Breaking Down Silos: From SharePoint to Integrated Software Platforms

Updated 8 December 2025

Do you remember the shift from storing documents on a shared network drive to collaborating in real time through SharePoint? At the time, it felt revolutionary—multiple people editing the same file, version control, shared access.

But despite its early impact, SharePoint still acts as a silo that limits efficiency, consistency and cross-disciplinary collaboration.

This article is written for drilling and well teams seeking better ways to manage operational data—and for those evaluating what a transition from traditional systems like SharePoint to an integrated software platform could mean for daily workflows and overall performance.

Why is SharePoint a Silo?

SharePoint was designed primarily for document storage and management, not cross-functional operational collaboration. In drilling and well operations, this results in fragmented information.

Common challenges include:

• Department-specific SharePoint sites with different structures and naming conventions

• Limited real-time data visibility across drilling, completions, subsurface, logistics and vendors

• Information lag, requiring manual updates, screenshots, exports and email circulation

• No unified operational context, making it difficult to see how documents relate to current well status or execution workflows

Over time, SharePoint becomes a passive repository, not an active operational tool. In a domain as dynamic as drilling and wells, that gap directly impacts NPT, safety and decision quality.

What Is an Integrated Software Platform?

An integrated platform provides a unified digital environment where data, workflows, and applications from across drilling and wells come together.

Unlike isolated applications, these platforms emphasize:

• Interoperability between tools and databases

• Real-time data accessibility across stakeholders

• Contextual workflows that connect planning, execution and reporting

• Reduced manual handling of data and documents

• A single source of operational truth

Put simply, an integrated platform removes friction, minimizes administrative workload and strengthens data-driven decision-making.

Read more: What is an open data platform in drilling and well operations?

Why the Shift Is Needed Today

For drilling and well operations managers, moving away from SharePoint is no longer a convenience—it’s a strategic requirement.

Integrated platforms address several real-world challenges:

1. Eliminating Data Silos

Unified access to plans, risks, real-time data, operations history and vendor inputs ensures everyone works from accurate, consistent information.

2. Increasing Operational Efficiency

Automated workflows remove repetitive manual tasks, reduce administrative burden and help cut NPT.

3. Improving Agility in Changing Conditions

When wells behave unexpectedly, or when field conditions change, integrated systems support rapid, informed response.

Read more: Quantifying the Value of IDEX: Real-World Impact Across Leading Operators

How Integrated Platforms Reduce NPT

Automation of Workflows

Routine processes—data sharing, updates, handovers, quality checks—can be automated, reducing both effort and human error.

Real-Time Data Access

Live data availability allows teams to identify anomalies and react quickly.

For instance - If a problem arises such as stuck BHA, the software immediately flags the anomaly and alerts the onshore team. Engineers and managers on duty access the real-time data via the real time dashboard and can quickly analyze the data trends leading up to the alert, confirming the risk of a stuck tool.

Using the software’s decision support tools, the team simulates various response scenarios and decides to attempt cycling free the tool from the tight spot. The software platform facilitates rapid communication and coordination with the onshore and offshore team in the implement the procedural changes.

The corrective action frees the tool within minutes. Continuous monitoring confirms that the weights and other parameters return to normal levels, averting a potential fish. The swift, data-driven response prevents what could have been hours or even days of downtime, not to mention the avoidance of HSE hazards.

 Improved Coordination Across Teams

Cross-functional alignment—engineering, logistics, subsurface, service companies—reduces delays, miscommunication and planning conflicts.

Streamlined Communication

Built-in communication tools ensure faster, more accurate information flow than document-based updates ever could.

Read more: One Digital Well, how do we get there?

Integration of a software platform – a Cohesive Ecosystem

Integration brings together all digital tools used across drilling and well operations into a single, interactive architecture.

How Integration Works?

It typically includes:

• APIs enabling communication between systems

• Mapping of existing data flows to identify integration points

• Security implementation (access control, audit trails, encryption)

• Testing and alignment with operational workflows

A successful integration respects existing infrastructure while eliminating inefficiencies.

Summary

For drilling and well operations managers, the shift from siloed systems like SharePoint to integrated software platforms is essential for modern performance.

With integrated platforms, you can:

• Break down data silos

• Improve efficiency and reduce NPT

• Support better real-time decision-making

• Strengthen cross-team collaboration

• Prepare for future technologies and data-intensive workflows

As the industry continues to evolve, embracing integrated platforms isn’t just smart, it’s necessary for maintaining competitive advantage and operational excellence.

Equip your teams for today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities.