What are the common FEED quality challenges and pitfalls that you encounter or avoid?

1 Scope definition

One of the most important aspects of FEED quality is to have a clear and realistic scope definition that aligns with the project objectives, stakeholders' expectations, and regulatory requirements. A poorly defined scope can lead to scope creep, design changes, rework, delays, and disputes. To avoid this pitfall, you should establish a robust scope management process that involves a thorough scope statement, a work breakdown structure, a change control system, and effective communication and documentation.

3 Design verification

Design verification is the process of checking and validating the design outputs against the design inputs, such as the scope, specifications, standards, and criteria. Design verification ensures that the design meets the project requirements and expectations, and avoids errors, omissions, and inconsistencies. To achieve effective design verification, you should apply various methods and tools, such as calculations, simulations, models, drawings, reviews, audits, and tests. You should also document and record the design verification results and actions.

4 Design integration

Design integration is the process of ensuring that the different design disciplines and components are coordinated and compatible with each other, and with the existing or planned systems and facilities. Design integration avoids conflicts, gaps, and overlaps in the design, and enhances the functionality and efficiency of the project. To achieve successful design integration, you should establish a clear design interface management system that defines the roles, responsibilities, deliverables, and communication channels of the design parties. You should also use common platforms and formats for the design data and information.

5 Design optimization

Design optimization is the process of finding the best possible design solution that balances the technical, economic, and environmental aspects of the project. Design optimization improves the quality and value of the project, and reduces the risks and uncertainties. To perform effective design optimization, you should apply various techniques and criteria, such as value engineering, risk analysis, life cycle cost analysis, and sustainability assessment. You should also involve the stakeholders and experts in the design optimization process, and solicit their feedback and input.

6 Quality assurance and control

Quality assurance and control are the processes of ensuring that the FEED activities and deliverables meet the quality standards and requirements of the project. Quality assurance and control prevent and detect defects, deviations, and non-conformities in the FEED process, and ensure continuous improvement and learning. To implement proper quality assurance and control, you should establish a quality management system that covers the quality planning, execution, monitoring, and reporting of the FEED process. You should also conduct regular quality audits, inspections, and reviews, and take corrective and preventive actions when needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?