What Operators Want Now: Fast, Practical, SME-Led Solutions That Actually Work

Operator-led consultations ahead of this event revealed a clear consensus: over 80% of operators we engaged with pointed to SMES, not necessarily the larger players, as the source of the most agile, innovation-ready solutions for fast, practical problem-solving.

This wasn’t just a passing comment—it was a consistent, clear message. Whether it’s nimble tech for field deployment or practical tools that bypass the need for full system overhauls, operators are looking to SMES for cost-competitive progress.

When Innovation Means Collaboration

Many operators told us outright that they prefer SMES not just for products, but for partnerships. Many are more willing to iterate, adapt, and pilot fast—working side-by-side with operations teams rather than handing off static solutions. 

What do operators value most? Solutions that integrate cleanly—no complex vendor dependencies, no six-month onboarding cycles, and no hidden IT costs. Plug, play, perform.

Remote Sites Demand Scalable Simplicity AND Reliability 

Whether we're talking about solutions for measuring and monitoring flares at remote sites or just metering emissions more reliably, operators have been unequivocal: The best results are delivered by those modular, scalable products that don't require full system replacements.

Simplified Monitoring, Zero Compromise

On the monitoring front, SMEs are providing lightweight, SCADA-free condition monitoring for VRUs, tanks, and flare systems—designed to slot into remote pads with minimal support.

Many are also delivering diagnostics that withstand extreme conditions, limited access, and lean teams.

Plug-In Monitoring for Remote Pads

Operators remain laser-focused on low-complexity deployment, especially for monitoring vapour, tank levels, and water systems. Here again, SMEs are leading the way—delivering remote pad sensor kits that retrofit easily and deploy fast, with minimal crew and zero drama.

Tools Built for Real Teams, Not Labs

Operators aren’t just looking for great tech—they’re looking for deployability. Solutions that require minimal training, little IT lift, and no heavyweight digital transformation teams. Again and again, many of these tools come from SMES. Especially for small and mid-cap operators, ease of integration is the difference between “great idea” and “live in the field.”

Dashboards Delivering Insight That Field Teams Can  Actually Use

Some of the most praised solutions came from SMEs offering real-time dashboards, visual process builders, and human-readable insights—not just for engineers, but for every frontline worker.

Refurbish, Reuse, Remain Compliant

Another area where SMEs are innovating fast: compressor and equipment refurbishment. These companies are helping operators extract more life—and more value—from existing assets, including repackaging, certification, and seamless integration. We’ve heard about  SMEs enabling emissions-compliant reuse of compressors, separators, tank knockouts, and even enclosed flares—solutions that stretch your investment without new capital spend.

Retrofitting for What Comes Next

From inherited M&A sites to consolidated assets and ageing facilities adapting to uncertain production futures, operators want one thing: optionality.

SMES are responding with retrofit-ready solutions—modular skids, solar-ready platforms, and simplified instrumentation units that scale, reconfigure, and reverse when needed. Designed for fluid conditions. Built for flexible futures.

Nitrogen Systems With Field-Proven Performance

Dry nitrogen solutions are gaining significant traction as operators seek alternatives to compressor-based instrument air systems.

And again, it’s SME disruptors leading the charge—delivering low-maintenance, nitrogen systems already tested in upstream field trials and built for deployment today.

Compression Strategies Compared

We’re also hosting a dedicated panel on Day Two, comparing nitrogen, air, gas, and electric compression systems to determine which performs best in real-world conditions.

Each has its place, but the operational realities matter.

We’re also seeing innovation from SMES in gas compression systems that don’t require external power, critical for emissions control and methane reduction in off-grid scenarios.

These aren’t compromises—they’re upgrades.

Electrification is no longer a big-operator-only strategy. SMES are now delivering compact, modular electric compression systems tailored for pad-level use, especially for smaller operators seeking electrification without total rebuilds. This is emissions compliance made practical.

The Metering Systems Operators Actually Trust

Emissions measurement, monitoring, and metering is a top priority this year—and the verdict from operators is crystal clear: More often than not, it is the SME-built systems that are consistently delivering reliability and scalability in the field. Not hypothetically—practically.

What’s Failing in the Field—and Why?

Operators haven’t held back. Some of the most high-profile emissions systems have struggled—difficult to implement, overly complex, and in some cases, outright failed.

And when things fall apart at site level, it’s not just a technical issue—it’s a cost, compliance, and credibility issue.

Simplicity Is the New Sophistication

Operators are seeking partners, not just vendors, who are aligned with their pressures: tight teams, tighter budgets, and high expectations. It’s the SMEs who understand the economics of doing more with less—and who design for long term value under real-world conditions.

SMEs: This Is Your Opportunity

These are exactly the types of SMEs we’re looking to bring into the conversation—those with modular, field-tested innovations that directly support cost-control strategies and operational flexibility.

If you’re an SME offering modular, scalable, low-cost solutions—built for lean teams and ready for deployment—we want to hear from you. There’s genuine demand, and we’re actively looking to spotlight the most relevant innovators.

This event is designed to connect you directly with operators who are asking for exactly what you deliver.