PPDM Association

From PPDM Wiki

PROFESSIONAL PETROLEUM DATA MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION (PPDM)

PPDM is a not-for-profit organization that provides a business-driven data model for the petroleum exploration and production industry.

PPDM was formed in 1989 and incorporated in 1991. Over 100 petroleum companies, government agencies, software application providers, data vendors and service companies form the membership. New members are currently being accepted.

The petroleum industry generates a very large amount of data, including exploration seismic, well drilling and oil and gas production information. Historically, most of that data has been held in proprietary systems using in-house standards. This makes the gathering, transferring and interpretation of information from a broad range of sources a difficult, time consuming and inefficient task.

An open data model eliminates the need to develop, evolve and maintain internal data models and custom software. It reduces take-up time for new software applications, lowers systems costs to update and maintain duplicate information, and improves the quality, quantity and timeliness of information. It clarifies data ownership, reduces risk through improved reliability with clear, concise data definitions, and minimizes data transfer difficulties between software applications or multiple databases. Using an open data model not only reduces costs, but positions companies to become more productive, efficient and competitive.

Creating a standard model for the petroleum industry that is accepted and actively employed by many diverse parties is a task beyond the scope and capabilities of any one company or government agency. The goal of the PPDM Association is to create an open, business driven data model for the petroleum industry by having volunteers from a broad range of companies, government agencies, vendors and service companies collaborate.

HOW THE PPDM ASSOCIATION WORKS

PPDM brings world-wide industry experts together in a round table approach to engineer a business-driven data model for key petroleum functions such as exploration, development, production, gathering and marketing, plus related management and administration functions.

Standards and definitions for modules within the data model are discussed and agreed upon through a vetting process by volunteer member committees. After thorough testing to ensure integration of additions, new versions of PPDM are periodically released to the membership. PPDM’s latest version, PPDM version 3.8 , was released in July, 2008 (to view, visit http://www.ppdm.org/ppdm-standards). PPDM version 3.8 adds nearly 500 tables to the model, with substantial additions in the areas of Data Management, Equipment and Facilities Management, Records Management, Facilities, Health Safety and Environment (HSE), Spatial Descriptions, Well Activities and Operations, and Classification Systems.

PPDM’s long term vision is a model that evolves to embrace the major upstream E&P business subjects. The model will be extended as directed by membership. Each topic and level of detail within a topic will be driven by its business value. Commitment, positive support and teamwork among the stake holders are fundamental to achieving this goal.

The website is www.ppdm.org