Global Execution: It’s About Collaboration AND Control
By Joe Morray
“If you want to massively re-use information, make sure it’s right the first time . . . “
One of the most important elements to successful global business execution is making information available without geographic or organizational boundaries. There’s a dichotomy in this requirement, however; to achieve effective distribution, we must improve the management and control of that same information and ensure that we are sharing correct data. Garbage in, garbage out …
As our companies build on the benefits that technology affords for collaboration, we must not forget to establish and maintain solid data management systems and processes. These processes ensure that we are getting the most current versions that fully describe the assumptions and bases behind any design. There are several classes of systems to meet these ends.
Electronic document management (EDM): Prominent in many applications for organization and control of a large number of documents, EDM systems can control anything from thousands of pieces of evidence, depositions, and testimony in large class-action lawsuits to clinical trial data for new drug applications to the FDA. These tools can handle hundreds of file formats and document types and are especially well-suited to managing the data associated with large capital projects and the assets.. Many companies have local EDM implementations, using them to manage a single class of documents such as as-built drawings or equipment specifications. In order to use EDM to IT-enable the project process, a much broader application must be put in place.
Despite being a “document-based” system, EDM remains fundamental for the execution of a collaborative program. For geographically remote places, it is possible to either synchronize information during off-hours or establish a caching approach for documents to enhance performance. EDM allows “check in” of a wide variety of document types (including scanned hard copy) into a pre-existing storage structure that is specified in advance by the stakeholder organizations.
Data-centric Systems: These tools are driving the transition from simple vector graphics applications to true data-centric design and engineering. The benefits of data-centric systems are numerous: parameter and rule-based engineering, association of critical data with various design objects, interference checking, automatic routing, visual design reviews, etc. Development, deployment, and integration technologies are fundamental to Intergraph IP&P’s moving the plant industries forward in both efficiency and control.
The collaborative benefits of data-centric systems are reduced cycle times (and faster time to market) by re-using designs and information from other projects; enhanced quality through the automatic application of engineering rules and standards; and more cost effective project definition through reuse-of information.
Decision Support Tools: During the business planning and option sorting phases of a project, companies have a critical need to analyze various scenarios with respect to project cost, operating cost, operating margins, logistics, and other factors. Decision support tools are one class of tools that can assist in the business planning process and option analysis phases..
These tools are data-intensive and require active population and maintenance of the data models to enable what-if scenario analysis. Many commodities-based chemical and refining process models can be purchased pre-populated. For more unique processes, the models are built by the owner company. Decision support modelers enable business executives, with very limited engineering support (once the models are populated), to adjust capacities, scope, location, process alternative, and other parameters. With decision-support tools and the other systems discussed in this article, executives can begin to truly understand the real effects of collaboration and control on project economics, schedule, and other outcomes.
Joe Morray is president of Trinity Technologies Corp., a process industries consulting firm that helps owner/operators and EPC firms succeed in the use of information systems. The company specializes in driving companies to align work processes, technology, and organizational change requirements for the plant environment.
