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26 Jan 2024 Project Controls News

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Dear Planning Planet Member,

Join the Global Community - welcome to 2024; did you know that this newsletter goes to the largest project controls community on planet Earth? 

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UNDERSTANDING CAPITAL PROJECT MANAGEMENT WITH ANDY VERONE, CSO AT CONTRUENT

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Looking to understand Capital Project Management? Our very own Andy Verone joined Jeff Sample on The ConTech Crew Podcast to discuss the roadmap to better project controls. Watch as they dive into the role of data in the industry, defining cost controls and data standardizations, capital management, and more. Watch Now...

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2024 TRENDS IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECT MANAGEMENT

The digital transformation has not only improved project efficiency and accuracy, but has also paved the way for new methods of collaboration and communication between project teams.  

As the project teams, as well as the overall construction companies adapt to the new market demands and technological innovations, the industry is set to undergo further changes that will shape its future trajectory.  

Learn more...

MASTERING MODERN INDUSTRY: FROM COMPLIANCE TO TRIUMPH WITH STRATEGIC STANDARDISATION IN STO TURNAROUNDS

The aim of standardisation is to establish consistency and either external or internal compliance to certain industry practices. While each STO (Shutdown, Turnaround, Outage) is inherently unique, companies navigate a complex global network of regulations and industry standards. Operational excellence is crucial in industries like oil, gas, power, production, and manufacturing and in the realm of Shutdowns, Turnarounds, and Outages (STO), achieving success necessitates a strategic approach surpassing mere compliance! 

STO turnarounds play a vital role in preserving, upgrading, and ensuring the longevity of industrial assets, requiring meticulous precision. The conventional approach of adhering solely to compliance for what was once considered a routine maintenance event is now inadequate. The impact of an STO resonates across the entire organisation, influencing Directors, Stakeholders, Managers, Workers, and even Customers, thus warranting recognition as a 'whole busines event'.

In this article, we explore the transformative influence of digital standardisation. Embracing a paradigm shift, strategic digital standardisation emerges as a potent tool for enhancing your organisations maintenance performance. and ensuring operational success. Beyond regulatory adherence, forward-thinking companies perceive compliance as a strategic driver. It transcends checkbox exercises, fostering a culture of responsibility, transparency, and adaptability that aligns with broader business objectives and global standards.

As industries progress, compliance becomes the foundation, and triumph emerges through strategic manoeuvres. Well-executed STOs not only ensure compliance but also drives commercial performance, providing organisations with a competitive advantage. Viewed in this way, the journey towards digitalisation isn't just an exercise in compliance, but a strategic advantage that distinguishes businesses in a competitive environment. 

If you think of standardisation as the best that you know today, but which is to be improved tomorrow; you get somewhere.

Henry Ford

Unravelling the Power of Standardisation

Standardisation in the context of STO turnarounds is not just about uniformity; it's a strategy to streamline processes, enhance efficiency, and drive consistent excellence. 

Standardisation streamlines processes, creating a well-defined framework that reduces inefficiencies and minimises errors. When every facet of operations follows a standardised protocol, companies can allocate resources more effectively, optimise workflows, and respond nimbly to changing circumstances. 

For instance, the iPlanSTO software platform pulls together and digitises standard working processes and common processes, strongly recommended for a Shutdown or Turnaround execution such as robust schedule data, easy capture of activity progress, clear capture of completions quality assurance, & forecasting of remaining effort, and makes them available in a single location accessible by all involved. This operational efficiency eliminates time consuming data mining and analysis of information historically spread across different formats and silos. 

1. Centralised Control and Visibility

IAMTech's software iPlanSTO empowers organisations with centralised control over STO turnarounds. It provides real-time visibility into every stage of the process. This centralised approach eliminates information silos and fosters collaboration, laying the groundwork for strategic decision-making.

