Why Non-Standard Automation Breaks Down in Multi-Well Oil & Gas Operations

Oil and gas automation often begins with a single goal. Get one well online, solve one problem, and keep production moving. In the short term, that approach works.

The challenge appears as operations grow. As more wells come online, systems built for one site become harder to manage. Changes take longer. Updates feel risky. Downtime increases.

David Thompson, Automation Manager at Design Solutions and Integration, sees this often in the field. Many producers rely on systems that were never designed to scale. What worked early on becomes a long-term limitation.

This blog explains why non-standard automation struggles in multi-well operations. It also outlines a clearer path forward for building systems that support growth and reliability.

Why Growth Exposes Automation Weaknesses

Multi-well operations are constantly changing. New wells are added. Equipment evolves. Reporting and control needs expand over time.

When automation is custom at every site, those changes create problems. Panels run out of space. Programming differs from location to location. Field teams lose confidence when systems behave differently across wells.

Thompson explains that many systems were designed only for immediate needs. Future expansion was not considered during the original build. As a result, operators are forced to add new components into designs that cannot support them.

Over time, these workarounds create confusion. Troubleshooting slows down. Training new technicians becomes harder. The system turns into something people hesitate to touch.

A Practical Path Forward with Oil and Gas Automation

Reliable oil and gas automation starts with planning for growth. Systems should be designed with future wells, added equipment, and evolving technology in mind.

Thompson recommends standardized designs that can be repeated across sites. This includes consistent panel layouts, structured programming, and clear documentation. When systems follow the same framework, teams can work faster and with more confidence.

Testing also plays a key role. Cause and effect testing removes guesswork during startup. Issues are identified early, before they reach the field.

“Doing it right the first time saves years of trouble later,” David says.

Standardization does not reduce flexibility. It creates a stable foundation that allows safe and efficient expansion.

The Transformation or Results

Standardized automation delivers clear results. Downtime decreases. Commissioning moves faster. Field teams respond to issues with greater confidence.

Producers gain systems that are easier to understand and maintain. Engineers can make updates without starting from scratch. Training becomes simpler because systems behave consistently across locations.

Well-designed oil and gas automation also supports future improvements. New sensors, diagnostics, and data tools integrate more smoothly. Systems evolve without major rebuilds.

Most importantly, automation remains usable over time. It supports operations instead of creating new risks as the asset base grows.

Conclusion

Non-standard automation breaks down because it was never built to scale. As multi-well operations grow, those design limits become harder to ignore.

Thompson’s experience shows that strong oil and gas automation depends on planning, testing, and repeatable design. These choices reduce risk and protect long-term performance.

Producers do not need complex systems. They need clear ones that people can understand, maintain, and improve. When automation is designed for growth, it becomes a long-term asset instead of a liability.

About the Guest

David Thompson is the Automation Manager for the North District at Design Solutions and Integration. He has nearly 20 years of field experience supporting oil and gas automation systems.

About the Company

Design Solutions & Integration (DSI) is a faith based, 100 percent employee-owned company with more than 25 years of experience in the oil and gas industry. With 125 employees and operations across the Bakken and Permian Basin, DSI delivers electrical, automation, fabrication, engineering, and turnkey field services. The company focuses on integrity, long term partnerships, and high-quality solutions built through a vertically integrated model. Learn more at www.relyondsi.com.