How Early Coordination Prevents Costly Startup Delays

When it comes to process equipment and electrical systems, many projects face the same costly challenges that add up quickly. Instruments shipped loose, along with control panels and HMIs that are remote mounted, are two common items that often aren't well defined in contract or manufacturer documents. Where exactly does the remote control panel get mounted? What kind of network or control wiring is needed for shipped-loose instruments, and where do they get terminated? These are all important questions, and ones that too often go unanswered until very late in the project.

Other common project challenges include missing UPS power for control panels, process equipment, and other low-voltage systems, missing network connections, or pneumatic tubing that still needs to be run between skid components and instruments.

Why Unresolved Scope Threatens Commissioning Timelines

On mission-critical projects, these open and unresolved technical items tend to linger, rolling into system startup and testing and hindering commissioning. What starts as a minor gap can quickly turn into an expensive mad dash to the finish line, complete with finger-pointing.

On a recent large project, our client was tasked by upper management with getting the electrical and process systems up and running as early as possible. The goal was to move through startup, commissioning, and into validation on time, if not ahead of schedule. That mandate created an opportunity to surface open questions and unresolved scope early, so issues could be identified, resolved, and closed out well before startup.

Weekly Technology Meetings: A Model for Fast RFI Resolution

Omni hosted weekly technology meetings that brought together the client, the designer, and the relevant manufacturers, all with one purpose: identify and resolve issues, period. The meetings focused on RFIs and equipment field conditions, using photos and videos to speed things along. As a result, the team was able to resolve complex issues in about an hour that might otherwise have taken weeks.

In-line, remote-mounted instruments, solenoids, and control valve locations, along with their installation and wiring, were resolved quickly, allowing the mechanical contractor to install these items without delay. Remote control panels and HMI locations were identified by the users early in the process. A detailed field review of all process equipment and panels determined where UPS power was needed, and from which panel or circuit. Finally, any missing or additional network connections were identified so cabling could be completed and IP and MAC addresses supplied to get equipment communicating with the network.

The Result: Ready Ahead of Schedule

In the end, area by area, the process utilities and equipment were ready ahead of schedule, thanks to the focused effort of the technology team.

Facing similar coordination challenges on your next mission-critical project? Omni's technology and commissioning teams help clients resolve RFIs and field issues early, before they threaten your startup schedule. Contact us to learn more about our commissioning support services.