In the world of manufacturing, successful project management isn’t just about following a set of steps; it’s an art that combines a structured process, years of experience, and a touch of intuition. Re:Build Optimation, a leading player in the manufacturing industry, exemplifies this unique blend in its approach to project management. From the initial design phase to on-site installation, Re:Build Optimation thrives on a formula that involves one part process, one part experience, and one part intuition, resulting in seamless project execution and satisfied clients.
We were delighted to interview Michael Harvey for this blog, one of Re:Build Optimation’s trusted project managers, where we go over each part, step, and considerable factor in Re:Build Optimation.
1 Part Process: The Blueprint
The journey begins with a comprehensive understanding of the client’s requirements. Whether it’s a compact assembly line or a sprawling industrial complex, Re:Build Optimation embraces projects of all sizes and scopes. In Re:Build Optimation, the project management process involves several distinct phases and roles that have similarity to project management in many other fields, even movie making where they break the process down as, “development, pre-production, production, post-production, and then distribution.”
- Front-End Business Development and Solution Development:
At the initial stage, there’s a focus on business development and fact-finding. A dedicated person or team engages with potential customers, typically through warm calls based on references. This phase aims to understand the customer’s needs and challenges. Conversations are collaborative and customer centric. The goal is to generate proposals that address the customer’s problems. This could range from providing consulting services to offering detailed project plans.
- Proposal and Estimate Development:
Once there’s a clear understanding of the customer’s requirements, a more rigorous proposal and estimate process begins. This involves engaging experts within the company, such as engineers and manufacturing estimators. They work together to estimate labor, design, engineering, and manufacturing costs. The process also involves obtaining vendor quotes and assembling all this information into a comprehensive proposal and estimate. The final proposal outlines the project scope, budget, and timeline, which becomes the basis for further steps.
3a. Project Management and Execution:
After the proposal is accepted and the project is initiated, project management takes over. This phase involves managing both internal and external aspects of the project. Internally, a project manager leads a team, conducts weekly meetings, and tracks actions, budgets, and schedules. They oversee the project’s progress and ensure that tasks are completed as planned.
3b. Customer Engagement and Communication:
Externally, the project manager maintains regular communication with the customer. This includes managing customer expectations, providing progress reports, cost updates, and percent complete metrics. The project manager ensures that deliverables align with the customer’s requirements and that the project remains on track.
- Design, Build, and Testing:
With the project management structure in place, the engineering and manufacturing phases begin. The design, construction, and testing of the solution are carried out according to the plan outlined in the proposal. This phase is marked by milestones such as design completion, manufacturing, and testing, leading to the creation of a functional product or solution.
- Completion and Delivery:
As the project nears completion, the focus shifts to final testing, quality control, and installation if required. Once all criteria are met and the solution is fully tested and ready, it is delivered or installed for the customer.
The project management process at Re:Build Optimation involves many approaches that span from initial customer engagement and solution development to project execution, customer communication, and successful delivery of the final product or solution. It combines strategic thinking, technical expertise, collaboration, and effective management.
Sub-Part Process: Vetting
From the perspective of process engineering, clients often provide us with detailed plans, such as P&IDs (Pipe and Instrumentation Diagrams), which outline how various substances will flow, interact, and be processed within a system. These diagrams include information about temperature, pressure, and other critical factors. Our role comes into play when translating these conceptual designs into practical, tangible solutions.
This process involves taking these conceptual designs and conducting thorough engineering analyses to ensure that all the technical aspects are sound. For instance, we verify temperatures, pressures, and other variables to ensure the proposed setup will function as intended. Once this validation is complete, we proceed to create the mechanical designs required for implementation.
The mechanical design phase involves converting the theoretical concepts into physical components and structures. This might entail designing tanks, pumps, piping systems, and other elements. We take into consideration factors like size, gravity, fluid dynamics, and layout optimization. Our design team collaborates closely with the customer throughout this process to ensure alignment with their requirements.
It’s worth noting that our clients come to us with varying degrees of preparedness. Some arrive with highly detailed CAD (Computer-Aided Design) models, complete with comprehensive bills of materials and schematic drawings. Others provide us with more basic outlines or even initial sketches on a napkin.
Regardless of the starting point, our expertise lies in transforming these concepts into real-world solutions. We take on the role of manufacturers and fabricators, turning the designs into tangible products that can be built, assembled, and tested. This phase involves creating the physical components, fabricating structures, and bringing the entire system to life.
Out-of-the-ordinary
When dealing with unique and custom projects, the approach to building and testing can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances. Some common strategies that Re:Build Optimation might employ for such projects are:
- Full Assembly Testing
For certain projects, especially those involving complex systems, it might be necessary to build and test all the components together as a complete assembly. This ensures that all the interconnected parts work seamlessly and meet the desired specifications. This approach can be appropriate when the subsystems are highly interdependent, and their interaction needs to be thoroughly validated.
- Subsystem Testing and Integration
In cases where the project can be broken down into distinct subsystems, Re:Build Optimation might opt for a phased approach. Each subsystem is designed, built, and tested independently to ensure its functionality and performance. Once the subsystems are validated individually, they are then integrated to form the complete system. This staged approach allows for focused testing and early identification of any issues within specific subsystems.
- Parallel Development and Integration
Some projects may require parallel development and integration. This means that different teams work concurrently on various aspects of the project, such as mechanical design, electronics, software, etc. These parallel efforts are then integrated once each component is ready, and the overall system is tested. This approach can expedite development but requires careful coordination.
- Incremental Development
In cases where the project’s complexity and timeline allow for it, an incremental development approach may be taken. This involves building the project in stages and adding new features or components gradually. Each stage is tested and validated before moving on to the next, ensuring that any issues are identified early in the process.