  • Stakeholders - A key advantage of iPlanSTO is the transparency it brings to STO turnarounds. All stakeholders have access to the same data, eliminating ambiguity and fostering trust. This transparency aids in self-service, empowering stakeholders to make informed decisions.
  • Turnaround Managers experience a seamless workflow as they access all necessary documents for crafting detailed turnaround plans. From effort and cost estimations to resource allocation, data is readily available for transfer to planners and schedulers.
  • Maintenance Managers can ensure a unified approach across the organisation, aligning everyone with company and industry standards and regulations. Technology is a game-changer that promotes consistency, safety and compliance throughout the entire spectrum of operations.
  • Fieldworkers with large numbers of contractors who are perhaps on site for the first time with little knowledge of equipment or processes. Fieldworkers are granted instant access to essential asset, compliance, and regulatory documentation. Time-consuming searches become a thing of the past as productivity soars with critical information at their fingertips.

2. Efficient Work Pack Management

One of the core elements of IAMTech's STO Software is its capability to centralise work packs. This not only reduces the reliance on disparate tools like Excel but also ensures that critical information is securely stored in one location. The result? Enhanced efficiency, minimised errors, and a cohesive approach to STO turnarounds.

3. Flexibility for Reporting

Standardisation does not mean rigidity; IAMTech understands the importance of flexibility in reporting. The software allows for dynamic data analysis, empowering organisations to derive meaningful insights and adapt their strategies based on evolving needs. This adaptability is crucial for staying ahead in the ever-changing landscape of modern industry.

4. Optimised Scheduling and forecasting

IAMTech's iPlanSTO Software optimises scheduling by linking progress captured through mobile devices directly to the P6 schedule. This not only improves efficiency but also contributes to effective forecasting of remaining effort.

5. Enhanced Safety Measures

Standardisation lays the foundation for consistent safety protocols. IAMTech's software ensures that safety measures are not just compliant but are strategically integrated into every phase of the STO turnaround. This proactive approach reduces risks and enhances the overall safety performance of the operation. 

The Tech Advantage: Paving the Way for Triumph in STO Turnarounds

In the fast-paced and ever-changing landscape of modern industry, companies that prioritise standardisation strategically position themselves for success. It's not merely about meeting regulatory requirements; it's about embracing a culture of excellence, innovation, and customer-centricity. In the pursuit of strategic advantage, the path from compliance to triumph is not just a necessity—it's the key to unlocking new heights of success in the competitive world of business.

By embracing digital standardisation, organisations can transcend the ordinary in their Shutdowns and Turnarounds. 

As we embark on the journey of 2024, let IAMTech be your guide in this transformative path – where compliance meets strategy, and becomes the new norm in the ever-evolving landscape of industrial excellence. 

If you would like to shop around for STO software and check out our competitors pricing, then let us save you time by letting you know that IAMTech are the only STO Software provider that publishes their pricing. However, if you still want to see what else is on the market then let us save you time by listing a few of our competitors below….We aren’t scared, we know you will be back! - IAMTech

Detect Technologies
Prometheus Group 
Innovapptive Inc
Maximl 
AP-Networks
Cleopatra Enterprise
Mobideo

WHAT’S NEW IN ELECOSOFT (ASTA) POWERPROJECT VERSION 17

Introduction

Elecosoft Powerproject Version 17 was released in mid-December 2023 and this article written by Paul E Harris:

  • Lists all the new features and
  • Explains in detail the features used in a single project environment without resources.
The article that may be downloaded by clicking on this link:

Features covered in this article are those used in a single project environment without resources:

  • A Timeline View which is similar to the Microsoft Project Timeline View is now available.
  • Tabs may be assigned a colour enabling simpler identification of projects and Views that are applied to projects.
  • Tasks may be broken down into smaller steps called Task Activities, similar to Steps in Primavera P6.
  • Autosave in now available and operates in a similar way to Microsoft Project
  • Specify Materials type when recording Task Work details.
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The following are not covered in this paper:

  • It is now possible to restrict who may schedule individual Charts in a portfolio of projects, 
  • Assign tasks a default allocation rate which overrides the permanent resource default work rate.
  • Use a Permanent Resource Quantity (a resource used for materials) to calculate logistic requirements for Consumable Resources (for example mobile equipment numbers required).
  • The work rate of multiple resources may be assigned the same work rate.
  • Assign access to Print Profiles to prevent users deleting them.
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I will be updating my Elecosoft (Asta) Powerproject Version 16 book in due course.

