Aker Solutions launches new software, digital services company for optimized asset performance

Aker Solutions has launched ix3(TM), a software and digital services company that enables operators to accelerate field development projects and optimize asset performance.

ix3 has created a digital twin platform called Integral that brings together engineering, manufacturing and test data with live-streamed operational data. Integral monitors, assesses, maintains and optimizes energy assets from concept to decommissioning. It can improve the design and operating efficiency of energy assets by enabling teams to make better decisions.

“Our software solutions have contributed to improved quality and performance on 140 projects in the last 15 years, with benchmarked results. We have combined our cutting-edge software with deep domain knowledge in ix3 to help our customers deliver more efficient projects and operations. Our digital offerings are a key differentiator and contributor to Aker Solutions growth and profitability,” said Dean Watson, Chief Operating Officer of Aker Solutions.

One of the main barriers to digitalization in the sector to date has been data quality. Integral addresses this by bringing together structured and easily searchable information via applications. All information about a field or facility is maintained in an up-to-date, centralized place and connects the operator with contractors and other service suppliers. It brings together cloud computing, Industrial Internet of Things, machine learning and artificial intelligence.

“The ix3 suite of apps is radically transforming how we work. They accelerate time to first oil and increase safety and performance throughout the full life of an energy asset. ix3 is named after its core offering: integrated, innovative insight,” said Are F?llesdal Tj?nn, head of ix3. “We can reduce months of design and engineering work to weeks. Administration and coordination costs can be significantly reduced during the construction phase while also increasing quality during fabrication.”

ix3 has four software portfolios addressing the full life of field of an energy asset:

Concept Insight enables customers to fully test and trial multiple field development scenarios at a fraction of the time and cost previously possible

Engineering Insight portfolio automates engineering, design and modeling processes in the FEED or detailed design stages, reducing engineering hours and allowing more time to be spent on creative innovation and value-added activities

Construction Insight supports continuous improvement and operational efficiency through real-time insight and by supporting a connected workforce working from centralized data

Operational Insight provides access to real-time condition, risk and performance data from a facility or field enabling quick, confident and targeted decision making

This is ix3

At ix3? we invent new ways of working and develop new solutions. Our software portfolio accelerates field development projects, automates engineering and optimizes asset integrity, safety and performance throughout the life of an energy asset.

ix3 is transforming Aker Solutions and the energy industry through cutting edge digital and software offerings. It combines Aker Solutions’ software with the company’s domain expertise to deliver digital offerings that increase efficiency, quality, safety and reduce total cost of ownership.

Our expertise in live-stream sensor data, engineering and equipment manufacturing combined with our understanding of the full life of field is what makes ix3 unique.

ix3 is based on three core pillars. They are the very foundation of our name.

Integrated
ix3 offers life of field solutions where software and digital technologies allow customers to make better, data-driven decisions across the whole life of an energy asset.

Innovative
ix3 enables customers to test multiple field development scenarios, reducing time to first oil.

Insight
Data is only of value when it provides insight. ix3 combines cutting edge software with deep domain knowledge to offer solutions that maximize return on investment.

Our Software Heritage
ix3 builds on Aker Solutions’ heritage of providing software solutions which have contributed to improved quality and performance on 140 projects in the last 15 years, with benchmarked results.

The Digital Twin

ix3’s digital twin platform, Integral, can improve the design and operating efficiency of energy assets, meaning teams make better decisions, faster.

The digital twin is a data platform and series of applications which draw together diverse data sources into an integrated format, which we call Integral?.

Integral creates consistency across assets, data sources and lifecycle phases. It can be managed and enriched as the energy asset progresses through its lifecycle.

Applications Built on This Platform Include

Early-phase apps to accelerate concept development by rapidly exploring different options to help optimize the final solution

Detailed design apps to drive engineering automation and ensure inherent safety in design
Simulation apps to test and evaluate complex installation operations virtually prior to offshore operations

Operations apps to present performance and integrity data for offshore activities, maintenance, and production optimization

Subsea product and system apps to collate real-time operational data and apply analytics for condition monitoring and predictive maintenance

An Intuitive User Experience

A digital twin has no value if end users aren’t able to use it. We put a high focus on ensuring that data is presented in an intuitive matter to deliver a superior user experience.

An essential part of succeeding with UX is close collaboration with end users throughout the project. That is why collaboration and transparency are such a key part of how we work with software development at ix3.