Production optimization in complex reservoirs is achieved when two conditions are optimized—reservoir quality and completion quality. Reservoir quality describes the formation’s hydrocarbon potential, and completion quality describes its stimulation potential. Using the newest logging systems, operators have been able to determine organic matter content and type, thermal maturity, effective porosity, fluid saturations, matrix permeability and reservoir pressure. A mechanical earth model (MEM) has been constructed using log data, particularly from the Sonic Scanner acoustic scanning platform. This tool helps identify stress anisotropy which has a critical effect on completion quality. Combining reservoir quality and completion quality data in a ‘truth table’ derived from a scientific workflow, helps operators identify precisely where perforation clusters should be placed for maximum effectiveness.