As we explore technology in this issue, I thought about how rapidly technology changes in industries such as finance, legal, publishing, and retail. For energy, specifically oil and gas, the negative oil economy has forced companies to innovate and pursue product research and development. Being creative in your field is always a noble endeavor. However, many wonder why the oil and gas industry waited until the drop in oil prices to accelerate ideas for product improvement. During the high barrel oil prices there appeared to be plenty of resources to fund R&D, yet the emphasis was on solely getting oil to the market. At OILMAN, we’re trying out new techniques to deliver content to our readers while also discovering new ways to bring value to our advertisers. Some of our initiatives will work and many may not. We know part of the innovation process is to filter out ideas, services and products that morph into a bad experience for our customers. Keeping up with the latest tools in the publishing industry and what our competitors offer their customers is key to our survival. With R&D and innovation comes training and knowledge transfer. As with all new products and ideas, they need to be introduced to an eager team in order to successfully present to customers. Training is a key component and the downturn has provided oil and gas professionals the time to learn new skills, which in turn will place a company in a stronger advantage over competitors. To stay competitive in today’s economy, companies need to think about new products on a consistent basis and improve their service where appropriate. Customers are expecting it and the company with the best tools of the trade will win every time.
The CEO of U.S. Energy Media, Emmanuel Sullivan is a technical writer who has built up his profile in the oil and gas industry. He lives and works in Houston, where he publishes Oilman and Oilwoman on a bimonthly basis, and Energies quarterly, distributing the magazine to energy thought leaders and professionals throughout the United States and around the world. At a time when technology is rapidly changing, he provides an invaluable service to oil & gas, and renewable energy executives, engineers, and managers, offering them both broad and specific looks at the topics that affect their livelihoods. Sullivan earned his BA in Communications at Thomas Edison State University and his MA in Professional Writing at Chatham University.
- Emmanuel Sullivanhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/emmanuel-sullivan/
- Emmanuel Sullivanhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/emmanuel-sullivan/
- Emmanuel Sullivanhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/emmanuel-sullivan/
- Emmanuel Sullivanhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/emmanuel-sullivan/
- Emmanuel Sullivanhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/emmanuel-sullivan/
- Emmanuel Sullivanhttps://energiesmedia.com/author/emmanuel-sullivan/
Oil and gas operations are commonly found in remote locations far from company headquarters. Now, it's possible to monitor pump operations, collate and analyze seismic data, and track employees around the world from almost anywhere. Whether employees are in the office or in the field, the internet and related applications enable a greater multidirectional flow of information – and control – than ever before.