AVEVA challenges the ‘right first time’ design approach to engineering megaprojects and presents a route to controlling the ‘Design Spiral’

AVEVA today announced its approach to ‘Engineering and Design for Lean Construction.’ This approach draws on Lean principles to guide the continuous, evolutionary process of engineering design development. In a new business paper, AVEVA explains how, by enabling dynamic feedback within the processes of complex, multi-discipline projects, a controlled ‘Design Spiral’ can be achieved, delivering the benefits of Lean Construction.

“Particularly during their early phases, plant projects involve continuous, high rates of design change that requires a uniquely flexible business process,” explained Bruce Douglas, Senior Vice-President, EDS Strategy & Marketing, AVEVA. “As complex designs are progressively created, information is shared across disciplines and contractual boundaries. Design changes occur continually as the overall design is refined through numerous cycles.”

The design process iterates, with each discipline’s contribution moving ever closer to its final outcome over a number of passes. This is what AVEVA hastermed the ‘Design Spiral’. Left unmanaged, poor or uncoordinated design decisions can arise; the work is at risk of spiralling out of control, leading to costly errors and delays.

“An engineering and design approach that adopts a Lean Construction methodology can make project execution run more smoothly.  This approach empowers teams to efficiently deliver compliant designs by more easily sharing information, both across design disciplines and across the world.” Mr. Douglas added.

AVEVA's Integrated Engineering and Design solution supports the Engineering and Design for Lean Construction vision. AVEVA’s Integrated Engineering and Design solution improves project efficiency and reduces engineering and design costs by offering complementary products that draw on common processes, disciplines and deliverables. Critical information is efficiently shared between disciplines and across teams, simplifies the process and improves project schedule and quality.