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What is data integration?

Data integration is a critical process that allows you to merge data from different systems, databases, or files into a single, comprehensive view. It’s a way to extract valuable insights by weaving together disparate data strands. Integration is how you bring together smaller components into a single system so that it can function as one.

And in an exploration context, it’s stitching together different data systems to build a more extensive, more comprehensive, and more standardised system for all activity. From scoping out potential sites to keeping an eye on your drilling activities, having all your info in one spot means you can make smarter, more informed decisions.

Why the old ways stick around

When we chat with people at drilling companies and geology teams today, it's surprising to see many still handling data as if modern technology doesn't exist.

Seasoned geologists and drilling supervisors are still stuck using manual data handling methods, from spreadsheets to paper plods, almost oblivious to the potential efficiencies of cloud-based solutions and AI-driven data integration.

Digging a bit deeper, this reluctance can stem from a few factors:

Old habits die hard: Transitioning to digital tools and adopting a mindset that embraces data integration can be daunting for those accustomed to manual processes.
Fear of risk: In drilling, where the stakes are always high, the mantra often is to play it safe. This caution, though well-intentioned, might be keeping companies from adopting newer technologies that offer better precision and real-time insights.
Working in silos: The drilling industry is somewhat infamous for a compartmentalised approach to data management. Teams often operate in isolation, sticking to their preferred tools and methods.
Resistance to change: Change isn’t easy, especially when routines are deeply ingrained. For those accustomed to the tangibility of paper plods and the familiarity of spreadsheets, switching to digital platforms can feel like navigating unfamiliar territory.

So, while the digital revolution is knocking on our doors with tools that promise to streamline operations and enhance efficiency, the shift from old ways to new isn’t just about tech availability. It’s about being open to change and ready to take the first step.

So, what’s the way forward?

The drilling industry is facing challenges, but some companies are leading the charge to a more integrated future. They've realised that sticking to the old ways just won't cut it anymore, and digital tools can make things smoother and smarter.

Some are getting their data ducks in a row by using unified platforms. This means they’re consolidating all the info from different corners of the operation into one place where teams can easily access it. Then there’s the smart stuff—machine learning and AI. These aren’t just fancy buzzwords anymore; they’re tools that predict data hiccups and fine-tune operations on the fly.

And let’s not forget about cloud technology. This is what’s letting teams work together seamlessly, no matter where they are. It’s all about making sure that the latest info is always at everyone’s fingertips, making decision-making faster and more informed. Plus, there’s a big push to make sure data is not just available but also reliable and secure, ticking all the boxes for accuracy and compliance.

The shift towards a more integrated and innovative future in drilling underscores just why it’s necessary to not just adopt new technologies, but ensure they work together seamlessly for efficiency and accuracy.

5 ways to rethink drilling data integration (and have the Geos sending you flowers)

If you’re ready to leave behind outdated practices but aren’t sure where to start, this guide is your starting point:

1. Automation isn’t magic, it’s just letting your tech do the heavy lifting

Old mindset: An Extracting, Transforming, and Loading (ETL) strategy is a necessary evil. Data teams grit their teeth and spend hours cleaning up imports, fixing bad mappings, etc.
New mindset: If your ETL strategy involves the word "spreadsheet," you're doing it wrong. Tools exist to offload the grunt work, freeing your data experts for, y'know, expertise.
Action step: Audit your current ETL pain points. Is it manual reformatting that eats up hours, or the black-box nature of how the data gets changed along the way? Get specific.

2. Design integrations for the messy reality, not the ideal

Old mindset: Perfect data, perfectly formatted, flowing effortlessly between pristine systems... in theory.
New mindset: Drilling data, assay data, and field data will be a bit chaotic. Your integrations need to be adaptable to that, focusing on enforcing quality at the source.
Action step: Collaborate with field teams and drilling teams – what makes data entry difficult for them? Addressing that pays off downstream.

3. Ditch the data dump – get the 'live feed' advantage

Old mindset: Data gets delivered like a sack of rocks dumped on your desk – big, heavy, and not useful 'til you sort through it.
New mindset: Data should flow like water – constantly available when you need it, in the right form for the task at hand.
Action step: Ask yourself, "What decisions get made too late because the data is stale?" That's where streaming makes a difference.

4. Make "real-time" actually mean something

Old mindset: Reports come out weekly, execs see the big picture eventually. This hampers operational agility.
New mindset: How close to "now" is good enough? Daily? Hourly? Drilling data's value decays fast, so integrations must match that tempo.
Action step: Define "actionable insights." What decision is bottlenecked by slow data, and how much could faster data save?

5. When choosing tools, ask, "Who owns my data?"

Old mindset: Vendor lock-in, opaque systems...data becomes a hostage instead of an asset.
New mindset: Transparency matters. The Data Manager's job is made harder if they can't easily access, export, or understand their own data.
Action step: Don't just demo software – grill vendors on data portability, open APIs, etc. This is non-negotiable for future flexibility.

CorePlan’s role in data integration

At CorePlan, drilling data is what we dabble in all day, every day. The integration into various systems for various needs, from planning 5-year drilling programs through to budget tracking on millions of dollars worth of drilling expenditure, and enabling logistics activity flow from CorePlan into your tool of choice. Our customers rely on us for our expertise in data integration in the modern age. Ultimately, the flow of data into different systems will be based on your strategy and the outcomes you’re trying to achieve. To allow you to do this, CorePlan has the following data integration capabilities:

Native real-time integration: CorePlan's software architecture is built to seamlessly integrate with other platforms, like Garmin inReachh, Imago, and other tools with similar capabilities. For example, with Garmin inReach integration already incorporated, your supervisors can easily monitor your field team's location and messages without having to navigate through separate accounts.
API Integration: API integration enables different software applications to communicate with each other, allowing systems to share information seamlessly and automate workflows. This unlocks powerful capabilities for real-time data analysis and operational efficiency in drilling companies.
Geological database integration: While many software programs have API capabilities to pull and push data seamlessly, geological databases are catching up on the technology to do this. In the absence of native or API integration capabilities, CorePlan’s professional services and data experts will set up the integration using other means to do a daily push and pull into your geological database, such as acQuire, DataShed, Fusion products, and more.
CorePlan SQL: While all CorePlan data is stored in the cloud, should you wish you mirror the data into your own SQL database, our data experts are able to set this up for you too.
Webhook integration: Webhook integration automates data exchanges between software platforms without manual effort. By performing an action that sets off a trigger, webhooks enable you to push data from one platform to another in a one-way connection. They're very common, and you've probably used them before, like when your accounting package notifies you when your client has paid a bill.
.CSV or Excel file-based integration: CorePlan provides a simple .CSV or Excel file-based integration for basic data-sharing needs. You can easily export your data using the import/export data function in your project settings menu bar. Plus, you can import holes, overwrite existing holes, or import plods from the same menu. With CorePlan, you have complete ownership over your data. Edit it in MS Excel or Google Sheets to prepare it for use in other software, with no need for software development or coding skills.

CorePlan provides extensive integration capabilities, allowing for efficient data sharing with most software supporting .csv imports. For those with more software experience, CorePlan's open API is accessible to professional and enterprise customers, facilitating custom integration with minimal manual data handling.

Questions about integrating CorePlan with your technology stack? Contact our customer success team now to explore your options.

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Drilling deeper into digital: 5 ways to rethink data integration

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