How to choose the best geomodelling software Part 2: Important considerations

In the first article, we have seen that choosing a geomodelling package is mostly driven by 3 parameters (the geomodelling ternary diagram): User friendliness, the technical robustness and the cost element. At that point of time, you probably have a good idea of which package to go for. Before the final decision, there are some important parameters to take into account. It is critical to review those aspects to avoid (bad) surprises.

Outline:

Part 1 (previous article): Metrics for evaluating a geomodelling software

Part 2 (this article):       Important parameters before selecting a geomodelling software

Part 3 (coming soon):   Snapshot on today’s geomodelling software landscape

Part 4 (coming soon):   Going forward, my prediction on how the geomodelling software market will evolve in the short / mid term

1)     Geomodelling needs! it may sound trivial but the geomodelling software strategy must be tailored for your company asset portfolio. You would not choose the same geomodelling software if your company portfolio is made exclusively of explorations opportunities versus a cluster of mature fields with many wells. Purchasing a licence (more expensive) for a punctual geomodelling need is not the most efficient solution. For short time geomodelling tasks, it is preferable to rent a software or hire a consultant possessing his/her own licence.

2)     In house geomodelling capabilities. Do you have a geomodeller in your team? What is the proficiency level of your geomodeller with a specific package? Can your geomodeller adapt quickly to a new package? Do you rely on external geomodelling consultants? Gains on the cost side can be totally offseted by the proficiency gap of your in house geomodeller(s). Sometimes, it may be more beneficial to pay a higher price to get a package your geomodeller is comfortable with versus getting a good deal with a steep learning curves. In this context, think broad because working with a new geomodelling platform can also pose some challenges to the extended subsurface team (example: reservoir engineers having trouble to import the model).

3)     The subsurface… Some geomodelling packages are more powerful for certain geological challenges (structural gridding or integration with seismic for example). If your company asset portfolio is made of similar type of reservoirs, you may want to consider choosing the most adapted package for your geology. If you have structurally challenging reservoirs, it may be more beneficial to opt for packages known for best in class gridding algorithm. If you need to explore the full subsurface uncertainty envelope in a structured and systematic fashion, it may better to choose a package with good capabilities in workflow and automation tasks.

4)     Real Cost: As opposed to the cost metric, which is purely pecuniary, the “real” cost element is the cost of the software versus the average time needed for your average Geomodeller to build a static model. The pitfall to avoid is to choose a software with a lower rental / acquisition cost and spending more man hours to achieve similar results. This is even more important when a company rely on external geomodelling consultants (generally paid at a premium).

5)     Usage optimization: if the geomodelling work load is expected to be cyclic between period of intense usage alternating with period of inactivity, it may be more cost effective to rent the software for a fixed period instead of buying a licence, not fully utilizing it and paying hefty maintenance fees. For bigger companies, a system of floating licence can come into force. For corporation, a floating licence system coupled with remotely located hardware may be the only cost-effective solution. Optimizing users’ usage and time zone is the key when working with a large pool of geomodellers located across the world.

To close out this second article, I would recommend mapping out the geomodelling needs point by point by including the “geological” portfolio in the equation before considering a geomodelling package. Once the choice made, an evaluation period is a must (most software provider usually gives a 30 days evaluation period licence). During this evaluation, it is advised to test all the functionalities and modules required. Being disciplined and going through the full workflow is better than spending time and being stuck at one aspect of the workflow. Only then a geomodelling package can be short listed and seriously considered.

If you / your company is considering a geomodelling package. I recommend contacting GeomodL International ([email protected]) to help you sailing through the evaluation period and address all your objectives.

Geomodelly yours!

Raffik

Picture legend: the Geomodelling Maze