IBM bets high on natural resources sector

NEW DELHI, INDIA: With computational and analytical capabilities, technology giant IBM is focussing on capital-intensive natural resources industry. The company is creating customized analytical solutions for existing IT infrastructures as well as research-based technology services.

The company has also come up with Mine-to-Ship optimization solution to address contractual fulfillment needs. In addition, IBM has also announced new exploration technologies that leverages geospatial modeling and seismic imaging to locate new fields and mines.

IBM's Mine-to-Ship facilitates mine operators to cut operational costs and increase throughput, thereby maximize revenue and reduce risks. The solution spans from materials loading at mining site to final shipment. The company is making it available to customers through its fulfillment channel.

IBM ISA leader-manufacturing & natural resources, Venkataraman Neelakantan, said that they focus on industry needs and priorities for exploration, project completion and operations. It also employs telematics to study key parameters to reduce equipment downtime.

"Strategic imperatives in natural resources sector include efficient and smarter operations and workforce integration. The implementation benefits include improved information sharing, real-time visibility across multiple functions, team analysis, regulatory compliance and collaboration," he said.

CTO-Industry Solutions Architecture and distinguished engineer at IBM Viswanath Narayan said that oil and gas, and mining require intense capital. "In order to address critical aspects, we partner with companies to analyze information and deliver solution," added Narayan.

"Company's research wing is currently focussing on capital intensive projects, operations, optimization, and resource characterization and management," said IBM natural resources lead Karthik Vishweshwariah.

The technology major is also applying nanotechnology to enhanced oil recovery and mining. In addition, IBM is integrating data from multiple sources and combining it together for integrated environmental monitoring.

IBM said that their cutting-edge solutions create value for their customers and they are seeing tremendous traction from clients in this sector. The company is also engaged in discussions with two PSUs -- ONGC and OIL.