Digitizing the Oil & Gas Sector: Process Automation for Safer and Cost-Effective Operations

The oil and gas industry faces increasing pressure to enhance safety, reduce operational costs, and ensure regulatory compliance — all while dealing with volatile markets and complex supply chains. In this landscape, digital transformation through industrial automation is not just an option — it’s a strategic imperative.

At Softcon, we help upstream, midstream, and downstream companies embrace automation to optimize operations, improve safety, and gain real-time control over assets — from oil fields to refineries.

The Challenges in Traditional Oil & Gas Operations

  • Manual inspections and data entry prone to human error
  • Limited visibility across remote or hazardous sites
  • Inefficient energy usage and unplanned equipment failures
  • High OPEX due to reactive maintenance and downtime
  • Complex compliance requirements (like OISD, API, ISO 50001)

Automation solves these challenges by connecting machines, sensors, and systems to monitor and manage operations more effectively.

Benefits of Industrial Automation in Oil & Gas

1. Enhanced Operational Safety

Automation minimizes human intervention in hazardous zones, using sensors, SCADA, and emergency shutdown systems.

2. Real-Time Process Monitoring

With integrated PLC, DCS, and SCADA, operators can monitor pressure, temperature, and flow across pipelines and plants in real-time.

3. Predictive Maintenance and Asset Health

By analyzing sensor data, companies can detect potential equipment failures early, reducing unplanned downtime and extending asset life.

4. Energy Optimization and Cost Control

Advanced control systems improve combustion efficiency, optimize pump operations, and reduce energy waste.

5. Regulatory Compliance and Reporting

Automated logging of operational data ensures compliance with national and international standards and simplifies audits.

Softcon’s Automation Capabilities for Oil & Gas

We offer tailored end-to-end automation solutions across the oil & gas value chain:

  • SCADA & DCS Systems for plant-wide control
  • PLC-based control panels for drilling and extraction units
  • Real-time alarm systems and emergency shutdown (ESD) systems
  • IoT & sensor integration for pipeline integrity monitoring
  • Tank farm automation and flow control
  • Centralized control rooms and data dashboards

Case Study: Refinery Process Optimization in Pune

A midstream oil company in Pune engaged Softcon to automate their blending and distillation units. We deployed:

  • SCADA-based real-time control
  • IoT-driven flow measurement
  • Predictive failure alerts

Results:
25% reduction in manual errors
30% less energy consumption
100% compliance with OISD standards
Increased throughput with minimal downtime

Key Technologies We Use

  • Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA)
  • Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC)
  • Distributed Control Systems (DCS)
  • Remote Terminal Units (RTUs)
  • Industrial IoT & Smart Sensors
  • Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES)

Conclusion: Future-Proofing Oil & Gas Operations with Automation

The oil and gas sector must evolve to remain competitive and safe in today’s digital economy. With the right automation strategy, companies can not only reduce costs and improve reliability — but also build smarter, more resilient infrastructure.

Softcon delivers automation solutions that empower oil & gas companies in India and beyond to take control of their operations with real-time visibility, safety-first designs, and scalable digital tools.

Get in Touch with Softcon

Website: www.softcon.net.in
Phone: +91 8888825314 | +91 8888825315
Email: info@softcon.net.in

Neeta Kulkarni

Head Projects

Neeta Kulkarni

Director of Execution, Softcon

Neeta Kulkarni is a results-driven leader with a proven track record in executing strategic initiatives, optimizing operations, and driving organizational success. With [X] years of experience in Softcon, she specializes in aligning business objectives with efficient execution frameworks to maximize performance and growth.

Her leadership approach is centered on strategic execution, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement. She is dedicated to translating vision into action, ensuring that teams work seamlessly toward achieving measurable goals. With a focus on making the company more efficient and goal-oriented, Neeta Kulkarni plays a key role in driving long-term success.

