Seismic and geology software: is it time for a change?

New technology and tools can offer significant value for your oil and gas company, from increasing productivity to easing employee frustration. Geology software applications are no exception, providing streamlined workflows and heightened capabilities for geological and seismic data interpretation.

Technology adoption is a hot topic in many sectors, with many businesses deciding how to invest in new tools and manage the transition. For example, nearly 70% of small and medium-sized businesses planned to spend more on technology in 2023 to increase their operational efficiency, according to Gartner.

“In this industry, it’s impossible to stay static,” says Stephane Vandal, Geoscience Support for SeisWare. “Efficiencies absolutely matter when it comes to drilling time and other energy project details.”

Most assume that moving to a new software platform will be time-consuming and painful (and unfortunately, in some cases, they’re right). However, when you partner with a vendor that focuses on both high-quality software development and support, the transition can be easier than anticipated. You’ll also gain rewards that far outpace any growing pains — and keep your sanity while doing it!

In this article on what it takes to switch to a new software solution, we’ll explore:

• Benefits of moving to a new geology software platform
• How to tell if it’s time to change platforms
• What’s involved in switching to a new seismic and geological software system
• The costs of not making the switch

Potential benefits of moving to a new geology software platform

There are a number of high-impact benefits you can look forward to when you move to a software platform with greater capabilities. Each can add up to significant gains over time, especially when the software provider is committed to your success.

“We work hard to ensure the SeisWare platform will meet clients’ needs to ensure they realize all the potential benefits,” says Stephane. “We won’t close a sale until a potential customer has successfully completed a trial.”

With a new comprehensive geoscience platform, you can:

• Improve existing workflows
• Manage data across multiple applications
• Integrate geological and seismic data interpretation
• Collaborate among team members
• Reduce work time to boost overall productivity
• Replace manual work with automated tools
• Optimize plans and refine budgeting and project costing
• Enjoy the flexibility of a subscription model over a one-time purchase

When considering a change to the software applications you use, take note of each potential improvement to assess the cumulative benefits.

How to tell if it’s time to change platforms

One of the biggest signs that you might need to upgrade to a new software platform is when you can’t complete your necessary workflows with your current tool. (A team member threatening to toss their laptop out the nearest window is also a key indicator that change is necessary).

Changes in work scope or expectations can also trigger a shift. The energy industry has been around for a long time, but has been evolving more rapidly in recent years. Those looking to adapt need more functionality from their tools. 

“Some geophysicists are branching out and looking for new software because they’re handling so many new areas,” says Stephane.

While these larger concerns might prompt swifter decisions, it’s important to recognize how much small frustrations can slow progress or even affect work output. Discussions with your team might reveal more friction than you’ve calculated, and even small inefficiencies add up across months, years, and multiple employees.

Finally, it’s vital to keep an eye on trends in your market. If others in your industry are making changes to increase efficiency, cut costs, and streamline workflows, it may be time to take a closer look at how well you’ll be able to compete with the tech you’re currently using. 

What’s involved in switching to a new software platform

Changing geoscience software providers isn’t a small decision. You’ll need to manage the transition with any team members likely to be affected by the change, whether they will be occasional or frequent users or offering tech support. 

“We know customers will be dealing with learning curves as well as coordination and integration of other software,” says Stephane. “We customize demos and make sure our platform can do exactly what they need, how they need to do it.”

There are three areas where you can evaluate a new provider before making a decision: 

Sales

A new software provider should book a discovery call with you to review your needs, project workflows, and how their experience aligns with your needs. 

Look for opportunities to explore demos and trials before you commit to a purchase. Be sure to try out the most relevant application for your current workflows, but explore additional functionality and how it can expand your capabilities.

Onboarding

Any new software provider should happily provide training sessions to familiarize you with the platform. This might include general training so you know how the program works, as well as training that specifically supports what you’ll need the software to do daily. 

Also be sure you can transfer your data for current projects and build new ones without frustration or delay. You may not have the resources to handle this in-house, so don’t hesitate to ask if your vendor offers this support. 

Ongoing support

A new provider should be equally invested in both software development and support for customers before and after purchase. You’ll want to know an expert support team is in place to offer ongoing email and phone support, training, and troubleshooting. 

Beyond immediate support, you’ll want ongoing learning opportunities that help you make the most of your new software platform. Look for a well-developed resource library of training materials, videos, and webinars. 

The five most significant business effects of changing a significant software program include the impact on your team and customers, cost, security concerns, and continuity. For best results, approach these changes with a solutions provider who has anticipated these impacts and has a plan in place to help you transition as seamlessly as possible. 

The costs of not making the switch

The negative impacts of staying with a solution you’ve outgrown for too long can affect every area of your business, from employee engagement to your technical expertise as a company. Frustrated employees aren’t likely to have the bandwidth to innovate and are probably too busy struggling with their current program to disrupt anything.

Most businesses work hard to run their operations as efficiently as possible. When work takes longer than expected or doesn’t provide the insights you need to make solid decisions, it will likely affect your bottom line. 

While harder to calculate, there is also a cost to falling behind in technical currency in your industry. Missed opportunities to expand skill sets, try new tools, and adopt new practices come at a cost. 

It’s easier than you think to make the switch. Book your personalized demo from our in-house team of experts today.