Oliasoft

December 11, 2025

How Oliasoft Forecast Rulesets Enable Standardized, Automated Time & Cost Estimation

In Oliasoft Forecast, we have developed a flexible and powerful ruleset feature that enables automatic generation of time and cost estimates based on standardized, reusable templates. For technical teams and drilling planners, this means higher accuracy, improved traceability, and significantly less manual work.

Ida Sandvold // Product Director

What is a ruleset?

A ruleset is a predefined set of rules that specifies which operations should be carried out in the different sections of the well — and how time and cost should be calculated. Instead of having engineers build each forecast manually, users can create generic templates that:

  • define which operations belong to each well section
  • use linked depths (such as section TD) to enable generic, reusable templates
  • support generic cost models, for example by linking section length to tangible cost

The result is an automated, rule-based process that produces consistent, detailed time and cost estimates across wells and assets.


How does it work in practice?

Forecast is integrated with our well engineering platform, Oliasoft WellDesign. This means that when a user opens a forecast, the system automatically pulls well schematic data from WellDesign, including sections, dimensions, equipment, and relevant operational parameters.

The ruleset engine then performs the following steps:

1. Identifies the sections in the well. Each section is matched with the correct template from the selected ruleset library.

2. Fetches the operations defined for each section. Templates specify the structure and list of activities that should always be included, independent of location or well designer.

3. Automatically generates the time and cost estimate. Forecast calculates durations and costs based on the rules, design parameters, and logic defined in the templates.

4. Provides a complete and consistent forecast. Users can adjust details as needed, but the starting point is standardized and quality-assured.


Why does this matter?

This rule-based approach offers several clear benefits:

  • Saves time: No need to build forecasts section by section or operation by operation.
  • Ensures standardization: All projects follow the same logic, improving quality and comparability.
  • Reduces errors: Less manual input lowers the risk of mistakes.
  • Ensures consistency across tools: Integration with WellDesign ensures that forecasts always reflect the actual well design.

In summary

Rulesets in Oliasoft Forecast enable automated generation of complete time and cost estimates based on reusable templates. Combined with the integration with WellDesign, this provides a streamlined, robust, and modern framework for forecasting — from conceptual design to detailed well planning.

How Oliasoft Forecast Rulesets Enable Standardized, Automated Time & Cost Estimation

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