At the recent Corinium CDAO event in Perth, our very own Brian Dowdle (Operations Manager) and Dr. Vahid Golkar, Ph.D. (Data & Analytics Manager), showcased how strategic digital transformation using the latest data warehousing platform has redefined Topdrill’s approach to operational efficiency, safety, and client service. This journey toward digitally enabled operations was not just about adopting new technology; it was about empowering teams and fostering a culture where real-time data drives smarter decisions.

Identifying the Challenge: Legacy Systems and Industry Limitations

In the drilling industry, the norm has often been to rely on outdated, manual processes and legacy data systems, which create barriers to real-time decision-making and operational efficiency. For most companies, limited data access and slow response times have become common practice, leaving critical areas like safety and productivity lacking actionable insights. At Topdrill, we recognised this as an opportunity to break the mould and elevate our drilling operations to a new standard.

Rather than conforming to the status quo, Topdrill set itself apart with a commitment to innovation and client transparency. This drive for improvement created the foundation for our journey toward a unified, data-driven operational approach.

Implementing a Unified Data Platform: A Three-Year Journey to Digital Cohesion

Topdrill’s transformation began with a strategic shift to a centralised data warehouse. This platform enabled access to real-time data across more than 30 sources, providing a single view of performance metrics for teams on and off-site. Rigs equipped with IoT sensors now allow for remote monitoring, facilitating proactive maintenance and significantly reducing downtimes—a win for both Topdrill and our clients.

Toplytics and Enhanced Client Engagement

Through our proprietary Toplytics system, Topdrill has taken client engagement to a new level by providing a Client Dashboard that shares live data on both operational performance and safety metrics. This dashboard empowers our clients with real-time visibility into their projects, fostering a level of transparency that builds trust and strengthens partnerships.

In addition to the dashboard, Topdrill uses the latest secure data-sharing technologies to allow clients to access raw data for their own in-house analytics. This approach ensures our clients have the flexibility and control to conduct detailed analyses, driving their own insights and optimisations.

Key Achievements and Operational Wins

This journey has yielded measurable benefits:

1. Operational Efficiency: Real-time dashboards and automated alert systems now keep equipment functionality optimised. This shift cut downtime by 77%, reducing manual checks and allowing for faster, automated responses.
2. Enhanced Safety Compliance: Data-backed processes have revolutionised safety protocols. Compliance rates improved from 69% to over 95%, with streamlined workflows transforming tasks that once took 55 minutes into 20-second jobs. This also contributed to a reduction in our workers' compensation rate, supporting safer operations.
3. Revenue Growth and Cost Savings: Increased efficiency raised our average revenue per shift, while annual savings of approximately AUD $656,000 have been achieved through time savings and reduced manual checks. Enhanced operational insights also supported greater productivity, with an increase in the average meters drilled per shift by 49% over the past four years.
4. Improved Workforce Engagement: Real-time reporting fosters a proactive work environment where operational issues are anticipated, not reacted to. Enhanced job satisfaction and transparency have led to stronger retention and overall team morale.

A Cultural Shift to Data-Driven Decision-Making

Brian and Dr. Golkar emphasise that while technology catalysed change, cultural adaptation drove the project’s success. With change management at its core, Topdrill has embedded data into the daily decision-making fabric of the teams, fostering a mindset where data is trusted and leveraged across all levels.

Topdrill’s Position as a Leader in Transparency and Innovation 

Through this transformation, Topdrill has set a new industry standard in transparency, offering clients real-time drilling project insights that build trust and set the groundwork for lasting partnerships. As Topdrill looks forward, the team’s work is not just about today’s gains; it’s about future-proofing operations and solidifying client relationships for long-term success.

Contact the Topdrill team to learn more about our innovative journey and how our data-driven approach can benefit your projects