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IFS Applications provides SeaDrill with faster and better access to businesscritical information. Collaborating with IFS has also taught the company to adopt a more systematic approach to process modeling and related issues.
Legacy Systems Outdated
In mid-1998, SeaDrill (then Smedvig) realized that the business systems it used for maintenance, logistics and procurement were too old, not scalable, too limited in terms of functionality and flexibility and, above all, too vulnerable. Moreover, the competence to maintain and develop the software, which was unique to SeaDrill, was limited. One of the main requirements was that it should be a tool for process improvements. Another important requirement was the interface with financials because SeaDrill needed fast and accurate information about costs related to its various commitments. In the old system this was done manually, and could be up to a month late.
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Benefits “After six months and with hundreds of employees using the system, we are convinced that we made the right decision when we chose IFS as our business solutions partner”
Egil Hope, Head of maintenance processes at SeaDrill
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Industry Competence, Local Presence
SeaDrill initiated a major procurement process to review company processes for supply chain management and maintenance. The result was a requirement specification that was sent to a number of vendors along with a request for quotation. “We chose IFS for a number of reasons,” says Egil Hope, head of maintenance processes at SeaDrill. “First of all, IFS is a leading vendor of solutions that support processes similar to our main processes, and the solution met our specifications. And IFS had a local presence, which made collaboration much easier. The reference visits we made also confirmed our belief in IFS as the right choice.” IFS’ long experience of providing maintenance solutions to the asset-intensive industry was another critical factor. Implementation Time and Money
SeaDrill and IFS carefully assessed SeaDrill’s needs to determine how the system would be utilized. “We appointed a strong project team to take us through the implementation,” explains Hope, who also commends IFS for sending “a very competent team of consultants who did more than just implement business software. They also taught us a lot about how to systematically approach process modeling.” A group of key users—future specialists for the maintenance solution—was trained first by IFS. However, the bulk of the users were trained through interactive e-learning, a concept that SeaDrill developed during the implementation process. Hope again, “Interactive learning was new to SeaDrill; it saved time and money, and no classroom teaching was required.” This also meant that SeaDrill could focus resources on more specialized processes that required instructor-led teaching. IFS also made a test database available for SeaDrill employees to practice on. Faster Access to Crucial Data
The portal technology used to access IFS Applications is a significant benefit for SeaDrill, Hope explains, “The portals from IFS are tailored to the needs of the individual users, enabling rapid access to control and management information about purchasing, inventory and other key factors. Previously, we needed a specialist to get some of this data—and we got it once a month. Now it’s immediately available to all those who need it.” The solution is also used on the drilling rigs and connected via satellite in a pure-play Internet solution, so now we have a single database for all our sites and employees. Hope is enthusiastic, “Communication via satellite works well. During the time we’ve been running the system, the response time has not been an issue of complaint.” Hope concludes, “After six months and with hundreds of employees using the system, we are convinced that we made the right decision when we chose IFS as our business solutions partner.” About SeaDrill
SeaDrill (formerly Smedvig), listed on the Oslo stock exchange, is a leading international offshore drilling contractor. The new SeaDrill has focused its operations in four main markets: jack-up rigs, mobile units, tender rigs and well services. The company has a modern fleet of 34 units, of which 13 are under construction. SeaDrill operates in 12 countries on three continents and has more than 4,800 employees.
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