OKEA's journey to smarter asset management with STAR EAM

When OKEA took ownership of the Brage installation in the North Sea in 2022, it faced a unique challenge: ensuring the longevity and efficiency of an aging asset while navigating the complexities of offshore operations. With a commitment to innovation and operational excellence, the Norwegian oil and gas company knew it needed an asset management system that could simplify processes, enhance decision-making and support its long-term vision.

OKEA isn’t a company that settles for one-size-fits-all solutions. "Instead, we handpick the best tools for each job, off the shelf, with minimal customization – and STAR EAM fit the bill perfectly," says Stian Sørnes, Manager of Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) at OKEA.

The challenge: a system built for the long haul

Operating mature assets like Brage and Draugen – both in production since 1993 – meant OKEA needed a system that would ensure asset integrity and smooth operations well into the 2030s. Their existing SAP system had done the job, but as they looked ahead, they needed something more intuitive, flexible and tailored to offshore realities.

They wanted an EAM solution that could deliver on four key KPIs: Streamline asset integrity and lifecycle management; improve maintenance planning and reporting; optimise materials handling and logistics; and ensure regulatory compliance with minimal friction. In other words, quite a lot!

After evaluating multiple solutions from different vendors, OKEA landed on STAR EAM – a platform that ticked all the right boxes.

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User-friendly and scalable

What stood out most about STAR EAM? Its simplicity, according to Sørnes.

"Our offshore staff took to the STAR software in no time, that was the deciding factor," Sørnes explains. Unlike other complex systems that require extensive training and customisation, STAR EAM provided an intuitive user experience right out of the box.

Still, OKEA has worked closely with STAR to fine-tune the platform to their workflows. The transition from SAP involved a structured data migration process, phased rollouts and sufficient training to ensure a smooth adoption. The result? A system that feels like it was built for OKEA’s unique needs, Sørnes says, without the headache of excessive and expensive tailoring.

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Real-world impact: How STAR EAM is transforming OKEA ops

Since implementing STAR EAM, OKEA has seen tangible improvements across its operations. These include:

✔ Smoother workflows – Tasks that once involved manual steps and redundant processes are now streamlined, boosting overall efficiency.

✔ Better resource allocation – By digitising maintenance and supply-chain operations, OKEA has reduced wasted time and optimised asset integrity management.

✔ Data-driven decision-making – With real-time access to critical asset data, teams can proactively address potential issues before they escalate.

✔ Intuitive system design – STAR EAM reduces the number of clicks required for everyday tasks, making life easier for technicians juggling multiple responsibilities.

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Automated processes drive efficiency

STAR’s Autoprocessor has significantly reduced OKEA’s administrative workload across its key assets.

• At Draugen, 48% of all material requests (MRs) are now automatically generated, saving an estimated 20 workdays annually.

• 58% of transfer requests are now processed automatically, reducing administrative burden by 8 workdays per year.

• In procurement, 14% of purchase orders (POs) are now automated, cutting down workload by an additional 15 workdays.

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Meanwhile, at Brage, STAR EAM has delivered equally impressive results:

• 35% of MRs are now automatically generated, translating to a 31-day annual time savings.

• 26% of transfer requests are fully automated, eliminating 7 workdays of manual processing each year.

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This increasing level of automation has not only improved efficiency but has also freed up OKEA’s workforce to focus on higher-value tasks. "These are great results and we're really just at the beginning," Sørnes says.

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Collaboration is key to success

Collaboration has been at the heart of OKEA’s success with STAR. “We’re constantly working on new projects together – right now, there are about 40 to 50 initiatives in progress,” Sørnes adds. “From building PowerBI dashboards to enhancing STAR IPS, the teamwork between our onshore and offshore teams and STAR’s experts makes everything run smoothly. Having a responsive partner like STAR, rather than navigating the slow-moving gears of a larger corporation, has made a world of difference.”

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What’s next? A roadmap to even greater efficiency

OKEA is always looking ahead, and STAR EAM is a key part of its future strategy. While the company currently relies on the server-based STAR IPS platform, it is actively exploring the potential of the web-based STAR Suite to drive even greater efficiency and integration between offshore and onshore teams.

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Field tests are already underway for STAR Suite Mobility Apps, including the Work Orders App – which simplifies offshore maintenance tracking with live updates – and Stock Count App designed to enhance inventory management, making stocktaking more accurate and less time-consuming.

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“We're excited by what the apps can do,” Sørnes adds. “The Work Orders App is helping our offshore teams manage tasks in real time, while the Stock Count App is making inventory tracking more precise and hassle-free. They're the next step in making our workflows even more seamless while keeping our assets running at their best."

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Looking to the long term

The partnership between OKEA and Star Information Systems is more than just a software implementation – it’s a testament to the power of smart technology and strong cooperation in asset management. By adopting STAR EAM, OKEA has streamlined operations, improved regulatory compliance and given its teams the tools they need to make smarter, faster decisions.

With ongoing improvements and a shared vision for the future, OKEA is well-positioned to navigate the challenges of the offshore industry and ensure its assets remain productive and profitable for years to come.

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