- Client-Driven Constraints
The client’s operational constraints can also dictate the approach. If there are scheduled shutdowns or specific operational windows, the project timeline and testing strategy might need to be aligned accordingly. The project management team considers these factors when planning the testing and integration phases.
The approach chosen will depend on factors such as project complexity, client requirements, timeline, and the interplay between different subsystems.
1 Part Experience: Navigating the Labyrinth
Experience is a teacher who imparts invaluable lessons, and Re:Build Optimation’s team boasts a wealth of it. Years of hands-on involvement in diverse projects have equipped the team with the wisdom to anticipate challenges, devise effective solutions, and deliver results exceeding expectations.
In Re:Build Optimation, our engineers are primarily focused on the comprehensive aspects of sales and fulfillment. As we engage with potential clients and leads, the role of a project manager naturally emerges for each of us responsible for executing our own projects. However, our responsibilities go beyond just engineering implementation. We also take on the role of sales and business development managers during this phase, where we exhibit a high level of initiative, strategic thinking, and flexibility in devising and executing plans.
Once a preliminary plan is developed, a quality control manager guides the transfer of information and instructions to an internal software system. This software system tracks various factors such as human resources, costs, optimal processes, and more. This helps us estimate the necessary designs, production/manufacturing requirements, and other variables needed for implementation. Re:Build Optimation has established an effective pre-proposition process that generates initial proposals and templates, facilitating streamlined operations. As the company expands and more project managers join the team, our ability to work across functions remains consistent.
Given the multitude of variables involved, project management often involves aspects of process design, enhancement, and detailed technical coordination with our engineers. As we move into the implementation phase, various elements such as process, chemical, automation, machine interface, and structural design and construction come into play. During this stage, a project manager assumes the role of overseeing and tracking the project’s progress, ensuring smooth execution.
Another pivotal role is that of the lead designer, who guides the engineers through various situations, overseeing both the shop and fabrication processes. This designated individual leads testing efforts and ensured the provision of the necessary components for the process.
Manufacturing isn’t a linear process; it’s a compilation of moving parts, materials, and machines. The production of machinery commences on Re:Build Optimation’s shop floor, where skilled journeymen meticulously assemble components.
Building and delivering large-scale projects, especially those that involve extensive offsite construction, presents a unique set of considerations and challenges. We’ve had many experiences that require solutions such as:
> Scale and Size Amplification – When working on larger projects, every component is upsized. What might be a straightforward task with smaller parts becomes more complex due to the sheer size and weight of the components. For instance, handling and maneuvering large pipes, tanks, and other equipment requires specialized equipment and additional manpower.
> Logistical Challenges – Transporting and delivering oversized components can be logistically demanding. Ensuring that the components fit through doors, hallways, and onto trailers requires careful planning and coordination. Weight distribution and compliance with road regulations are crucial considerations.
> Spatial Constraints – Larger projects may require modifications to existing facilities to accommodate the size of the components being built or delivered. This can include widening doors, reinforcing floors, and creating sufficient space for assembly and testing.
> Rigging and lifting, which involves attaching cranes and lifting equipment to the components, becomes more complex and requires specialized expertise. Ensuring safe and secure lifting is important when dealing with heavy and oversized elements.
> Assembly and Integration: Assembling and integrating larger components becomes more time-consuming and complex. Coordinating the efforts of multiple team members and ensuring proper alignment and fitment are essential.
> Site Considerations – When delivering and installing large-scale systems on the client’s premises, site conditions must be thoroughly assessed. Site preparation, access points, and safety protocols all need to be considered. This is also where intuition must take place. If anything feels off, we pause.
> Regulatory Compliance – Some processes or components may require compliance with specific regulations and permits for transportation, handling, and installation. We adhere to these requirements to ensure a smooth and legally compliant project execution.
> Risk Mitigation – Risk assessment and mitigation become crucial due to the scale and complexity. Identifying potential challenges and developing contingency plans can help prevent delays and ensure the project stays on track.
> Client Collaboration – Open and frequent communication with the client is key. Collaboration is required to address any site-specific challenges, ensure proper installation, and provide training and support as needed.
> Documentation and Reporting – Comprehensive documentation becomes even more critical for large-scale projects. Detailed records of assembly, installation, testing, and any modifications are essential for future reference and maintenance.
In essence, building and delivering large-scale projects involve not only technical expertise but also meticulous planning, careful execution, and effective communication.
1 Part Intuition: The X-Factor in Success
Intuition, often referred to as the’ X-factor’, is the secret ingredient that sets Re:Build Optimation apart. While processes and experience provide a solid foundation, intuition is the compass that guides decisions in the face of uncertainty. Re:Build Optimation’s professionals possess an innate ability to stay skeptical of any potential hurdles, identify any possible opportunities, and adapt swiftly to evolving circumstances. Even if it’s a near-zero chance, we make sure everything is safe and compliant.
However, nowhere is intuition more crucial than during on-site integration and testing. Installing a part like a Skid System might necessitate brief shutdowns for seamless implementation and testing. In contrast, a large, multi-skid installation demands meticulous pre-planning and execution to prevent prolonged operational downtime. Re:Build Optimation’s intuitive grasp of these nuances ensures that client operations remain as unaffected as possible.
Conclusion
Re:Build Optimation’s approach to manufacturing project management weaves together process, experience, and intuition to create a formula to success. From the inception of a design to the final integration, our dedication to every phase of the project lifecycle is evident.
In a world where precision, adaptability, and innovation define manufacturing, Re:Build Optimation stands as a shining example of how to harmonize the different facets of project management. Our story shows that success isn’t just about following a formula; it’s about infusing each step with passion, expertise, and a commitment to excellence.
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