Robotics without borders: Welltec combines software development, talent and trust

Welltec is a global Danish company that develops and manufactures advanced robots and specialized technology solutions for the energy sector. Welltec specializes in developing technology for oil wells, enabling oil production companies around the world to use Welltec when, for example, a valve in an oil well needs to be repaired. A faulty oil well is costly, which is why a fast and efficient response is crucial.

Welltec is world-renowned for its complete setup with their robots and experienced field engineers, who quickly and safely gets production back up and running. Welltec also develops products for carbon capture: from injecting CO₂ in the underground to capture of CO₂ at power stations. With customers across continents, Welltec is known for high innovation, proven quality and solutions that create measurable value.

The need for supporting software for robots was the starting point for outsourcing

As Welltec began developing computer-controlled robots for the oil industry, their software portfolio grew considerably. Welltec needed customized Windows programs and web applications for both control and support programs (such as planning software, simulation software, robot maintenance software, etc.), which meant they also needed more software developers in the company.

In 2011, Welltec decided that outsourcing should be part of the company’s IT strategy. Previous offshoring experience in Asia led Welltec to seek a partner closer to home, both geographically and culturally.

Kasper Juul Larsen, Software Development Manager i Welltec, says:
“It was difficult to find the right developers in Denmark and we needed a solution that would allow us to scale quickly without compromising on quality.“

Professional and competent IT specialists

With Conscensia as sourcing partner, Welltec established a dedicated nearshore IT team in Ukraine. According to Kasper Juul Larsen, the team is very important to their development department, and an integral part of Welltec.

Kasper Juul Larsen sees the developers in Ukraine as his colleagues, just like his colleagues in Denmark. “The Ukrainian team is fully integrated into our organization. They understand our business needs, provide ideas and input, and deliver high-quality work – on time,” says Kasper Juul Larsen.

Ukrainian IT team is the backbone of Welltec’s IT department

The team in Ukraine has developed new tools and optimize existing technologies, which Welltec brings to customers in the global market. Thanks to the low employee turnover and high employee satisfaction, the team can maintain and further develop a deep understanding of Welltec’s products and services, which strengthens collaboration and knowledge sharing in Welltec.

Welltec have also started to use AI in software development as a supporting tool to produce more code in less time. Therefore, all developers have access to e.g. Github Copilot. AI and agents are something Welltec will focus on in the future in terms of implementing different AI models (e.g. llm models) in their software.

Effective collaboration with strong results from nearshore team

Communication and collaboration with the team in Ukraine works smoothly with daily stand ups and sprint planning etc. The team is also involved in planning roadmaps and contributes with ideas that strengthens Welltec’s business and programs.

According to Kasper Juul Larsen, the recipe for success is to involve the team in every step of the process. Last year, for example, new control software was developed for the robots, where the UI part was developed by a Danish developer, and the entire backend was developed by the team in Ukraine. Kasper Juul Larsen explains; “There are so many varied tasks and they are involved in the whole process. I don’t micromanage what technical solutions they choose, it’s very much up to the individual. We have UI requirements, but in terms of the underlying development, there are large degrees of freedom, which makes it exciting for the individual developer.”

Kasper Juul Larsen doesn’t spend significantly more time on the team than if they had been based in Denmark. Culturally, it has also been an advantage that both teams see each other as colleagues and not as external consultants. “I don’t spend extra time managing our Ukrainian team, they run independently and are fully aligned with our goals and processes,” explains Kasper Juul Larsen.

Welltec was concerned when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, but there have been no problems with either the team or development. Kasper Juul Larsen says that they haven’t noticed change in performance or stability, and everything is delivered within deadlines.

Nearshoring is a good business case for Welltec

Kasper Juul Larsen says that their business case for having a development team in Ukraine is very good for Welltec. The team is easy to work with, Conscensia delivers fast recruitment, the turnover in the team is low and it is cost-effective for Welltec to have the team in Ukraine.

Kasper Juul Larsen elaborates: “What pleases me most, is that we have highly skilled and self-driven developers, who have become a natural part of Welltec.”

Trust in experienced nearshore partner

Conscensia is the right partner for Welltec, because in addition to delivering talent, they also ensure that the team thrives and functions as an integral part of the organization. Kasper Juul Larsen also appreciates their Customer Success Manager at Conscensia, who helps with both practical things in everyday life and acts as a sparring partner in relation to the team.

“The three most important aspects of our collaboration with Conscensia are that they recruit the right profiles, ensure smooth daily operations with high stability and low employee turnover, and that the team delivers high-quality software,” concludes Kasper Juul Larsen.