1. Justifying Gaslift Automation
“Automation” was defined as a field-wide system, not a device controlling an individual well
Not all felt automation necessarily included remote control
Justification, like anything, centers around the value received which equates to bottom-line dollars
Increases revenue through increased production from well optimization and reduced downtime
Reduced costs from better practices and procedures
Reduced safety and environmental exposure and risk
Maintaining, not reducing, headcount was a reason for using automation
Implementation cost in low producing fields may cause it to be a prohibitive technology.

2. Objectives to Implementing or Sustaining Automation
Lack of user knowledge
Personnel turnover – where is the expertise?
Poor training and continuous training
Non-conducive or supportive organization
Field personnel must take ownership stake and continuously derive value
Organizational barriers must be broken down to have more functional teams
Service providers sometimes fail to see organizational “silos”
Acceptance of status quo

3. Suggestions / Observations
Vendors should be prepared to assist with entire implementation and insure users are fully trained
However, producers have “beaten down” pricing so much there is little room for “hand holding”
Workflows should be well defined prior to implementation
Overall, “ Quantifiable Benefits of Automation” should be explored next year rather than “Is it justifiable?”