The Elecosoft website has a complete list of all the features and some very good and detailed information on the features released in Version 16 and 17 by clicking on this link:

Eastwood Harris Learning Resources

Accelerate your understanding of scheduling software to advance your scheduling career and be able to prepare better schedules with Eastwood Harris books, training courses and online videos on the following software packages:

  • Microsoft Project,
  • Oracle Primavera P6 and 
  • Elecosoft (Asta) Powerproject 

Online video training is available through Udemy through following these links:

Please follow these links:

  • Eastwood Harris books and training materials are available here >>>>
  • Eastwood Harris inhouse, one-to-one and public training courses are offered through Primaskills Pty Ltd, more details here>>>>
  • Resources for Oracle Primavera P6 users such as third party software that works with P6 and technical papers on Primavera P6 here >>>>
Paul E Harris
Director Eastwood Harris Pty Ltd
22 January 2024

CONTACT US TO GET YOUR MESSAGE HERE

PARTNER WITH SCHEDULE READER

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Become part of the fast-growing network that supports the growth of the leading XER file viewer.

Join the growing network of over 100+ partners worldwide and contribute to ScheduleReader becoming the most popular tool for presenting project data from XER, and XML schedules exported from Oracle® Primavera® P6®.

Learn more...

CLEOPATRA IS ON A MISSION TO ENHANCE PROJECT AND TURNAROUND PERFORMANCE IN THE NORDICS REGION!

Tackle the obstacles of project cost management and turnaround in the Nordics market to meet your project requirements.

Leverage the potential of digitalization for tasks such as scoping, work package management, cost estimating, scheduling, cost control, benchmarking, and beyond.

Schedule a meeting with Richard van Tricht and Aya Hariri

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CLEOPATRA ENTERPRISE TO EXHIBIT AT THE UPCOMING 2024 PROJECT CONTROLS SYMPOSIUM HOSTED BY AACE INTERNATIONAL HOUSTON GOLD COAST REGION!

Stop by Cleopatra’s stand to be introduced to a Total Project and Turnaround Management Platform, Cleopatra Enterprise.

Combined with 25+ years’ of experience, Cleopatra offers intuitive modules and comprehensive features to plan, execute, and monitor every facet of your project’s lifecycle- backed by data.

Interested in hearing more? Don't miss their presentation during the event.

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THE NEWEST CLEOPATRA ENTERPRISE BLOG IS UP

In this blog, Cleopatra’s in-house turnaround consultant Sjors Wijgerde walks through the intricacies of Shutdowns, Turnarounds, and Outages (STO-events). Drawing from diverse career experiences, Sjors sheds light on the most pressing challenges one encounters during an STO event and proposes the best solutions.

Explore the full blog for a deep dive into the world of STO events, and let's embrace digital tools to revolutionize project management!  Read blog...

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CONSTRUCTION CPM CONFERENCE 2024 

Construction CPM Conference 2024 was conducted January 14-17 in San Antonio A listing of sessions, many PDFs of sessions, and select Videos of presentations are being posted here and may viewed without charge.

Consider joining us next year to enjoy Education, Entertainment and our Exhibit Hall. Brought to you by Plotnick Professional Services "Choreographers for the Construction Industry"™ since 1983

ALTERNATIVE TO PRIMAVERA AND ASTA?


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A superior alternative to the "most popular" software for us as planners?

Spider Project 

Spider Project offers numerous unique functional features and is the only PM software that optimizes resource, cost, and material constrained schedules and budgets for projects and portfolios. 

Check it out here...  Ask questions here...

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