Scheduling Projects Efficiently With Fewer Disruptions BY RICHARD ETRA
veyors need to be modified? Review the manufacturers’ requirements: Are pits and drains required? How about foundations under base plates, tracks, or robots? Are utili- ties such as electricity, compressed air, and scrap handling adequate and positioned close to the new machine site? Are permits required for air emissions or wastewater dis- charge? Determine if structural, electrical, or mechanical engineers are required. All of these factors must be con- sidered in creating the schedule. Once your project has been defined, list all tasks that must be performed. Initially, focus on capturing each task; don’t worry at this stage about the task sequence or du- ration. Although it is essential to include anything requir- ing a significant amount of time or in the critical path, list even tasks that may seem unimportant. You can always refine the list later, and something that is apparently incon- sequential could turn out to be a pre-requisite for another step. Experience is invaluable when preparing this list; be sure to solicit input from plant and maintenance person- nel, as well as from vendors. Now, determine the sequence in which tasks must be performed, paying particular attention to those that are in the critical path. It is essential to determine which tasks must be performed in a particular sequence, and which may be performed at any time within a broad time window. It is obvious that a concrete foundation must be complet- ed before a machine can be placed, but don’t overlook
Well thought out scheduling will allow your projects to proceed smoothly with a minimum number of disruptions
and in the most timely and efficient manner. If there is no way to avoid disruption of plant operations, it is particularly important that these disruptions be as brief as possible and occur concurrently whenev- er possible. Equipment should be delivered as closely as possible to when it is installed, and only after
Richard Etra
all pre-requisites such as utilities, foundations, etc. have already been provided. It is inefficient and expensive to pause a project while waiting for a mis-planned step to be completed. It is even worse if an error in the sequence requires something to be reworked or recently installed equipment to be uninstalled and moved to permit access for other equipment. When contemplating the addition of equipment, start with a layout. Obtain equipment templates from your ven- dors and inquire whether they can assist with the layout. Is the proposed site empty or does it need to be cleared out? Does equipment need to be relocated? Do existing con-
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September 19, 2022
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