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The key to delivering projects using this approach is a truly integrated work force. As a very dynamic architectural, engineering, construction (AEC) company, we have not been bound by the old lines of demarcation between engineering, procurement, construction, and validation. During the engineering phase, validation participates by conducting reviews and establishing preliminary and planning master plans. Construction is looking at how the facility will be built. By 30% engineering, procurement has both its pre-purchase equipment plan and its construction services contracting plan Procurement is constantly supported technically by engineering and by construction in its evaluation of prospective subcontractors. Validation input to our specifications and to our factory acceptance and site acceptance testing (FATs and SATs) is vital to move aggressively and knowledgeably to an efficient product introduction facility. At the construction phase, validation is monitoring the IQ completion. Procurement is ensuring that the pre-purchased equipment is delivered to the field in a timely fashion - but also not too soon. Engineers are in the field for SATs and to provide field guidance to subcontractors. Validation is assisted by engineers to write and execute protocols where their expertise is most critical. Procurement ensures that all supporting documentation is shipped and available. And construction is delivering the facility based upon validation's plan. There are those who will want to use separate contractors for engineering, construction, and validation, believing that this tension creates a more cost effective plan. However, instead of just one contract you have to put out three. And this very tension is often counter productive. Time and effort are consumed as each group seeks to preserve their turf, to place blame on the other. Don't forget that preparation, interviews, and evaluation consume both time and money - scarce commodities in today's world. |
