Scheduling in oil and gas has long been a weak link. Wells, rigs, frack crews, contractors, and regulators must all line up in precise sequence, but too often the “system” is stitched together with Excel spreadsheets, siloed tools, and a lot of human memory. The result is inefficiencies, costly delays, and endless arguments in daily meetings.

That model is no longer good enough. The complexity of modern operations, coupled with volatile markets and new constraints (from labor shortages to tariffs to water management) is making traditional scheduling tools obsolete. Operators that rely on outdated approaches risk losing millions in wasted time and missed opportunities.

Spying this problem years ago, Actenum, an AI-enabled scheduling platform that treats scheduling not as a collection of dates, but as a living model of operations, set out to correct this problem. The tool captures constraints, integrates with systems of record, forecasts production, and enables scenario planning, in real time. Companies report faster well delivery, reduced conflicts, smarter forecasting, and millions in direct savings.

In this episode, I speak with Owen Plowman, Vice President of Business Development at Actenum, about how smarter scheduling is reshaping oil and gas. We cover real-world client stories, cultural shifts inside organizations, and how AI is opening new optimization opportuntities in planning, turnarounds, and offshore logistics.

👤 About the Guest

Owen Plowman is Vice President of Business Development at Actenum, a software company specializing in AI-enabled scheduling solutions for the energy sector. With a background in computer science, Owen began his career in the defense sector, later joining Oracle during its rapid global expansion. Since 2006, he has focused on applying advanced scheduling technology to oil and gas, helping clients worldwide optimize drilling programs, turnarounds, and offshore operations.

👉 Connect with Owen and Actenum

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⚠️ Disclaimer

The views expressed in this podcast are my own and do not constitute professional advice.

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