When other artificial lift systems fail, especially Electric Submersible Pumps (ESPs), the result is immediately obvious and often catastrophic. However, a gas-lift system that is operating incorrectly may not be noticed for weeks or even months. A lower field and possibly well production rate will be noted, but could be attributed to reservoir inflow damage, a change in water cut, or simply a production allocation or well test measurement error. In reality, a production advantage is being lost that can rapidly account for tens of thousands of barrels of oil. An intelligent surface control and optimization system, incorporating the use of Sercel-GRC’s line of downhole gauges and surface data acquisition equipment, can be used to provide an instant warning of a change in operating behavior in a well, which will allow quick operator action and resolution of optimum production rates. In addition, a normally operating gas-lift system can be continuously optimized by proper allocation of injected gas in order to react to events such as change in gas-lift supply volume, change in manifold pressure, or water cuts.