Field Specific KPI - An Innovative Approach to Drilling Performance Management

Abstract The importance of improving the efficiency of drilling operations in the E&P industry cannot be overemphasized, since it directly impacts the overall cost of constructing oil and gas wells. The key performance indicator (KPI) for measuring drilling efficiency is feet per day (ft/d). In Saudi Aramco, a high level target KPI is normally generated separately for new development oil wells and gas wells, using a benchmark (BM) method based on actual and projected performance. The drilling teams found it difficult to relate individual well performance to the high level KPI target and were unable to properly strategize to improve performance. A new method, the field specific KPI, was developed to complement the BM method and provide a more user-friendly platform to manage performance. Notable impacts of the new method include; improved planning, accurate monitoring of performance for prompt corrective action; and enhanced accountability and variance analysis from individual wells to fields, departments and the high level. These were demonstrated to be the prime drivers to improve performance. This paper presents the process of generating the drilling performance efficiency KPIs using the existing BM method and the new field specific method. The scope, strengths, benefits and weaknesses of both methods are also addressed.