Choosing a Rugged Computer for the oil and gas industry
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WHITE PAPER
XPLORE
TECHNOLOGIES
Choosing a Rugged Computer
for the oil and gas industry
The process of getting oil and gas out of the ground (and more) of a normal PC without risk of a failure on
and into the hands of the consumer requires an the job. Rugged tablets come with varying levels of
organized effort on a massive scale: thousands of damage protection, data security, communication
people, processes, and assets must be tracked and abilities, and other features that can assist users in
managed, and the resulting data load and logistical streamlining workflows and enhancing productivity.
challenges can be overwhelming. In recent years, Unlike regular computers, rugged hardware also
a digital trend has emerged in the oil and gas ensures lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO),
industry. Monitoring and managing software as their rugged design prevents breakdowns,
designed to increase insight and transparency into increasing uptime and limiting need for repairs.
equipment and processes has proliferated, with In addition, rugged tablets can typically be used
the goal of reducing risk, increasing response time, across a multitude of field and office applications,
and tightening up operations in general. However, depending on their internal configurations and
a reliable hardware architecture is needed to run operating systems.
this software, and most computers are not durable
enough to withstand the harsh environments Integrating rugged tablet PCs into oil and gas
commonly found in the oil and gas industry, such operations can improve productivity levels,
as inclement weather, extreme temperatures, and transparency and collaboration across the workforce,
heavy machinery. A hardware breakdown in the data accuracy, response time, risk management,
field can accrue significant costs from downtime, and insight into equipment performance, as well as
and if a computer fails during a mission-critical task, reduce costs in all areas of operation. However, not
assets, workers, and a business’ bottom line are all all rugged tablet PCs are alike. Before purchasing
at risk. rugged hardware for oil and gas operations, the
following criteria should be considered to ensure
Rugged tablet PCs offer a mobile solution for the oil the tablet you buy will most effectively meet your
and gas industry that provides all the functionality specific needs.
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Rugged and Environmental
Specifications
Necessary Features
Workers in the oil and gas industry often find themselves in a
variety of harsh outdoor conditions, and a rugged tablet PC
should be equipped with several features to be most effective
in these environments. A sunlight-readable display is a must
for outdoor workers; proper screen visibility allows workers
to assess written instructions and information with ease
and accurately input data. Additionally, hardware should be
“intrinsically safe—” that is, ATEX and UL1604 Class I Division
2 certified—otherwise it is unsafe to use around explosive
atmospheres that are common to the industry. Finally, tablets
with a “resistive” touch screen—which responds to pressure
and not the electrical properties of a person’s fingertips—will
allow workers to easily manipulate the screen with gloves on or
in damp or rainy areas.
IP Ratings and MIL-STD Tests
A computer’s “ruggedness” is measured by two standards: IP
rating and MIL-STD-810G testing. IP ratings determine level
of protection against ingress from dust and liquids—lower More Rugged,
numbers indicating less protection. For oil and gas, where More applications
weather, spills, and other wet conditions may be common, an
IP rating of 65-68 is recommended: fully protected against dust The IP rating and rugged standards of a tablet should be able
(represented by the first number, 6), and protected from liquid to withstand the projected conditions it will encounter over
ingress from either low pressure jets (5), temporary flooding its life cycle. However, to maximize versatility and ROI, it is
(6), shallow immersion for extended time (7), or long periods of recommended you start with a tablet with a higher IP rating
immersion under pressure (8). that is tested to the most rigorous and varied MIL-STD tests. This
way, the tablet can be used for a variety of different projects,
MIL-STD-810G tests assess product suitability for the without worry of breakdowns and repair or replacement costs.
environmental conditions anticipated throughout its life Companies should also base their warranty off their MIL-STD
cycle. In the case of oil and gas, this could be with regard to testing and IP rating, to ensure the tablets will live up to its
the computer’s use on offshore rigs, in extremely hot or cold rugged specifications.
temperatures, dusty or chemical spill-prone areas, inclement
weather, high humidity, and around heavy machinery. For
longest life cycle, hardware should be MIL-STD certified for a
four foot operating drop. If the equipment is used near heavy
machinery or vibrating vehicles, it is important that it has
undergone vibration testing. MIL-STD also include tests for
temperature extremes, thermal shock, humidity, blowing rain/
wind, various drop/shock tests, salt fog (for offshore), fungus,
emissions, and more. Whatever real-world conditions the tablet
is likely to encounter, ensure it has been proven to withstand its
laboratory equivalent in MIL-STD tests.
