As the largest environmental and waste infrastructure receiver in western Canada, SECURE recognized the need for a digital transformation in their operations, given inefficient, paper-based waste management processes in the oilfield industry that were cumbersome and often created challenges for operations and regulatory compliance.

Given the sheer volume of waste processed by the company, the industry’s reliance on outdated methods has led to operational complexities.

SECURE, in collaboration with Launchcode, developed WiQ or Waste IQ, a digital solution designed to streamline these processes. This innovative platform is designed to digitize thousands of paper transactions, ensuring data integrity, regulatory compliance, and operational efficiency.

WiQ significantly automates workflows, reduces manual intervention, and sets a new path forward in waste management practices.

The oil and gas waste management industry largely operates on manual, paper-based systems, leading to significant inefficiencies and data inaccuracies.

Each stage of waste management, from generation, to transportation and disposal, requires physical documentation, often involving carbon copies for multiple stakeholders—generators, transporters, and receivers.

This system was prone to errors, resulting in poor reporting.

Regulatory compliance, overseen by bodies like the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), was challenging due to the manual nature and potential inaccuracies in documentation.

Communication between parties was inefficient, relying on the physical transfer of documents.

The process lacked timely data access and was resource-intensive, with administrative staff facing significant backlogs in processing paperwork. This traditional approach has been patch-worked as the industry matured. It was time for a new way of doing things that brought
all stakeholders together to leverage modern technologies and drive efficiencies.

With tens of thousands of trucks operating numerous routes monthly, the industry in general and SECURE in particular was handling an immense volume of paperwork.

The existing digital solutions in the market did not satisfy the needs of SECURE and their partners. Adopting these technologies would have led to increased workforce requirements and complicated workflows, causing confusion for both internal operations and customers.

The endeavour to digitize this information was not only a technological challenge but also a substantial operational and cultural shift.

The development journey of WiQ is a prime example of how a focused and rapid development strategy can lead to significant advancements in digital transformation within traditional industries.

This journey took less than 13 months from inception to launch, a testament to the project’s efficient management and the synergies between SECURE and Launchcode.

Central to this expedited development timeline was the consistent and dedicated effort from both teams. A dynamic working relationship was established that harnessed SECURE’s deep industry knowledge alongside Launchcode’s technical expertise.

A key element of the development process was the series of regular field visits. These visits allowed the team to gain direct insights into the day-to-day operations of waste management. In these visits, the team engaged with all market participants to ensure perspectives were shared and understood – ensuring that the solution will meet the needs of the ecosystem.

By engaging closely with the operational environment, the team could tailor WiQ to meet the practical needs of the end users effectively. This hands-on approach ensured that the final product was not only technologically sound but also highly relevant and user-friendly.

As the project progressed, the development team focused on building a platform
that not only streamlined operations but also provided timely data access. This aspect was vital for enhancing operational efficiency and decision-making across the waste management lifecycle. For instance, transporters could now access information about waste pickups and drop-offs more efficiently, and receivers had immediate access to data upon waste arrival, significantly improving operational planning and compliance reporting.

Another major aspect of the journey was change management, which involved not only the technical integration of the new system but also addressing the cultural shifts within the company and industry. Ensuring that the team members were ready to adapt to and embrace the new digital tools was crucial for the successful implementation of WiQ.

WiQ is on its way to digitize a substantial portion of SECURE’s paper-based processes. The solution offers significant improvements in data integrity and operational efficiency. The automation of previously manual processes led to resource savings and reduced the potential for human error, contributing to a more streamlined workflow.

WiQ illustrates how digital transformation can address complex industry challenges through collaborative development and a user-centric approach. By focusing on the real needs of the industry and involving multiple stakeholders in the development process, SECURE has positioned WiQ to be a game-changer in waste management. The project not only showcases the potential of technology in traditional industries but also serves as a model for successful digital innovation.