New best practice guide: the necessity for systems engineering in the oil and gas sector

Institution of Mechanical Engineers launches new guide looking at the potential benefits of systems engineering to the oil and gas sector

This best practice guide has been produced by the Upstream Oil and Gas Technical Activity Committee at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

The guide highlights the potential value of taking a systems engineering approach for the oil and gas industry in order to reduce risk and maximise quality, as well as looking at the skills implications for employers and employees and how the industry will need to develop in order to maximise the positive impact of this kind of approach.

Dr Simon Rees, Chair of the Upstream Oil and Gas Technical Activity Committee at the IMechE commented:

“Recognition of systems engineering is growing and a number of universities now offer modules or courses in this discipline, reflecting the change in demand for these skills. However, it has not yet been widely adopted in the oil & gas industry, despite recognition of the potential benefits.

“We believe systems engineering provides the oil and gas sector with an opportunity to deliver a more efficient and cost effective industry, while simultaneously creating a better understanding of the interdependencies and relationships between different parts of the product cycle, supply chain, regulators and upcoming skills gaps.”

 “I’m delighted that our committees continue to produce high quality reports of this nature, which maintain the Institution’s reputation for technical excellence and ensure we remain at the forefront of developments across a broad range of engineering disciplines”, said Dr Jenifer Baxter, Head of Engineering at the Institution.

Notes to Editors

• Contact the Institution of Mechanical Engineers’ Press Office on 020 7973 1261 or email media@imeche.org
• The Institution of Mechanical Engineers was established in 1847 and has some of the world’s greatest engineers in its history books. It is one of the fastest growing professional engineering institutions. Headquartered in London, we have operations around the world and over 120,000 members in more than 140 countries working at the heart of the most important and dynamic industries such as the automotive, rail, aerospace, medical, power and construction industries. www.imeche.org