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Compatibility & Mobility with a
Tablet PC Platform
Adopting a rugged PC tablet for use across multiple management and
monitoring applications can simplify operations and customer support
needs, and cut costs by reducing training and implementation
variables. When considering a rugged tablet for use as your
hardware architecture solution when digitizing your operations,
its compatibility with software and other devices is a key
consideration.
Operating System
Industrial tablets typically feature either a Windows® or
Android® operating system. While Android can serve a purpose
for certain applications, more software is optimized for a full
Windows® platform. This lets users run a wider assortment
of software, and simplifies integration. Needs will vary from
business to business, however, so compare the tablet’s system
to your current software; if it runs on a different OS, expect
delays and costs due to necessary customization of critical
software, or errors due to lack of syncing between various Mobility: Docking and
processes. Carrying Options
A computing solution intended to provide a full hardware
CONNECTING WITH architecture across multiple applications must be able to travel
EQUIPMENT where it is needed, whether that be in the office, mounted on a
frac truck, secured to an oil rig, or in the hands of an inspector.
If you intend to connect your rugged PC tablet to other tools Tablets are by design more mobile than laptops, since they
in order to take measurements, perform inspections, monitor don’t require a flat surface to sit on during data input, which
equipment, or acquire any other data, a suite of input/output can cause delays if there is no such surface available. A tablet
options on your tablet computer is recommended. Equipment solution will provide the utmost in mobility and versatility,
connections vary, but full USB outlets are recommended, and if however, if it can handle all working environments, syncs with
your work requires managing equipment with bar code or RFID your current software and equipment, and comes with a variety
tags, many rugged tablets include these scanners as standard of docking options. Office docking should connect peripherals
or integrated options. that allow the tablet to be used like a regular PC. Vehicle
docking options should also be certified as fully rugged, and
adaptable to any vehicle. Just like the office dock, the vehicle
dock should offer extra ports for peripheral connectivity. For
workers on foot, find a tablet with an appropriate form factor
and carrying options, such as a handle, lightweight design, and
a hand strap.
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Making the Most of Data Acquisition
No matter what area of oil and gas you work in, significant amounts of
data will always need to be managed regularly. Slow or inaccurate
data collection can have costly implications when it comes to
compliance procedures, drilling errors, mismanaged assets, or lax
environmental monitoring. Digitizing your operations through
the use of a rugged tablet PC can prevent these outcomes by
incorporating tools into data input processes that improve
the speed and accuracy of data collection and allow for in-
field data input.
Features for Accuracy
With a rugged tablet PC, data can be entered on-site into a
data management software system and transmitted back to a
central office instantly. This minimizes mistakes by removing
redundant data entry (e.g. from a paper form into a computer)
and allowing managers and engineers to monitor field workers
and alter processes as needed. Data retrieval is also critical
for efficient job performance; workers in the field often need
Data from Scanners
to consult instructions and other information from the home Tasks can often involve collecting data about equipment via
office. The remoteness of the location should determine how scanners. Some tablets come equipped standard with barcode,
powerful your communications system should be; wherever magstripe, smart card and RFID scanners, or offer them as
your workers are, they should be able to retrieve information options. Others are able to integrate with scanning peripherals.
quickly to maximize productivity. Finally, to ensure greatest In addition, many rugged tablet PCs come with a GPS option,
accuracy, choose a rugged tablet with an autosensing dual which allows for geo-verification options when performing
mode and digitizer pen, which allows for easy switching from compliance checks. Always check to ensure integrated features
touch to pen mode, and increases precision when writing or are robust enough to suit your needs, and weigh them against
filling out forms. other features to determine the best tablet configuration for
your business.
Processing Power
In order to avoid slow processing, downtime, and data errors,
a processor needs to be on par with the amount of data it
will be handling. Consider factors such as complexity of data
and software the tablet will run, amount of applications it will
need to access simultaneously, and what types of data it will
handle—simple measurements, or large maps? Predicting data
loads in applications and projects and selecting a processor
that can handle that data load is essential when choosing a
rugged tablet PC.
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Data Protection
In the oil and gas industry, as in any industry, data is extremely
proprietary and confidential, as it guides operations and
factors in greatly to your bottom line. However, for projects to
be managed efficiently, vast amounts of sensitive and vital
information must be communicated to numerous devices
and parties on an ongoing basis. Data can be kept secure
on a rugged tablet, but only if is equipped with multi-level
security options that protect it from theft, unauthorized
viewing, and data corruption.
