved hatching, search tools, and interactive dashboards.
Challenges:
- Managing real time updates while ensuring minimal downtime.
- Aligning database enhancements with Saudi Aramco’s internal data compliance requirements.
Results and Impact
- Operational Efficiency: Reduced data redundancy and enhanced query performance in the Smart ePIPE database.
- User Satisfaction: Introduced intuitive tools for engineers, including 3D visualization and realtime notifications.
- Enhanced Monitoring: Centralized dashboards provided actionable insights into pipeline performance and corrosion metrics.
- Business Integration: Enabled seamless integration with external tools like SAP for workload tracking.
Key Learnings
- Collaborative Agile development ensured flexibility in accommodating evolving requirements.
- Detailed data visualization significantly improves user engagement and decision making.
- Modular upgrades reduce the risk of system wide disruptions.
Visuals and Supporting Data
- Screenshots/Diagrams: Included views of the new 3D model interface, enhanced dashboards, and bulk upload processes.
- Data Metrics: Displayed KPI improvements, such as a 20% reduction in overdue recommendations and enhanced compliance tracking.
Conclusion
The Smart ePIPE project successfully addressed Saudi Aramco’s downstream pipeline management challenges by delivering an enhanced, integrated solution. The upgrades not only streamlined operations but also laid the foundation for future enhancements.
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