The Secret to Efficient Drilling is Hiding in Your Data
The fourth article in a five-part series exploring how data can optimize your drilling operations.

Missed the last articles?
Boart Longyear: Optimizing Operations with Krux
Capital Drilling: Connecting the Dots with Real-Time Data
Rodren Drilling & Bamboo Rock Drilling: Drilling Smarter, Earning Faster
Swick Mining Services: Reducing Non-Productive Drill Time

Secret #5 – Transparency in Data for Strong Collaboration

Throughout our Secret to Efficient Drilling series, we’ve explored how standardized software can transform drilling operations. A key takeaway? Clear, structured data is essential for fostering trusted collaboration between partners.

While tracking field data is crucial for drilling companies to maintain project efficiency, it’s equally vital for Resource Owners to have real-time visibility into progress. Accurate insights ensure resources are allocated effectively, budgets stay on track, and projects run smoothly.

By providing instant access to project status, budget updates, and future projections, Service Providers can give their clients the right information at the right time—creating a transparent, collaborative environment built on trust.

Bridging the Gap Between Drillers and Clients

"With past systems, a lot of information would go overlooked," said Michael McCarthy, Chief Executive Officer for Priority Drilling.

"Timesheets were often filled out later, meaning crews would forget to document key details—like a water loss—information that’s critical for our clients."

When data is delayed or incomplete, misunderstandings can arise between Service Providers and Resource Owners. By capturing and sharing structured data directly from the field, both parties gain access to the same up-to-date information, eliminating gaps and ensuring a smoother working relationship.

"Our team enters data on their tablets, as it happens, or at the end of their shift," McCarthy explained, "the information is available to us right away. If there’s an issue, we see it immediately and can address it before it becomes a bigger problem."

With a shared view of project data, Resource Owners don’t have to wait for reports or chase down answers, everything they need is accessible in near real time.

Aligned Decisions, Fewer Discrepancies

Transparency isn’t just about access—it’s about trust. When both sides are working from the same structured data, financial and operational decisions become more straightforward.

"The way the data is structured, I can run a billing report at any stage in the month and see exactly what’s happening," McCarthy added, "we can also analyze material usage and adjust purchases based on real data rather than relying on instinct.”

For clients, this level of visibility fosters confidence in their contractors. They know they’re getting accurate information, and they can make informed decisions without second-guessing the data.

A More Collaborative Future

Structured data isn’t just about efficiency, it’s about strengthening relationships. With high levels of data transparency, it’s easier to build trust and ensure both companies are always aligned on the correct details.  

When clients and contractors have access to the same information, it eliminates unnecessary back-and-forth, reduces disputes, and makes collaboration seamless.

"Our clients see the information almost instantly, they can review project data before our final validation," McCarthy said, "if something looks off, we can amend it before it reaches the approval stage."

With a shared source of truth, companies no longer need to rely on assumptions or post-project reconciliations. Instead, they can work side by side with their clients, aligning, adjusting, and improving in real time.