The world has evolved. Smartphones, cloud computing, and AI are everyday tools. But in drilling, data integration has barely changed in 15 years.

While other industries embrace automation, many drilling contractors still rely on spreadsheets and paper plods, slowing operations and limiting insights.

What is Data Integration, and Why Does It Matter?

Data integration connects information from different systems into one central place.

For drilling contractors, this means linking geological surveys, drilling reports, and real-time updates for a clear operational picture.

The result? Faster, smarter decisions. But many companies struggle to modernise, held back by outdated habits.

Why Outdated Methods Persist

Despite the push for digital transformation, many drilling contractors hesitate to adopt new systems. Why?

Familiarity: "Spreadsheets have always worked."
Perceived risk: A high-stakes industry leans on "safe" methods, even if they're inefficient.
Siloed teams: Different departments use separate tools, making data-sharing difficult.
Change resistance: Learning new systems feels overwhelming in busy schedules.

The impact? Lost time, inefficiencies, and missed opportunities.

Five Ways to Modernise Drilling Data Integration

If outdated methods are slowing you down, these five steps will help you transition to smarter operations:

1. Automate to Eliminate Manual Work

Old approach: Manual data entry is a necessary task.
New approach: Automation frees your team to focus on high-value work.
Action step: Identify repetitive tasks and explore automation tools to streamline workflows.

2. Build Systems That Fit Real-World Operations

Old approach: Data must be perfect before it’s useful.
New approach: No data set is perfect. Solutions should work with real-world conditions.
Action step: Collaborate with field teams to simplify data entry and improve quality at the source.

3. Move From Static Reports to Live Data Feeds

Old approach: Wait for weekly reports.
New approach: Real-time data enables immediate insights for better decision-making.
Action step: Invest in systems that provide continuous data flow for up-to-date reporting.

4. Make Real-Time Data Truly Real-Time

Old approach: Acting on last week’s data is good enough.
New approach: Fresh insights drive better outcomes.
Action step: Define what "real-time" means for your operations and upgrade systems accordingly.

5. Own Your Data and Stay in Control

Old approach: Vendors control your data, limiting flexibility.
New approach: Transparency and portability are non-negotiable.
Action step: Choose software that prioritises open APIs and flexible data exports.

How CorePlan Makes Data Integration Effortless

CorePlan eliminates inefficiencies and modernises drilling operations with:

Seamless integrations: Connect with tools like Garmin inReach for field communications and Imago for geological imagery - no extra downloads required.
Open APIs: Integrate with your existing ERP or custom tools for smooth two-way data flow.
Geological database compatibility: Sync with platforms like acQuire and DataShed to reduce manual re-entry.
Flexible storage options: Choose secure cloud storage or mirror data in your SQL database for IT compliance.
Automated workflows: Use webhooks to trigger key actions, such as notifying teams when a drill hole reaches target depth.
Smarter spreadsheets: Import historical data or export reports into .CSV or Excel formats for easy sharing with clients.

Rethink Your Approach to Drilling Data

Outdated methods are costing you time and money. CorePlan helps drilling contractors integrate data so you can operate smarter.

Book a demo today to see how better data integration can streamline operations, reduce costs, and give you a competitive edge.

Download the checklist here

CorePlan vs Krux: What's the difference?

Explore powerful features that outperform Krux.

Click here

From Spreadsheets to Smart Solutions: Why It's Time to Rethink Data Integration

Download the checklist here

Related Articles