13 June 2016

Innovative technology is helping Costain lead the way in commissioning management.

A new, specially created app is just one of the ways CiM6 (Costain Integrated with MWH for AMP6) has improved its management of the commissioning of projects for the Severn Trent Water AMP6 delivery programme.

In 2014 Severn Trent Water challenged all its Design and Construct (D&C) contractors to improve their commissioning management. Two years on, CiM6 has been recognised by Severn Trent Water as leading the way in successfully delivering an improvement plan across all frameworks and projects in AMP6.

The improvement plan included the development of a MEICA (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation) App developed by the CiM6 team from an idea of Stephan van Brummelen, CiM6 Framework MEICA Manager. The app, which has been in use since December 2014, manages all the delivery checks, inspection, testing and process commissioning of MEICA equipment for all projects.

Other measures introduced include the consolidation of all commissioning documentation across all projects; the development and implementation of new processes; simplification of the commissioning plan; and the off-site commissioning of equipment.

CiM6 also recruited the right talent to make sure the necessary skills and expertise were in place for effective delivery of MEICA based projects.

And the innovations keep on coming. The team plan to use the app to reduce the amount of compilation needed of end-of-project documentation. They are also working with Severn Trent Water on ways to reduce paperwork and make information available earlier to Wholesale Operations teams. Also planned is periodic and preventative maintenance for newly installed equipment during the construction phase to allow seamless handover.

Said Adrian Smith, Commissioning Manager, Severn Trent Water: “Severn Trent Water recognises commissioning as being a key element of successful project delivery, and performance audits during AMP5 identified some areas for improvement in terms of both commissioning planning and compliance with the Severn Trent Water commissioning strategy.

“We have witnessed a real step up in D&C contractors’ commitment to improved commissioning delivery in terms of understanding and compliance with the commissioning strategy and a shift in skill set balance toward ME&I away from a civil and construction bias.

“Although there is undoubtedly still be further work to do in AMP6 with upskilling of delivery teams and embedding the improvements across an even greater number of projects, I do feel more confident in the ability of the D&C contractors to deliver commissioning more efficiently in AMP6.”

Added Stephan: “I’m delighted to receive the recognition from Severn Trent as yet more evidence that our hard work is yielding results and enhancing our reputation as an Engineering Solutions Provider. We have reduced costs through less paperwork and less duplication, and the ability to use live data gives us improved validation with much better visibility and management of actual progress.

“I’m looking forward to continue developing our systems and enhancing our management of MEICA and commissioning going forward. And now that the MEICA App is the standard for the water sector within Costain, other frameworks can benefit too. Really well done to the team.”

 

Ends

Media Enquiries
Costain Communications Department
01628 842585
[email protected]