Top 7 Trends Of Procurement & Supply Chain Management in the Oil and Gas Sector

The oil and gas industry is going through a major transformation. As global energy demands change and technology advances, companies are rethinking how they manage procurement and supply chains. In upstream oil and gas—where exploration and production happen—efficiency, cost control, and reliability are more important than ever.

In this blog, we’ll explore the latest trends in procurement and supply chain management and how companies like GET Global Group are leading the way with smart solutions like GET VMI (Vendor Managed Inventory). We’ll also look at real-life examples that show how the industry is adapting to change.

1. Digital Transformation in Supply Chains

One of the biggest trends in procurement today is digital transformation. Many oil and gas companies are moving away from traditional, paper-based systems to digital platforms that allow real-time tracking of inventory, shipments, and supplier performance.

For example, some oilfield service providers now use digital dashboards to monitor inventory levels at drilling sites. These systems alert supply chain managers before stockouts happen, helping to avoid costly downtime.

GET Global Group has embraced digital tools to manage supply chains more efficiently. With their GET VMI service, inventory is monitored and managed by GET’s team, using data and insights to ensure that materials are always available where they’re needed—especially in remote oilfield locations.

2. Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI)

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) is becoming increasingly popular in the upstream oil and gas sector. Instead of clients managing their own stock of materials, the vendor (like GET Global Group) takes full responsibility for maintaining appropriate inventory levels at the client’s site.

With GET Vendor Managed Inventory, the entire process—from demand forecasting to delivery—is handled by GET’s experts. This reduces the burden on clients and ensures that operations never stop due to missing parts or tools. It’s especially helpful for rig operators who cannot afford delays in drilling schedules.

Case Example: A leading drilling contractor in the Middle East partnered with GET Global Group to manage their downhole tool inventory at remote desert locations. With GET VMI, inventory levels were optimized, excess stock was eliminated, and the rig never faced a single delay due to stock shortages. This helped the client save up to 18% on annual material management costs.

3. Sustainability and Green Procurement

Environmental concerns are also shaping supply chain strategies. More oil and gas companies are including green procurement practices in their supply chain policies. This means sourcing materials from responsible suppliers, reducing waste, and optimizing transport routes to cut emissions.

GET Global Group supports sustainability by using data-driven logistics planning and partnering with local suppliers whenever possible. This reduces both the environmental footprint and lead times.

4. Data-Driven Decision Making

Today, procurement decisions are no longer based on gut feelings. Companies use data analytics to forecast demand, evaluate supplier performance, and negotiate better contracts.

For example, by analyzing historical usage data, a supply chain manager can decide how much pipe or casing to keep in stock. This approach reduces over-ordering and prevents inventory waste.

GET Global Group’s GET VMI system uses real-time data to adjust inventory levels automatically. It helps clients avoid overstocking while ensuring that mission-critical materials are always available on time.

5. Integrated Supplier Relationships

Another growing trend is building stronger, long-term relationships with key suppliers rather than switching vendors frequently based on cost alone. Integrated partnerships encourage better communication, shared risk, and higher service quality.

With the GET VMI model, GET becomes more than a vendor—they act as a partner in the client’s operations. Their team works closely with procurement and field teams to align supply chain performance with production goals.

Case Example: An upstream operator in Saudi Arabia integrated GET VMI into their new well delivery plan. By involving GET’s supply team from the early planning stages, the operator avoided delays during well completions and achieved a 12% improvement in service turnaround time.

6. Focus on Local Content and Workforce Development

Governments across the Gulf are pushing for higher local content in procurement. That means hiring local talent and sourcing materials within the region.

GET Global Group already leads in this space. Through its local partnerships and talent development programs, GET ensures compliance with national regulations like Saudi Aramco’s IKTVA (In-Kingdom Total Value Add) program. GET VMI is also aligned with these goals—delivering value locally and supporting in-country logistics.

7. Resilience and Risk Management

The pandemic and geopolitical issues have shown how vulnerable global supply chains can be. As a result, companies are working on making their supply chains more resilient.

This includes diversifying suppliers, increasing safety stock for critical items, and using predictive analytics to prepare for disruptions.

GET’s robust VMI system helps clients stay ahead of risks. By managing buffer stocks and offering real-time alerts, GET ensures that upstream operations can continue smoothly even during unexpected supply chain shocks.

Final Thoughts

Procurement and supply chain management are no longer just about getting the lowest price. Today, it’s about speed, accuracy, sustainability, and resilience. With services like GET VMI, companies in the upstream oil and gas sector can focus on what they do best—exploring and producing energy—while experts manage their material needs efficiently.

GET Global Group is at the forefront of this shift. With a deep understanding of the energy sector, digital tools, and a commitment to performance, they are helping clients simplify supply chains, cut costs, and reduce risk.

If your upstream operation is looking for a smarter, leaner way to manage inventory and procurement, GET VMI might be the solution you need.

Read Also- What Is Procurement? Types, Processes & Technology in the Oil & Gas Industry