Project execution

What is project execution

Project execution is the process from after the contract is signed to the point where the technology is ready for operational use. 

How

New and modified products must be ready from a technological and operational point of view before installation and operational use. This is achieved by carrying out the project planning process followed by the project execution process. A successful project execution process will make a new or modified product ready from a technological and operational point of view.

The project planning process will identify technical gaps related to the product itself, environment, standards, governing documents, verification, handling and documentation. The technology qualification program (TQP) is a project plan that describes activities and decision gates for a specific product required to close these gaps. The project planning process may also identify gaps related to vendor’s organisation. These gaps must be corrected prior to project execution and is not a part of the TQP. A preliminary TQP will be worked out by the vendor as a part of their tender. The TQP will be finalized in co-operation with the operator prior to contract award. There will be no need for the TQP when a product can be delivered off the shelf in accordance with operator’s technical requirements. The TQP describes required activities related to 'development and qualification testing (QT)' in the above figure. Technology readiness is achieved when the TQP activities are executed and accepted.

The manufacturing and factory acceptance testing (FAT) is controlled by the quality plan. The operational preparations are controlled by the operational manager. Operational readiness is achieved when the manufacturing and operational preparations are finalised and accepted.

Vendors have quality assurance (QA) systems to provide quality in all steps of their services. These QA systems shall be used to establish the TQP and quality plans during the project planning process. Operators have requirements and recommended practices that shall be used during the operational preparation process. Still there is need for a practical summary of the entire project execution process as it will be for new technology. Such summary is wanted by completion- and drilling engineers responsible for the project planning process and will be used to control the content of the TQP and quality plan worked out by the vendors. This need has resulted in the development of a guideline describing the entire project execution process. The guideline is fitted to operator needs and has thus emphasis on qualification activities. The guideline is made for well technology, but the main principles can be used for most technology elements.

• Guideline for project execution

The guideline can also be used as a checklist by vendors during the process of working out activities in the TQP and quality plan. Finally, the operational manager can used the guideline as a checklist during the operational preparations.

Roles

A general and coarse description of roles during the project execution process is given in the figure below.

More details related to roles and responsibility are given in the guideline.

Technology readiness

Technology readiness is achieved when the prototype is designed to meet the product requirements. The prototype is also verified by the following verification activities:

• Calculations
• Risk analyses
• Quality control (QC)
• Qualification testing (QT)

Prior to achieving technology readiness, all the required documentation for this phase has to be finalized. The vendor should not start the manufacturing process (except for the prototype) before technology readiness.

Operational readiness

Operational readiness is achieved when the product is manufactured in accordance with manufacturing drawings. The manufactured product is also verified through the following verification activities:

• Quality control (QC)
• Factory acceptance test (FAT)

The operational preparations must also be ended and accepted including:

• Specific operational procedures
• Specific operational risk analysis
• Prepare the operational organisation

Prior to achieving operational readiness, all the required documentation for this phase has to be finalized. The installation and operational use of the product shall not take place before operational readiness is achieved.