National Data Repositories

Take Control of your data

Setting up a National Data Repository is about understanding a country’s goals, deciding upon a strategy and financial model for achieving those goals, and then mapping out the processes on how to get there.

Business functions, and priorities help inform the NDR model for a particular country: there is no “out of the box” NDR model. There used to be the idea that all the components of an NDR should come from one single vendor (what we call “the box model”), but today we recognize that this is an outdated, extremely costly, closed and clunky scenario. In fact, the box model is unhealthy, as it covers up inefficiencies between operations, infrastructure and software. You pass along those inefficiencies in higher prices, less effective operations, and under-served customers.

At KADME we believe that the best tools and actors for the job should be selected, glued together by open standards in software, IT and operations. Most importantly, each of these tasks should be backed by serious commitment and professional project management from the Governmental side.

The most fundamental aspects in the planning of any NDR is understanding who and what your NDR is for: data preservation and promotion.

NDRs require clear business planning, professional management and execution to meet these goals.

A modern NDR: EPIS

We turn our attention to one of our clients, EPIS, the National Data Repository of Colombia. This is the story of an NDR that bought a “box” NDR system and has now successfully migrated and is running an un-boxed solution based on KADME’s Whereoil software. We were awarded the contract in 2007 to deliver our Whereoil software and customize it to satisfy functional and non-functional requirements, as well as to migrate the data from the previous EPIS system. KADME works with local parters in Colombia to guarantee quality, efficiency, transparency and a competent operational organization and a technological infrastructure.  EPIS is operated by Geoconsult, and the data centre is maintained by Synapsis.

EPIS has significantly decreased their costs since hiring KADME. Their current model of operations is lean, sustainable and independent. At the same time, the agency responsible for EPIS, the Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos (ANH), has good control over the operations at EPIS. This allows the ANH to support its continuity in the long term. For more information on how we helped Colombia increase the value of their E&P data, while at the same time helping them significantly lower costs, read our Case Study on EPIS (pdf) and view EPIS’ presentation at the NDR10 (ppt) which has a slide on history (slide 12) and another on cost reduction (slide 16).

NDR Consulting

KADME consultants have extensive experience in the planning, design and implementation of National Data Repositories (NDR). We have worked in various capacities the world over, having put our touch on over 25 separate NDR’s – from Pakistan to China to Norway. Contact us for information on our vast experience working with NDRs.

Significant operational experience was gained by KADME in the Norwegian DISKOS environment, where we were subcontracted by Schlumberger (SINAS) for the support of the entire IT infrastructure, including Landmark’s PetroBank software and all related third-party products.

Working with your NDR

We can provide expert advice for National Data Repositories that are either in the process of being established or that are evaluating changes in their strategies. This includes the evaluation of the appropriate business model, the identification of the business requirements, quality assessments of the NDR operations, and recommendations for a lower-cost, higher quality plan for preserving your country’s data. We are experienced in migrating NDRs from old systems to new, more modern solutions.

Partner with KADME

The best NDRs are those with tailored solutions. At KADME we don’t believe an “out of the box” solution is the right choice for most countries. There are financial and performance benefits to be gained by “unboxing the NDR”, and at KADME, we are proud to present the technological solution to that unboxing. We not only provide what is arguably one of the most robust, open-source, high-performing technological solutions for NDRs with our Whereoil software, but we are a trustworthy partner in multi-company tenders for NDRs the world over. Contact us to discuss opportunities!