In this presentation we explain how to create a successful proof of concept for software, using a real example from our work in the Oil & Gas industry.

1. www.etlsolutions.com
An example of a
successful proof of concept

2. • But how do you go about creating one?
• A recent example from our data integration
work in the Oil & Gas industry illustrates
the steps we take to create a successful
proof of concept.
Introduction
In software development, a proof of concept can be a vital tool to
demonstrate the software’s capabilities and its fit with the client’s
requirements.

3. • Our clients’ needs can range from testing the
suitability of the proposed software to sharing
knowledge within the client’s organisation.
• In our recent Oil & Gas proof of concept, the
main aim was to demonstrate the
effectiveness of our Transformation Manager
data migration tool in meeting the client’s
petroleum data management requirements.
• Specifically, the proof of concept
demonstrated that it is possible to use
Transformation Manager to efficiently
implement and deploy industry data
standards to different types of petroleum data
files.
Step 1: Defining the client’s requirements

4. • In our example, there were two types of files
- LAS and DLIS – to migrate in the context of
the PPDM and WITSML industry standards.
The proof of concept accordingly aimed to
deliver three scenarios:
• Embed transforms within near real-time
message handling, particularly WITSML
• Data migration converting to LAS files to and
from the client’s PPDM-based system
• Data migration converting to DLIS files to and
from the client’s PPDM-based system.
Step 1 (continued)

5. • As with any project, defining the requirements
from the client is an important step to take
before starting work on the proof of concept.
In this example, the items required before the
proof of concept began included:
• Business rules to define the required
mappings, such as details of field mappings,
lookups and error handling
• Samples of the data to be extracted, such as
well header and log curve data
• Any relevant information about the source and
target models, such as local choices in the use
of PPDM
• Sample files in the required format, including
LAS 2.0 and 3.0.
Step 2: Defining the client’s input

6. • A review of the information received from the client:
• Each source and target data model, including format, connection
options and sample data
• Validation rules
• Mapping rules
• Design of the workflow of the data through the integration
process:
• Document flow of data
• Document the decisions made
• Design the integration for implementation within our
Transformation Manager data migration software
• Implement the integration within Transformation Manager,
including testing
• Demonstrate the results to the client
• Describe the process and usage of Transformation Manager
to the user
• Create a report describing the concepts, outcome and
potential usage within future projects.
Step 3: Action planning
The activities carried out by our consultants followed a similar path to previous proofs of
concept and included:

7. • A final, tested, Transformation Manager
deployment pack which delivered the data
transformation to the client’s specification
• A licensed version of Transformation Manager for
internal evaluation
• A proof of concept report as described above
• Knowledge transfer to the client, including the use
of Transformation Manager, a review of its
capabilities and an overview methodology
• A presentation and demo showing key processes,
outcomes and future options.
Step 4: Delivery
In the petroleum data management example mentioned above, our team delivered:
The result was a component which can efficiently deploy the
client’s data to a range of the most popular petroleum data
management file formats.

8. • Learn how to minimise
project risk with our data
migration planning
eGuide. Visit
http://www.etlsolutions.co
m/free-eguide-preparing-
a-data-migration-plan/ to
download your copy.
Download our free data migration eGuide
About us
At ETL Solutions, we tackle difficult data transformations. We deliver
expert data integration services and software for some of the world’s
leading organisations. Visit www.etlsolutions.com to find out more.
Images from Freedigitalphotos.net