The eclipse software allows engineers to reduce shutdown time, increase productivity and improve safety at refineries. It helps engineers create, issue and retrieve comprehensive safety permits more quickly, safely and cost effectively.

A hand written safety permit can take up to 20 minutes to complete, but using eclipse this is reduced to 3 minutes, said NiSoft.

Eclipse also features risk assessment assistance and safety auditing.

The investment into eclipse is in line with BP Kwinana's 18 month self help program, which is designed to simplify the way work is carried out in the refinery.

"We believe that NiSoft's software will help improve our operations, and in particular improve our safety assurance processes on site," BP Knowledge Management leader Tim Verne said.

NiSoft's business development manager oil and gas, George Barry said, "BP Kwinana is an award winning refinery using the latest technology and processes to achieve operating efficiencies and the best business performance."