Software addresses risk communication and management

Nick Terdre
Contributing Editor

A new software program known as orKsof and just launched by Amethyste provides an integrated platform for asset integrity management and risk-based management. Having performed a proof of concept, the company will shortly start a pilot project with one client which could lead to the program being brought into use on a country-wide basis.

The orKsoft program uniquely allows integration of asset integrity management and risk management operations across different functions. R&D director Olivier Borlet sees this as one key reason for the enthusiastic response from prospective clients. "Clearly today they have a lot of small pieces of software which don't communicate with each other," he says.

"Our target has not been to build function-specific software but to enhance a transversal vision across the different functions. When a risk has been described once, that information should be available to all users in the organization, whatever function they work in."

This is needed because of the close relationship between different functions, for example inspection and maintenance. "They are supposed to work together and communicate," Borlet explains.

The program consists of six main features applicable across the various functions: an assets and resources repository; a risk register; a risk evaluation engine; a scheduling module; a workflow and document management system; and a reporting and KPI (key performance indicator) module.

The software is compliant with prevailing regulations such as the EU's Seveso directives and ISO 31000 standards on risk management in industrial plants. It runs on Microsoft's cloud computing system Windows Azure as well as on-premise.

It is also designed to be easily interfaced with other programs such as SAP business software and the Maximo maintenance management program.

Amethyste, founded in 1990, made its name with the Fame+ (developed for Total) and RB.eye (developed for Total and Bureau Veritas) programs for risk-based inspection. These solutions are now used in 87 plants in more than 28 countries. The company has worked closely with Total on its software developments, supplying its products to many of the oil giant's worldwide operations. Other oil and gas customers include Cepsa, MOL, Murco, PetroChina, PTTEP, and Sonangol.

Ease of use of the company's software tools has also contributed to its success. "Developing software is our core business," says Borlet. "We are recognized for the quality of our products, including the user-friendly interface."