The oil and gas sector in the Americas is navigating a complex mix of priorities: cost efficiency, operational performance, emissions targets, and tighter scrutiny around well integrity and planning accountability. In this environment, conventional well planning methods are being pushed to their limits.

More operators are turning to probabilistic time and cost modelling to bring transparency and resilience into their planning workflows.

Traditional deterministic estimates often overlook the real-world variability that affects drilling—ranging from formation uncertainty to weather-related delays and supply chain constraints. These blind spots can result in schedule slippage and cost overruns, eroding margins and operational confidence.

This is where a probabilistic approach creates meaningful value.

By incorporating uncertainty into planning models, drilling teams gain a more complete understanding of the likely range of outcomes—both in terms of time and cost. The result is not just better estimates, but a clearer picture of risk exposure and planning flexibility.

Our software enables teams to:

• Quantify uncertainty rather than rely on broad contingencies.
• Model multiple operational scenarios and understand their impacts before execution.
• Support internal and external stakeholders with data-backed forecasts that align with financial and operational goals.

This approach is particularly relevant in regions like the Permian Basin and Vaca Muerta, where intense drilling activity and variable conditions demand rapid, yet reliable, decision-making. Offshore operators in the Gulf of Mexico and Brazil are also adopting more robust planning tools to meet the demands of increasingly complex well designs and regulatory expectations.

As digitalisation gains ground across the industry, probabilistic modelling is not just a technical upgrade—it’s a strategic enabler. It empowers teams to plan with foresight, align cross-functional decisions, and stay resilient in a volatile environment.

We'll be at the 2025 AADE Tech Conference & Exhibition.

If you’re exploring new ways to bring confidence and agility to your drilling plans, stop by for a conversation. Reach out to our team member Fred to request a demo.

Enhancing Deepwater Planning in the Gulf of Mexico

A major U.S. energy operator improved deepwater drilling efficiency in the Gulf of Mexico by adopting our iQx software, replacing inconsistent spreadsheet-based estimates with standardized, data-driven models. This transition led to more accurate time and cost forecasting, streamlined planning workflows, and empowered engineers to focus on technical tasks rather than manual cost calculations.

 

Read full story here.