How Suncor Enhanced Asset Reliability with the Meridium APM Suite

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Customer Information

Introduction

Industry

Oil & Gas

Products

Asset Reliability, Condition-Based Maintenance, Asset Strategies , Mechanical Integrity

Suncor - Value Realization of APM

Suncor has taken the approach of a implementing GE Vernova’s APM Health, APM Strategy, APM Integrity and APM Reliability solutions utilizing a central project organization. This was done to roll out a single solution enterprise wide. The methodology focused on work process optimization followed by tool configuration.

Unique capabilities implemented include:
  • Pipe Rotation module
  • Asset Strategy Implementation Integration (ASII)
  • Certified bi-directional SAP Interfaces (16)

The Challenge

Suncor, a leading integrated oil company with significant operations in Canada, faced the challenge of managing a complex and diverse asset base that included oil sands operations, refineries, and more.  This included:
  • Complex operations: Extracting oil from oil sands involves both open-pit mining and in-situ operations, which are more complex than traditional oil extraction.
  • Multiple software applications: Prior to the implementation of APM, Suncor used six different software applications for integrity management, leading to inefficiencies and low adoption rates.
  • Standardization and integration: The need to standardize processes and integrate various systems to create a unified platform for asset management.
  • Cultural shift: Moving from reactive to proactive maintenance and ensuring that the organization embraces this change.

The Solution

To address the complex challenges of managing a diverse and extensive asset base, Suncor implemented a comprehensive solution centered around the Meridium Asset Performance Management (APM) software suite. This included the APM Health, APM Strategy, APM Reliability and Mechanical Integrity applications.

Suncor established a program called "Digitally Optimized Assets" to manage APM projects, utilize data-driven decision-making, and ensure that processes were standardized. The Meridium APM solution was integrated into the program to provide a single source of truth and asset-centric view of all measures in place to improve asset reliability and optimize cost performance. Initiatives in the program included Enterprise Reliability Asset Management (ERAM), Fixed Asset Inspection Management (FAIM), and Asset Performance Management (APM(RAW)).

The Result

The key highlights included adoption of a consolidated single inspection platform, development of a standardized asset strategy library, centralized data for reliability analysis, piping rotation for slurry services (a non-customized solution, part of the Mechanical Integrity application),  cross-site benchmarking, and better maintenance work execution using Asset Strategy Implementation (ASI). Overall, the solution transformed Suncor's asset management practices, leading to enhanced reliability, cost savings, and a more proactive approach to maintenance
GE Vernova
Image Credit: Suncor Presentation 2022
Disclaimer:  The above summary is based upon a presentation given by Rashed Chowdhury, Director, Jody Blotski, Product Manager, and Sashi Nair, Specialist Reliability Advisor in October 2022