Linking in Project Planning

Yes Kannan, u r right



But keep some buffer for approval by adding a review and final submission activity for philosophy and also couple of activities between approval from Consultant/Client.



Surge vessel procurement is directly linked with freezing the size of the surge vessels. And Size determination is directly proportional to the vessel type, elevation and operational conditions. U can rely more on ur piping / design engineer (or can co-ordinate with ur vendor if it is outsourced); as design is directly related to network complexity and team size.



Just keep 2 or 3 activities for surge vessel procurement having FS relation with surge vessel analysis; would recommend not to show too much details into ur program.



Keep sufficient time for procurement as surge tank and associate has long lead time compared to Valves.



Cheers,

I believe that Design Period is dependent on the complexity of the project.



Sometimes, it may happen that Design and Procurement goes in parallel. During the Design Stage, you will need Technical Data, which only the Suppliers can provide (i.e. special equipment). And also sometimes, Suppliers will not provide you with the data if they knew that you will not place your P.O. to them.



EPC linking is really difficult.

1. Pipeline detailed design can start after award of the contract. Design period mainly dependent on the network, cross-overs and team size. Approval required before start of procurement. Design period may take 30-42 days including BOQ submission and Approval time-frame is 14-21 days.



2. Order can be placed only once the design is approved. You can have design submission and approval in stages, if project is fast-tracked.



3. Valve design will be governed by the pipe design and most of the times, valve types are specified in the technical specifications. Technical Submittal (including design of thrust blocks) is required for valves as well once pipe and BOQ for valves is freezed and approved by consultant / Client.



4. A lead TIME of 6 months is required for procuring valves as most of the valves will be imported from Spain/Belgium or some other european country, assuming that ur project is in UAE.



5. 2-3 weeks lead time can be considered for procuring pipes.



6. Hydraulic / surge analysis has no links with procurement.



7. Create separate log for all accessory items.



8. Design of pump house is last activity. Pump house construction can vary between 10 to 12 months and should be linked with commissioning of the entire network.



Cheers,

TBEs (Tender Bid Evaluations) - this is very critical and I believe sometimes cannot be controled. This plays at the same time with Design and Procurement, as you need technical data (from suppliers) and you may think that Procurement should commenced before Design Works. And, oh yes, sometimes it needs approval of the Client (which is very hard to push!).

Dear Kannan,



I hope that you can benefit from the following:



1. Submit Analysis, Calculations, Welding Procedures, Method Statements, Inspection and Test Plans, Safety Plans, and get approvals

2. Submit Materials and get approvals.

3. Submit Shop drawings and get approval.



Once you have this for all disciplines; Civil, Mechanical and Electrical, then you can start a Bill of Quantities for each discipline.



Then you can continue with your program of works with Construction and Testing and Commissioning and develop the Schedule.



Good luck,



Samer

Hi Kammon



This is the way I link in planning and procurement.



1. Set up your construction programme using the correct sequence and durations.

2. In a seperate sub programme set up the procurement sequence for each section of your programme starting with a "design complete" milestone and ending in a 1st use on site milestone.

3. Set these activities to As Late As Possible and link the cascade to the 1st work item on your programme.

4. Now set up another programme for the design stages and link these to the design complete milestone in the procurement sub programme.



On rescheduling the programme if some of the design stages are earlier than the project start date they will either:



1. Turn supercritical

or

2. Push the work out to a later date.



This will show you where attention is needed in these important elements of the project.



Best regards



Mike Testro

point # 6. is supposed to be done before you can start point no. 1