Data is the Next Gold Rush – Why Rig Owners Need a Robust Data Management Strategy

From our position at the forefront of predictive maintenance in the offshore drilling sector, we understand what effective data management looks like. Modern offshore rigs are equipped with thousands of sensors capturing critical data points such as pressure, temperature, speed, torque, and many more.   Whilst other inputs are important, this data is essential for enabling predictive maintenance.

Yet in ADC’s experience, this valuable data is often mismanaged – overwritten, stored in inaccessible formats, or, in some cases, not stored at all. We’ve seen first-hand how poor data management practices create significant opportunity cost. A robust data management strategy isn’t just a “nice to have”—it’s essential. 

What’s at Stake?

Strong data management isn’t just about solving today’s challenges, it is about preparing for tomorrow’s opportunities. When sensor data is overwritten, siloed or poorly archived, valuable historical insights are lost. This compromises the ability to train accurate predictive models, which rely on rich, accessible data – ideally spanning years of operations.

Predictive maintenance goes beyond being a technical upgrade; it can be transformative and should be viewed as strategic capability.  Drilling contractors who manage data effectively gain a clear edge, building a strong foundation for the development of predictive maintenance applications that reduce asset downtime, extend equipment life, improve maintenance planning and enhance safety.

In short, investing in robust data management practices now is what makes scalable innovation possible later.

What Does Good Look Like?

A strong data management should encompass:

• Automated Data Collection & Validation
  Implement continuous, automated processes to capture data and perform integrity checks, ensuring nothing is lost or corrupted.

• Centralised, Scalable Storage
  Utilise a single, searchable repository that can grow with your needs, providing fast access and straightforward administration.

• Non-destructive Archiving
  Prevent accidental overwrites by maintaining historical snapshots; archived data remains fully intact and readily retrievable.

• Open Formats
  Store information in universally supported formats (e.g., CSV, JSON) or open-source databases, guaranteeing compatibility with a wide range of tools and platforms.

How ADC Can Help

At ADC, we help drilling companies build and implement predictive maintenance applications.  A key part of this is providing data collection hardware that gathers sensor data from disparate systems into a centralised, reliable platform – laying a solid foundation for predictive maintenance development. 

Whether beginning your predictive maintenance journey or enhancing existing systems, ADC has the expertise to support you— from initial data collection to scalable, fleet-wide application development.