Aligning Mega-Project Teams and Asset Information

Chemical Manufacturing | United States

Navigating the Complexities of Concurrent Megaprojects

The design and construction of a multi-billion-dollar megaproject is inherently challenging. However, embarking on three concurrent, overlapping megaprojects multiplies the complexity, particularly when engaging with a network of at least 12 major contractors spanning the globe. This was further compounded by the absence of a pre-existing capital projects group within the client’s organization, necessitating the simultaneous creation of one in parallel with the projects.

For this leading fuel supplier and marketer that operates a domestic network of refineries, pipelines, and terminals, effectively managing, securing, and working together on project information proved to be a daunting prospect, especially given geographical challenges, widely varying contractor information standards, and a rapidly evolving project team.

The Business Problem…

Project and related asset information must be actively managed to ensure accuracy and reliability as it flows between an owner and its contractor partners. The new capital projects group was faced with ‘flying the airplane while they built it’ – designing processes and procedures; selecting, procuring, and implementing supporting technology; and simultaneously supporting ongoing FEED for the initial project.

The Solution…

Partner with Engineering Information Management professionals to make information an asset.

The Services Delivered…

Program Assessment and Roadmap
Requirements Development
Technology Procurement Assistance
Information Architecture
Document Control as a Service

The Benefits…

Streamlined Processes and Procedures
Accurate and Reliable Project
Clear Communication and Collaboration
Deadline Adherence
Full Asset Lifecycle Information Management
Value-added Document Control Operations

Services Align with the Company’s Strategic Priorities:

Working closely with client stakeholders, Access Sciences developed and executed a future state roadmap designed to support each asset’s multidecade information life cycle. This framework included:

Development of requirements for and selection of the best-fit asset information (document) management solution
Design and configuration of the solution’s information architecture including naming standards, taxonomy, metadata, and review and approval workflows
Design of data governance policies, processes, and procedures to maintain the information as the asset evolves
Multi-level testing to ensure that requirements were met and information was organized for maximum usability at the asset and component level
Design and development of a document control program capable of supporting three megaprojects simultaneously
Operationalization of the document control function as a managed service
Training to ensure that users and administrators were productive on day one
Migration of FEED information from an existing repository into the new solution, that’s then updated to conform to the new governance structure

By delivering the project roadmap, designing and implementing a new project/asset information management solution, and embedding document control operations, the client realized significant improvements:

Enhanced efficiency – Streamlining processes and procedures for managing project and asset information effectively
Reliability – Maintaining the accuracy and dependability of project information as it flows between the owner and contractor partners
Enhanced collaboration – Recognizing the importance of clear communication and cooperation between the owner and contractors, despite geographical and time zone differences

THE BENEFIT

The initiative underscored the importance of information management, emphasizing the need to govern and organize the asset’s information efficiently to support decision-making and project success. It met the ambitious deadline adherence, completing the detailed design phase kickoff within the four-month timeframe.

The project also ensured a seamless transition, governing information generated during the project to support the entire life cycle of the asset and its components, facilitating a smooth transition from FEED to handover to O&M. Furthermore, it elevated the value of information, viewing it as a valuable asset rather than an obstacle, reflecting a strategic approach to information management.

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