Workflow Tracker - PVT Analysis

Role
UX Researcher

Client
EXXON

Client Impact Metrics
Through the Workflow Tracker, I enabled clients to streamline tracking of oil sample canisters, gaining full visibility over each stage from collection to analysis. This tool not only improved operational efficiency and minimized tracking errors but also strengthened clients' collaboration with third parties by providing real-time status updates and oversight. By monitoring third-party activities, clients could better control quality standards, identify bottlenecks, and discover areas for process improvement, ultimately leading to a more optimized and streamlined workflow.

Project Type
The project involved both enterprise-level UX design and the development of a web application. Power Apps was the platform of choice.

Project Overview

Assist the UX project lead by taking on the role of researcher in designing a system to monitor the analysis of oil and gas samples. PVT analysis plays a pivotal role in assessing reservoir fluid behavior and characteristics. The process encompasses requisitioning the appropriate container (be it a single-phase bottle or a conventional sample bottle), extracting a representative fluid sample, managing shipment and transportation (including customs clearance), overseeing sample storage and its life cycle, and ultimately conducting the analysis.

Methodology

• Discovery: Defined the problem, conducted stakeholder and SME interviews, and performed user artifact analysis. 

• Ideate/Design: Worked on analyzing requirements. Helped the UX lead establish hierarchy and navigation. Helped with process flows, flow charts, and diagrams. Documented research for the UI designer and created specs deliverables for developers. Performed UT on prototype (create the task based on goals, determine the sample size, decide on evaluation metrics (SUS & CSAT microsurvey)).

Goals

• Streamline Inventory & Analysis Process: Implement an efficient and streamlined method for tracking inventory and PVT Analysis phases, reducing wasteful practices and improving overall operational efficiency.

• Optimize Operational Control: Leverage improved record-keeping, analysis, and tracking methods to enhance overall operational control, leading to increased efficiency and reduced wastage.

• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Enable stakeholders to make more informed decisions that allow for easy comparison and in-depth understanding of metrics.

• Enhanced Compliance and Security: Establish a digital audit trail system to ensure compliance with regulations and to enhance security measures, providing a transparent record of all activities.

Pain Points

• Current inefficient and wasteful analysis and inventory tracking process.

• Difficulties keeping a thorough and organized record of all inventory data.

• Low operation visibility due to scattered data (e.g., difficulties accessing KPIs).

• The lack of record verifying and tracking of the PVT process (generates problems in maintaining operational control.

Key Solutions

• Solving the existing gap by developing a digital application for tracking the PVT sample lifecycle (from extracting, transporting, and analysis to storage).

• Data syncing and automation.

• Designed a KPI dashboard to make more informed data-driven decisions (compare and understand the detail behind the numbers).

• Maintain a digital audit trail to improve compliance and security.

Metrics

Optimized task efficiency, smoothed user flow, and improved processes, resulting in time and cost savings—positive stakeholder feedback regarding the impact of the design solution on the operator's experience.