Introduction
Effective planning is critical to the success of any field execution project, and a robust planning methodology will identify and reduce risk, increase efficiency, and improve project quality.
At Rotation Solutions, we employ the 5Ms method for planning to deliver high-quality project outcomes for our clients consistently.
We’ve broken down the 5Ms here as an overview of our planning process:
Materials
- Understanding lead times
- Bill of materials (BOM)
- Use of illustrated parts lists, schematics and drawings
- Identification of general consumables
- Identify all materials requirements for the scope of Work by working with vendors, OEM manuals, parts lists, and drawings.
- Develop a bill of materials (BOM’s) for each scope of Work. Attach criticality to the materials to identify risks to the job if not available.
- Identify storage locations of materials, physically sight components, and assess condition.
- Take remedial action for all materials that cannot be identified or need repair. If additional materials require ordering, ensure lead times will not interfere with project readiness.
- Parts should be packaged into work kits, ensuring the organisation of materials required for each phase of Work.
Methodology
- Familiarity and understanding of maintenance manuals and schematics
- Development of work instructions, work packs and Inspection & test plans
- Job safety analysis, work permits and isolation philosophy
- Collate work pack documentation for the scope of Work by using OEM manuals and drawings, vendors and personnel experience.
- Work packs should include a high-level work sequence for technicians to execute, Inspection Test Plans & Checklists, OEM Manual extracts for reference.
- Consider lift/lay-down plans and access requirements, including WAH, CSE and ergonomics.
- Complete a Hazard Identification Study to help identify risks before execution. Areas such as People, Environment, Equipment, Reputation, and Cost should be analysed.
- Job Safety Analysis – The team will support the development of a Job Safety Analysis for each scope of Work to help identify safety risks in the planning phase.
- Permit to Work – consider additional requirements for a permit to work and plan ahead.
Manpower
- What is the total number of man-hours required for the job – how many people are most effective to execute?
- What competencies and skillsets are required to execute?
- Can roles be fulfilled internally, or will subcontractors be required? Is there a requirement to use the OEM, or can third parties be used?
- Complete a manpower review for each scope of Work based on the methodology, machines and tooling being utilised.
- Estimate quantity of specific trades and qualifications for particular tasks. Pay special attention to High-Risk Work Licenses (e.g., Electrical License, Hazardous Area, Lifting & Rigging)
- Estimate the duration required for each of the resource requirements.
- Identify competency requirements for each scope of Work. Examples of competencies include – Mechanical Trade Certificate, Confined Space Entry Certificates, Working at Height Certificate etc.
- Consider the manning strategy for the job. Is there are a requirement for the OEM to be involved (e.g. warranty, existing service agreement), or can third parties be used? Or should internal resources be utilised for upskilling?
Machines & Tooling
- Requirement for Specialist Field Tools and General Tools and their condition
- Identification of Lifting and Rigging Equipment, including cranes, specialist lifting tools
- Access to facilities, including workshops and labs. Verify these are fit for purpose
- Based on the methodology, identify machines and tooling required for the scope of Work, including specialist tooling, measuring equipment, lifting equipment, mobile equipment, etc.
- Locate and inspect tooling before the scope to confirm it is in a suitable condition and suitable for use. Check that certification is in date for the dates they are expected to be used.
- Create a tooling register for the job to track condition, certification, calibration and availability, including logistics, hire etc.
- Any items with existing anomalies or anomalies at the date of use will be identified on registers and remedied to ensure readiness at the time of required service.
Measurables
- Define what ‘success’ looks like for the scope. Consider cost, schedule and quality
- Develop methods to track progress toward success
- Ensure that QA/QC is part of the scope and planned accordingly
- Document learnings for future scopes
- Establish a project timeline or Project Gannt with critical milestones and critical path.
- Monitor spending and track variance to budget.
- A QA/QC must be built into the scope. Define checks and tolerance before commencing Work and ensure the data is captured for verification purposes.
- Ensure there is time allocated for scope close-out and reporting.
Like to know more? Speak with our team today!
