The evolving role of AI in oil and gas operations.

Natacha Baroni, Head of Energy Product Marketing at T-Mobile for Business

Predictive maintenance. Asset performance management. Optimized production and scheduling. Improved physical security. These use cases for artificial intelligence (AI) in the oil and gas industry can lead to long-term improvements in operational efficiency and resilience. And right now, that’s critical. Recent external pressures, including price fluctuations and escalating use of renewable energy resources, are compelling companies to find and implement innovative solutions that give them a competitive advantage.

With a growing number of Internet of Things (IoT) devices being used in the oil and gas industry to gain better visibility into production sites, they need new ways to collect, store, and analyze the massive data flows generated. AI applications, along with cloud and edge computing, play a pivotal role in providing insight and driving performance.

Executives may struggle to decipher the technology roadmap for AI projects or to identify use cases where AI produces tangible results and real ROI. But for those on the fence, here’s a hint: the energy industry’s asset-heavy nature makes asset performance management a great place to start your investigation.

Oil and gas companies can’t integrate AI effectively with a siloed model. For the best outcomes, companies must combine investments in AI with enabling technologies like cloud, wireless connectivity, and edge/industrial IoT devices that capture operational data.

As an example: to monitor the flare stack on a product site, a company may select AI-enabled video analytics. But that solution requires sensors and cameras, robust wireless connectivity for data transmission, and cloud and edge computing for analysis. Since data is the core of AI, investments in data infrastructure and management are also a must-have.

By taking a holistic approach, oil and gas enterprises can put digital transformation into action in their operations. That said, executives often feel their companies don’t have the necessary skills internally to successfully deliver complex AI projects in the field.

Success likely means looking outside the organization for partners with deep experience on relevant use cases in the energy industry and with a scale and breadth of knowledge across 5G, edge computing, IoT, AI, and machine learning. T-Mobile has network capabilities that can ensure smart, safe, efficient, and enhanced operations. Robust, consistent 5G connectivity can deliver the performance, latency, and reliability oil and gas companies need for digital transformation.

T-Mobile has America's largest and fastest 5G network, imagined for tomorrow but ready to give you an edge today. At T-Mobile for Business, we’re focused on providing your business with connectivity solutions and dedicated, exceptional service you need to help you stay ahead. To learn more about how T-Mobile is fueling digital transformation for today’s energy companies, visit our energy industry page.