In the oil and gas services industry, consistent and reliable execution doesn’t start in the field — it starts in the office, during the planning phase. And at the heart of that planning is API Q2 Clause 5.7, which emphasizes the importance of Service Design Inputs.
Whether you’re providing well intervention, inspection, NDT, or pressure testing services, mastering this clause is essential for API Q2 compliance and building a strong quality management system (QMS). Let’s break down what this clause requires and how you can implement it effectively.
What Is API Q2 Clause 5.7?
Clause 5.7 of API Specification Q2 covers Service Design and Development. It applies to organizations whose services have a direct impact on product quality or operational safety. The clause requires companies to identify, review, and validate inputs before service execution begins.
The objective is clear:
Deliver services that are fit for purpose, aligned with customer requirements, comply with industry standards, and mitigate foreseeable risks.
API Q2 isn’t just about procedures — it’s about proactive planning. And that planning starts with gathering the right inputs.
What Are Service Design Inputs?
Service Design Inputs are the foundational elements used to define and prepare for a service. These inputs ensure that what you deliver meets expectations safely, efficiently, and compliantly.
Here are key categories of inputs required under API Q2 Clause 5.7:
Customer Requirements: Specifications, contracts, scope of work (SOW), and technical expectations
Regulatory Requirements: Local, regional, and international laws governing the service
Industry Codes and Standards: API, ISO, ASME, or client-specific standards that apply
Previous Experience: Lessons learned from past jobs, customer feedback, and failure reports
Technical Limitations: Equipment capabilities, compatibility issues, and environmental constraints
Risk Considerations: Known hazards, operational risks, and mitigations required
These inputs form the basis of your Service Quality Plan (SQP) — the roadmap for service execution, roles, responsibilities, controls, and documentation.
Why Service Design Inputs Matter
Incomplete or poorly defined inputs are a root cause of many non-conformities and audit findings during API Q2 audits.
When Service Design Inputs are well-identified and validated:
Risks are minimized through proactive planning
Service delivery is consistent across different jobs and locations
Correct tools, procedures, and personnel are assigned from the start
Audit readiness improves, reducing compliance gaps
It supports other key clauses such as:
- Clause 5.3 (Risk Assessment & Management)
- Clause 5.9 (Service Execution Control)
- Clause 5.10 (Service Validation)
If you’re facing recurring audit issues, consider reviewing your inputs as part of a broader nonconformance closure strategy.
Moreover, strong Service Design Inputs foster operational excellence, boost client confidence, and reinforce your reputation as a quality-driven service provider. For a deeper evaluation of your planning and execution controls, explore our API auditing services to strengthen compliance from the ground up.
Example: Service Design Inputs in Action
Let’s say your company provides pressure testing services. A compliant approach under API Q2 would require you to collect:
Customer’s required test pressure and duration
Applicable API 6A, 16C, or ISO 13628 specifications
Local HSE laws and permit-to-work systems
Historical data on previous test failures
Limitations of the test pump and gauges
Safety procedures for the specific worksite environment
These inputs ensure your SQP is specific, risk-mitigated, and tailored to the actual job — avoiding generic plans that lead to mistakes or nonconformities.
Tips for Meeting API Q2 Clause 5.7
Use a Service Design Input Checklist customized to each service category
Ensure inputs are reviewed by qualified personnel before use
Involve cross-functional teams (Operations, HSE, QA/QC) in input validation
Document how each input links to the execution plan
Regularly update inputs based on lessons learned and audit findings
Get the Inputs Right, Get the Execution Right
API Q2 Clause 5.7 is more than just a compliance checkbox — it’s the foundation of safe, consistent, and high-quality service delivery.
By investing time and attention in gathering and validating Service Design Inputs, oil and gas service companies can reduce risks, improve client satisfaction, and strengthen their API Q2 certification readiness.
At Vegas Consulting, we help you simplify this process — from developing input templates to reviewing your SQPs for clause-wise compliance. Don’t leave your planning to chance — let’s build it right from the start.