Tag: competitors

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The Emotive Power of Rankings

Emotive Power

In the 1970s, J.D. Power began publishing his ratings and rankings of initial quality as reported by new car buyers. The publishing of these results, which were based on comprehensive independent surveys designed and conducted by his firm, were notable for two reasons.

First, he published the entire set of rankings (i.e., top to bottom, first to last). This was not a common practice in those days, and is still relatively rare today. Second, the rankings consistently showed that U.S. auto manufacturers (General Motors, Ford, Chrysler and American Motors) were putting out products that were markedly inferior in terms of quality and customer satisfaction to those of their foreign counterparts, particularly the Japanese. Continue reading “The Emotive Power of Rankings”

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Contract Drillers Find Customer Centricity

Customer Centricity

For both onshore and offshore applications, EnergyPoint’s latest survey results indicate contract drillers are increasingly out to show customers they mean business. At the very least, land-drillers’ overall ratings remain on an upward bent, while offshore drillers’ ratings continue to be the highest of all the major oilfield segments that EnergyPoint tracks in its customer satisfaction surveys.

Helmerich & Payne’s ratings continue to lead onshore. In fact, the company remains the only land drillers to enjoy a very high overall designation in EnergyPoint’s independent customer satisfaction ratings system. Continue reading “Contract Drillers Find Customer Centricity”

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Suppliers’ Lockstep Strategies Not the Answer

Marching

Within the upstream oil and gas industry, there’s a limited number of oilfield suppliers possessing the size and scope to be considered fully integrated and/or global in nature. On the services side, the roll (listed alphabetically) includes Baker Hughes, Halliburton, Schlumberger and Weatherford International. For capital equipment, it’s Aker Solutions, Cameron International, FMC Technologies, GE Oil & Gas and National Oilwell Varco.

On a combined basis, these nine super suppliers (did we just coin a new term?) currently represent about a quarter of all supplier-segment sales to the global upstream. Yet, none of these companies currently enjoy above-average ratings in EnergyPoint Research’s independent customer satisfaction surveys. And the latest trends don’t suggest the situation will significantly change anytime soon.

Continue reading “Suppliers’ Lockstep Strategies Not the Answer”

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Oilfield Suppliers as Changes Agents?

Oilfield Suppliers As Change Agents

If there’s one truth that data from EnergyPoint Research’s independent studies reveals, it is that upstream oil and gas customers respond to steady quality and reliable support from suppliers.

Despite these customer entreats, our latest survey suggests many high-profile equipment and material suppliers continue to repeat performance-killing mistakes: design flaws, lack of quality controls, poor commissioning practices, and a disproportionate focus on acquisitions. Continue reading “Oilfield Suppliers as Changes Agents?”

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Getting More of What’s Down There

Getting More of What's Down There

No doubt the ability to maximize well potential is crucial to the oil and gas industry’s future. Companies must complete wells damage-free and seek new ways to enhance them in order to stand apart. Continued progress in well-completions is vital to the industry’s ability to develop its reserves.

This post examines the state of customer satisfaction across various completion-related products and services in our surveys. And generally speaking, survey respondents are pleased. In fact, the data show the category’s ratings have outperformed since 2006. Continue reading “Getting More of What’s Down There”

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North American Land Driller Ratings Fall

North American Land Driller Ratings Fall (FI). v. 1.00

Demand for North American (NAM) land-drilling services has leveled off for the time being. A warm first half of winter and expectations for shoulder-month reductions in gas demand have given many producers pause regarding their drilling programs.

We believe a modest slowdown in activity could prove a blessing in disguise for many drillers, who could use the opportunity to regroup after a frenzied couple of years that, despite record earnings, have cost them in terms of customer satisfaction. Continue reading “North American Land Driller Ratings Fall”

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GE’s Purchase of Vetco Gray: Examining the Impact

GE's Purchase of Vetco Gray (FI) v. 1.00

It would not be surprising if last month’s announcement that General Electric will purchase oilfield equipment maker Vetco Gray sent a collective shiver down the spines of Vetco competitors.

For years, competitors watched Vetco more or less tread water under the ownership of ABB. Private-equity bought the company in 2004 and seemed to hold to the traditional private-equity model of limiting investments to initiatives offering the highest returns and quickest payback. We suspect to see changes at the company now that it is in the hands of a longer-term, more growth-oriented owner. Continue reading “GE’s Purchase of Vetco Gray: Examining the Impact”