On complex EPCI projects consisting of various subcontractors, consultants and stakeholders, miscommunication can easily sink the project. To bridge the gap between all parties involved and to ensure that information and expectations are clearly communicated, proper offshore project management and interface management is required.
Interface management in the project lifecycle
To ensure successful completion of the projects, it’s important to provide interface management between parties, particularly from the start-up until the commissioning phase.
By focusing on the overall goal from a holistic perspective and not just the objectives of the specific elements of the project, you can provide for efficient and effective delivery of the project, and continuity into the operations phase which serves to enhance reputation.
It is important for your Interface Management Program and offshore project management team to understand all the stages in the Value Chain to ensure common purpose when transferring responsibility, care and custody.
The project management lifecycle is depicted below:
• Initiation
• Planning
• Execution
• Monitoring
• Close Out
Benefits of interface management and offshore project management
In understanding the value chain and the overall goals, your offshore project management team and the interface management program can determine battery limits or any gaps in the scope of work. This allows you to establish an action plan that considers the cost, influence, stakeholders and interested parties.
As change is inevitable, we recommend reducing your risk and mitigating any circumstances that should arise from change. This is especially important when you manage changing relationships. With a proper interface management program, you can manage relationship changes and agree on the implementation of the program with stakeholders.
As a project gradually develops, there are often different factors that may affect the project at the start-up phase. The project management strategy should streamline all the deliverables, the start and completion dates, all milestones and responsible persons to give clarity to all parties when the project has achieved its goals. It may be required to go through the loop of planning and executing through project monitoring and the controlling process group before it entirely progresses into project delivery.
Your offshore project management team should review and validate the proposed schedule and perform assigned activities once the plan is approved before facilitating the work package definition, sequencing, and estimating duration and resources with the project team and service specialists.
For best results, choose project managers that are Certified Project Management Professionals (PMP Certified) and are working in conjunction with international standard practices and qualifications. Looking for a qualified offshore project management team that understands the big picture? Get in touch.
Offshore Project Management Institutes (PMI)
The purpose of offshore project management qualifications and regulations is to provide a foundation for offshore project management knowledge and represent the four areas of the profession, namely:
- Project
- Program
- Portfolio
- The organisational approach to project management.
They are the foundation on which practice standards and industry-specific extensions are built.
It is important to ensure that your project delivery covers activities after mobilisation through the execution of the plans and acceptance of the product at the site or the transfer to another project phase.
MARSOL’s approach to offshore interface management
MARSOL strives for stakeholders’ satisfaction through facility protection at the lowest possible cost. Our capabilities and approach are tailored to maintain the intrinsic value of the asset and uphold warranty protection. We ensure all stakeholders agree on the preservation plan and there is smooth handover to the operator or O&M Contractor.
Our interface management envisions the “Missing Man” concept. It aligns the operational, design and maintenance philosophies and fulfils the workability by design and suitable local environment and conditions. It ensures that the terminal is fit for purpose, and optimises OPEX for continuity and long-term involvement (i.e. completion, reputation, and warranty protection).
MARSOL’s interface management ensures that all aspects are understood, and the gaps are identified, thus eliminating a snowball or risk, and avoiding a shift in liability.
Conclusion
Choosing the right offshore project management or interface management team is a difficult decision given all the factors involved, but the decision to include proper project management and interface management is a no-brainer. Find out if we are the right team for you. Get in touch.