Introduction
Ascend SC, a Houston-based supply chain management and consulting firm, is at the forefront of transforming the energy sector's supply chains through innovative digital solutions. Previously known as SC Global Tubular Solutions, Ascend SC has evolved into a strategic partner focused on optimizing the global supply chain for Oil Country Tubular Goods (OCTG). As a subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation, Ascend SC leverages advanced technology and sustainability initiatives to assist major energy operators in managing inventory, minimizing costs, and navigating the complexities of a transitioning energy landscape.
Corporate Profile & Identity
Company Overview
Rebranded in July 2023 from SC Global Tubular Solutions, Ascend SC operates out of Houston, Texas, with a mission to elevate supply chain management beyond traditional boundaries. With its roots firmly planted in the OCTG sector, Ascend SC delivers tailored services to the energy industry. The company's name change signifies a broader commitment to comprehensive supply chain enhancement, emphasizing digital transformation and sustainability across operations.
Parent Company Influence
As a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sumitomo Corporation, Ascend SC benefits from significant financial backing and global trading capabilities. This relationship enhances its capacity to provide 'white-glove' services to major oil and gas companies, ensuring that clients receive not just products, but comprehensive supply chain solutions that drive efficiency and effectiveness.
Core Business: OCTG Supply Chain Management
Managing Complexity in OCTG
Ascend SC's expertise lies in the management of OCTG, which includes the heavy steel pipes utilized in drilling and extraction processes. The logistical complexities inherent in OCTG management stem from the substantial volume and weight of the materials involved, as well as their critical role in drilling operations. Ascend SC differentiates itself from traditional vendors by managing the entire lifecycle of OCTG, focusing on Total Cost of Ownership (TCO).
Lifecycle Management and Inventory Optimization
Ascend SC employs innovative approaches to manage demand planning, inventory reduction, and 'just-in-time' delivery to rig sites. By utilizing proprietary algorithms, the company balances rig schedules with mill production, ensuring that energy operators do not carry excess inventory that ties up capital. This focus on inventory optimization is crucial for maintaining operational efficiency and reducing costs for clients.
Major Partnerships and Logistics
A key component of Ascend SC’s operational model is its long-standing partnerships with leading energy operators. Notably, the company has maintained a significant supply agreement with Shell for over a decade, which has recently been renewed to incorporate enhanced digital solutions and traceability mandates. This partnership exemplifies Ascend SC’s ability to integrate advanced logistics with the specific needs of major players in the industry.
Digital & Tracing Solutions
Innovative Tracking Technologies
Ascend SC's commitment to transparency in logistics is a cornerstone of its service offering. The company has developed a proprietary technology suite that enhances traceability throughout the supply chain. This suite includes advanced digital track-and-trace capabilities, which are essential for ensuring asset integrity and minimizing operational risks.
Tag-Agnostic Tracking Systems
The company’s tracing solutions utilize a tag-agnostic platform that can read various identification technologies, including RFID, barcodes, QR codes, and stencils. This versatility allows Ascend SC to track individual joints of pipe from the steel mill all the way to the wellbore, capturing critical technical attributes such as grade, weight, and connection type at each transfer point.
Comprehensive Digital Products
In addition to tracking capabilities, Ascend SC offers a suite of digital products designed to streamline operations. These include demand planning tools that convert drilling schedules into precise procurement orders, as well as reverse logistics solutions to manage the return and refurbishment of unused assets from rig sites. By addressing these areas, Ascend SC helps clients reduce waste and enhance operational efficiency across their supply chains.
Strategic Pivot: Green Supply Chain
Commitment to Sustainability
In light of the energy transition and growing environmental concerns, Ascend SC has broadened its focus to include Green Supply Chain Management (SCM). This strategic pivot aims to integrate sustainability into every aspect of logistics, from carbon accounting to optimizing transport routes.
Carbon Accounting Initiatives
Ascend SC is actively tracking the CO2 emissions associated with the logistics of heavy steel products, fostering an environment of accountability and transparency. By reducing inventory surpluses and optimizing logistics, the company directly lowers the carbon intensity of drilling operations, contributing to a more sustainable energy sector.
Expanding Role in Renewable Energy
Furthermore, Ascend SC is extending its expertise to support supply chains for renewable energy projects and carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) initiatives. By leveraging its capabilities in managing large-scale tubular materials, the company is positioning itself as a pivotal player in the transition towards greener energy solutions.
Paving the Way for a Sustainable Energy Future
Ascend SC is redefining the landscape of industrial trading within the energy sector. Transitioning from a traditional commodity seller to a strategic partner embedded in the operations of major energy companies, Ascend SC combines the financial strength of Sumitomo Corporation with innovative technology and consulting services. By addressing both the 'last mile' and 'first mile' challenges of the global energy supply chain, the company is paving the way for a more efficient and sustainable future in oil and gas logistics.
