In a conversation between Stacey Hensley, Senior Product Manager at Quorum Software, and Cody Clark, Vice President of Business Development at Utah Gas, the transformative power of advanced measurement software was on full display. As a rapidly growing energy company with a vertically integrated model, Utah Gas faced mounting challenges in managing its midstream and upstream operations. The company’s strategic adoption of Quorum’s suite including TIPS, FLOWCAL, and bringing everything onto the QCloud has played a pivotal role in streamlining operations, reducing errors, and enabling scalable growth.
Scaling Up Without Slowing Down
Utah Gas expanded dramatically, growing from just 41 wells in 2016 to over 1,400 by 2022. This surge created urgent demands for a more robust and integrated operational framework. By adopting Quorum’s measurement and allocation software, the company was able to consolidate its workflows, automate manual processes, and eliminate inefficiencies that previously slowed monthly closes and increased the risk of data errors.
The TIPS product in particular became a game changer by helping Utah Gas reduce unintended prior period adjustments (PPAs) and eliminating the need for additional headcount despite their growth. Cody Clark highlighted how the platform allowed them to run both upstream and midstream operations with a single staff member managing allocations from wellhead to plant.
Key benefits of scaling with Quorum’s tools include:
- Eliminated unintended PPAs through accurate, integrated measurement systems such as FLOWCAL
- Reduced reliance on transition service agreements by onboarding assets in under 30 days
- Consolidated roles and responsibilities, enabling small teams to manage complex systems
- Enabled rapid growth without requiring a proportional increase in staffing
- Increased visibility and control over operations, from data input to final settlement
Flexibility Without Customization
One of the most unique aspects of Utah Gas’s implementation is their decision to run entirely on core versions of Quorum’s software without any customizations. This decision proved highly beneficial, especially in fast-paced acquisition scenarios. By using standard configurations, Utah Gas was able to onboard new assets quickly, ensure consistency across systems, and minimize training time for new users.
The lack of custom code not only reduced deployment and support costs but also allowed for smoother integration with existing and future systems. It empowered users like Cody, who had no prior experience with TIPS, to manage plant settlements with confidence after just a short ramp-up period.
Advantages of using core Quorum solutions include:
- Faster implementation timelines without the need for tailored development
- Simplified training and onboarding for team members with diverse backgrounds
- Seamless upgrades and maintenance due to standardized software builds
- Easy integration across Quorum’s platform, enhancing collaboration between tools
- Reduced long-term IT overhead by avoiding one-off configurations
From Landman to Tech Leader
Cody Clark’s career path from land management to midstream operations underscores the accessibility of Quorum’s solutions. Despite lacking an accounting background, he quickly adapted to TIPS and began managing complex allocations with ease. This speaks volumes about the platform’s intuitive design and the quality of Quorum’s professional services support.
The Cloud Advantage
By choosing QCloud hosting, Utah Gas eliminated the need for an in-house IT team while benefiting from enhanced data security, high system availability, and a flexible architecture. With no need to worry about hardware maintenance or software upgrades, they could focus entirely on running their business.
Engineering Mindsets for Process Optimization
Quorum’s team structure, favoring engineers over traditional accountants, might seem unconventional, but it aligns perfectly with the complex, process-driven nature of oil and gas operations. Cody noted that understanding system processes is far more valuable than simply crunching numbers. This perspective has helped Utah Gas treat allocation not just as an accounting function, but as a key part of operational strategy.
What’s Next for Utah Gas Corp
With continued growth on the horizon, including a potential move into helium production, Utah Gas plans to deepen its partnership with Quorum. The modular nature of Quorum’s platform means they are well equipped to scale operations, onboard new assets swiftly, and respond to the ever-evolving demands of the energy sector.
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