NEXT Compression supplied two (2) reciprocating compressors for fuel gas compression as part of the University of Toronto’s CSP Optimization project.
Design Considerations
Efficiency requirements
Footprint limitations
Final Product
We initially fell short of our own expectations for this project, but the units are running and we continue to resolve operational issues through remote support, site-visits, and third-party involvement. Fixing the issues and standing behind our work is critical, but our committment to learning from our mistakes in the pursuit of excellence is equally, if not more important.
We close out every project with a review that includes analysis of what went well, and what could be improved. Included in this process is an investigation into the why. For example, knowing that our schedule slipped is good context. Understanding why it slipped allows us to identify opportunities to improve our scheduling so that next time we might communicate, anticipate and perhaps prevent.
The table below identifies the causes behind certain obstacles or issues that we faced during this project. Every action discussed has been implemented, and the results have been extremely positive in preventing the recurrence of similar issues moving forward.
Issue / Why
Action
Result
Resource load levelling
– Implementation of Primavera (scheduling)
– Implementation of Kronos (resource tracking)
– Integration of Primavera and Kronos with SAP
– Establishment of clearly defined cost-codes (review)
– Improved ability to track resource commitments and identify and level peak-loading problems
Static scheduling resource
See above (Primavera, Kronos, SAP, cost-codes)
– Ability to foresee how loading issues, milestone delays, resource changes will impact prior commitments
Insufficient historical project tracking
See above (Primavera, Kronos, SAP, cost-codes)
– Ability to break down and review overruns and overestimations in detail to provide better information for future scheduling and costing.
Sales: Reliance on “industry expectations”
– Proposal template updates
– Terms and Conditions updates
– Detailed customer kick-off with sales, engineering, design, quality after PO
– Reduced risk of missed deficiencies in review
– Better scope definition, clear expectations
Design: Competing standards
– SolidWorks as the standard modelling software
– AutoCad as the standard PID software
– Process standardization
– Standard PID/UID layouts
– Reduced risk of missed deficiencies in review
– Better scope definition, clear expectations
– Reduced risk of missed deficiencies in review
– Better scope definition, clear expectations
Manufacturing: Competing processes
– Standardize processes
– Engineering and design standards
– Reduced risk of missed deficiencies in review
– Better scope definition, clear expectations
Internal: Communication breakdowns
– Company-wide training in Fierce Conversations
– Accountability checks
– Reinforcement of honesty, transparency
– Healthy promises
– Results delivered
– Trust
External: Communication breakdowns
– Establish customer expectations
– Regular progress reporting with customers
– Improved communication quality and frequency
Despite the difficulties, we have learned and become better for this project and we stand by our workmanship. What’s NEXT is a commitment to improving ourselves, our processes, and our packages. We hope the table above demonstrates that commitment.