Vinayak Hegde

Director Sales

Vinayak Hegde

Director Sales, Softcon

Vinayak is a seasoned professional with many years of experience in creating strategic roadmaps, driving corporate growth, and delivering impressive results. He has led high-performing teams and managed diverse responsibilities, significantly increasing annual revenues for multinational companies. His innovative approach has helped companies like Siemens and GE double their revenue in record time by breaking into competitive markets.

An expert in IIoT-connected enterprise solutions and product management, Vinayak is a true source of wisdom in automation, people management, and thoughtful leadership. His dedication to quality and continuous improvement consistently propels groundbreaking achievements across various industries, making him a key force in transforming business challenges into growth opportunities.

Chintamani Unde

Service Head

Chintamani Unde

Service Head, Softcon

Chintamani Unde is a seasoned leader responsible for overseeing the entire maintenance and drives repair department, bringing extensive expertise and unwavering passion to his work.

With a strong background in managing large-scale service teams and optimizing repair processes, he consistently drives operational excellence and innovation. His strategic approach has reduced service downtime, improved customer satisfaction through proactive maintenance strategies, and optimized operational costs without compromising quality.

Chintamani’s commitment to translating vision into action and his ability to lead cross-functional teams ensure that the organization upholds high standards of quality and reliability, making him essential to boosting customer happiness and overall service performance.

Umesh Kulkarni

Project Director

Umesh Kulkarni

Project Director, Softcon

Umesh Kulkarni is the CEO and the driving force behind our smooth operations. With many years of experience, he has built a team that works together efficiently to reach clear goals.

Umesh is known for his practical approach to solving problems and improving everyday work. He focuses on turning ideas into simple, clear actions that help the company grow and succeed. His strong leadership and dedication to continuous improvement have made the company a leader in the industry.

Umesh’s hands-on style ensures that every part of the business works well, creating a culture of steady progress and success.

Mansing Beloshe

Head Projects

Mansing Beloshe

Head Projects, Softcon

Mansing Beloshe is an experienced Project Manager with a strong background in the industrial automation industry. With expertise in Process Control, Engineering, Control Systems Design, Process Automation, and Project Engineering, he has successfully led numerous projects, driving efficiency and innovation.

His strategic approach to program and project management ensures seamless execution, from planning to implementation. A graduate of Sanjween Vidhyalay, Panchgani, Mansing is committed to delivering high-quality automation solutions that enhance operational performance and reliability.

Chintamani Unde

Service Head

As a Senior Manager for Service & Repair at Softcon Systems Pvt. Ltd., Chintamani Unde contributes knowledge and a commitment to providing outstanding service solutions.

Chintamani is essential to boosting customer happiness and upholding the organization's high standards of quality because of its emphasis on streamlining repair procedures and guaranteeing operational excellence.

Vinayak Hegde

Director Sales

Vinayak Hegde is a seasoned professional with 26 years of experience in creating strategic roadmaps, accelerating corporate growth, and producing significant outcomes. He has effectively led high-achieving teams, handled a variety of activities, and overseen yearly revenues of INR 60 crores. Vinayak has been instrumental in helping Siemens and GE double their revenue in record time by using creative tactics to break into cutthroat sectors.

He is an expert in IIoT, linked enterprise solutions, and product management, and he was awarded the Best Project Award at IIM Bengaluru. He also provides automation knowledge and thought leadership. Vinayak's dedication to quality keeps propelling revolutionary achievement in a variety of sectors.

Chandrakant Kulkarni

Managing Director

Chandrakant Kulkarni

Managing Director, Softcon

Chandrakant Kulkarni holds a degree in Electrical Engineering and Management, which laid the foundation for his technical and entrepreneurial journey. His early roles in small companies helped him develop expertise in operations, marketing, and technology, ultimately paving the way for him to establish his own company within a decade.

Initially specializing in power management and process automation, his venture expanded over 22 years into IoT, motion control, and end-to-end integration. His leadership is driven by a relentless passion for innovation and solving complex challenges, creating significant value for customers and stakeholders.

With a visionary approach, Chandrakant Kulkarni continues to inspire industry transformation, setting new benchmarks in technological advancements and business excellence.