The only place I have ever heard SLB is #1 is from within SLB walls.
In late 1990s when I arrived it was like time travel back 20 years as a whole.
Of course, they have come along quite a bit even though everyone complains incessantly about changes. Of course most changes are begun by unknowable Management and is a painful ride all the way.
GEMS for one example...For some reason SLB thinks it is such a Gem and in fact, took years to even be very functional as a valuable tool. Of course it did some things but as it was written and developed by non-Engineering people it was a real monster at onset and subsequent years. Things it would allow to be omitted and paramount to effort finally got up to speed.
Funny as I have worked in other Engineering companies prior to SLB for years and they had much better databases.
I have had an exemplary career in Engineering and worked on many a wild projects with great outcome. I have seen so much most do not know exist or maybe only a glimpse.
I cannot say SLB was the bottom of my experience technically but not much above bottom.
The resistance for innovation and improvement was at times unbearable. So many know - it - alls that do not know a anything associated with modern practices.
I worked with some very smart and kind people there years back. Most of them are way on down the road also.
Took many years to achieve Salary I had at previous Major competitor. I knew going in the door they pay low as I had met many former employees of SLB over the years.
Once upon a time, employees were allowed to tend to Family matters unquestioned. Now they need Dr note when employee gets sick and misses a few days...!!! WTH!!!!! Cannot imagine what one does now when a Family member is ill.
All so childish now.