Security from Theft Protection from Damage
There are many options available on rugged PC tablets that While data security will protect your data from unauthorized
protect your data. Some form of anti-theft program should be use, there is also a threat of data loss from hardware
in place that allows you to wipe data and locate the tablet from breakdowns. While a rugged design can bolster against
a remote location. In addition, to prevent unauthorized access hardware failure, Solid State Drives (SSDs) are the final step in
and data corruption, a pre-boot identification system should be superior data protection. Unlike traditional hard drives, SSDs
present. This could be via password input, or for added security, have no spinning parts that are prone to damage from shocks,
an integrated fingerprint scanner or smart card reader. and feature flash-based technology for vastly superior
Finally, there should be a set of protocols that verify data retention properties and performance. If the
the integrity of the machine, maintain platform SSD is also removable, users can preserve their
integrity, and encrypt disks as needed. data by transferring it from a fatally damaged
TPM 1.2 is one such service—it governs computer into another. If you want to take
encryption standards and processes, data protection to the next level, tablets
and ensures the tablet operates within with a RAID 1 configuration duplicate
its set specifications. Finally, to protect data onto two different drives,
against physical theft, most rugged providing backup should one drive fail.
tablets come with a lock slot that
allows you to secure the tablet to a
vehicle or dock.
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Workforce management
and safety
Much of the work in the oil and gas industry requires the coordination of
large teams of people. Project completion efforts must be perfectly
harmonized with safety and environmental monitoring, or the
project runs the risk of liability from personal injury, death,
equipment loss, reservoir and product damage, and
more. Rugged PC tablets can empower your workforce
with a means of constant connection and oversight,
even in hazardous areas, which facilitates instant
response times and operational transparency. As a
result, projects are completed more efficiently, risks are
assessed and avoided before they occur, and safety and
worker operations are improved as a whole.
Communications Systems
Workforce and safety management requires rugged design
and software compatibility to minimize costs from damage
and training, as well as allow for use in hazardous areas. First
and foremost, however, you should make sure any tablet you
consider has an excellent communications system, as a break
in connectivity can cause lost revenue from work stoppages,
and communication errors may risk safety, equipment and
environmental damage. 801.11 a/b/g/n Wi-Fi provides excellent
local connectivity on the project site. For locations that require
communication with a remote office or otherwise, computers
should have Gobi 3000 or 4G LTE available. Some tablets
feature accessories that improve broadband connection on
the fringes of the network, and these accessories should be
considered if your workers are in particularly remote areas. An
integrated camera, noise-cancelling microphone, and speakers
can also aid in worker collaboration, and many rugged tablets
come standard with these tools. If you add on these options,
however, make sure they have the same rugged specs as the
tablet itself.
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Rugged tablet computers in the
oil and gas industry
Although rugged hardware might be on the expensive side, the
ROI cannot be beat; companies that have adopted rugged
tablet PCs regularly report significant gains in productivity,
and significant drops in operating costs. By streamlining
management and monitoring activity, reducing liability
costs, and increasing operational efficiency, the tablet
you buy will quickly pay for itself many times over.
However, to get the most out of your tablet consider the
points listed above before you purchase. A versatile tablet
is a good solution for adopting as a cross-application
hardware architecture, but always determine whether a
tablet’s rugged, technical, security and communications
specs are on par with the projected environment and type of
processes it will be performing. This way you ensure a long life
cycle and smooth integration into all your operations.
About xplore technologies
Xplore Technologies Corp., maker of the
most rugged tablets on Earth, has
been in the business of developing,
integrating, and marketing
industrial grade rugged tablets
for our customers in the Energy,
Utilities, Manufacturing and
Distribution, Public Safety, Field
Services, Transportation, and
Military sectors for over 15 years.
Xplore Tablets use the most powerful
and modern processors and components
and are tested more vigorously for shock, thermal, vibration,
impact, ingress and emissions than any other PC in the
industry. Xplore’s products enable the extension of traditional
computing systems to a range of field and on-site personnel,
regardless of location or environment. Xplore’s portfolio of
products is sold on a global basis, with channel partners in the
United States, Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific. Xplore’s main
offices are located in Austin, Texas with regional sales offices
throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Xplore is a public
company that trades under the symbol XPLR on the NASDAQ
Stock Exchange.
1-888-44-XPLORE (9-7567) WWW.XPLORETECH.COM XPLOREINFO@XPLORETECH.COM
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