OUT-OF-SEQUENCE ENGINEERING
Have you ever worked on a project where you received continuous revisions from the client? Or found yourself frustrated because project assumptions didn’t hold up? If so, you might have been working on a fast-track project or dealing with out-of-sequence engineering.
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What is Out-of-Sequence Engineering?
Out-of-sequence engineering occurs when engineering teams work in parallel rather than sequentially, often due to the fast-track nature of the project. This approach means that different discipline teams start their work based on assumptions and preliminary data, issuing deliverables without having the final design basis information. The design is then verified and adjusted as more accurate information becomes available.
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How is Out-of-Sequence Engineering Performed?
In out-of-sequence engineering, teams must rely on assumptions to begin their work. They issue deliverables based on these assumptions, knowing that the final design basis information will be verified and updated later. This method allows for faster project progression but comes with significant risks.
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Potential Disasters of Out-of-Sequence Engineering
This strategy can lead to several issues:
?Changing Design Basis Information: As the project progresses, the design basis information often changes. This can lead to discrepancies between the initial assumptions and the final design.
Staff Turnover: Original engineers and designers may move on, and new team members might take over. This can cause continuity issues if the new team members are not fully aware of the initial assumptions and design decisions.
Verification Challenges: If design assumptions are not verified against the final design basis information before closing out the design, it can lead to significant errors. Additionally, new engineers might struggle to track and review previous drawings or design deliverables, leading to potential oversights.
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Managing Risks in Out-of-Sequence Engineering
Out-of-sequence engineering presents both opportunities and risks for Project Sponsors and Project Managers. To mitigate these risks while benefiting from the fast-tracking of the project, consider the following strategies:
Clear Documentation: Ensure that all assumptions, design holds, and changes are meticulously documented. This documentation serves as a reference for current and future team members, helping to maintain continuity and clarity throughout the project lifecycle.
Manage and Control Design Holds Throughout the Project Cycle: Regularly review and update design holds to ensure they are still valid and relevant.
Start with Conservative System Design: Begin with a conservative design, such as oversized equipment, which can be fine-tuned as more accurate information becomes available.
Regular Design Reviews: Schedule regular design reviews to verify that the assumptions and preliminary designs align with the evolving design basis information. These reviews should involve cross-disciplinary teams to ensure comprehensive evaluation.
Verification and Validation: Implement robust verification and validation processes to check that the final designs meet all project requirements and standards. This step is critical to identify and rectify any discrepancies early in the project.
Risk Management: Use the design review process to identify potential risks associated with out-of-sequence engineering and develop mitigation strategies. This proactive approach helps prevent issues from escalating and ensures that the project stays on track.
Ensure Proper Handover Agreements: Establish clear handover agreements with clients and engineers to ensure continuity and understanding of the project’s assumptions and design basis.