Submission of equipment performance data on a dredging or marine project is often mandatory. Data is collected to manage or control the contractor and minimise the risk of negative publicity and public image damage, and to avoid fines. Data is often collected, but is it also reviewed on a daily basis and utilised to proactively manage the project and brand reputation of the companies involved? Unfortunately, data is often only used reactively when things go pear shaped. With i2D’s Equipment Performance Review (EPR), anyone can easily and consistently review the project’s data set in just a few minutes as part of their daily routine.

EPR is a fast and simple to use data viewing and manipulation tool. The tool has been developed to be used by all stakeholders in the dredging industry, including regulators, contractors and clients. Many dredging projects produce vast amounts of mainly ASCII data that should be reviewed daily. Detailed data review could reveal poor performance such as near misses, non-compliances or low production rates. In addition, data review can reveal superior performance, permitting positive reinforcement of good behaviour.

 

“The three most important aspects to a successful claim are ‘good records, good records, good records’ ” Roger Knowles

 

Modern equipment uses computers, which acquire data that may be utilised to review equipment performance. A large contractor typically reviews their performance based on acquired data, but clients are not always aware they can do the same, especially in the case of a unit price contract. Equipment that does not perform according to schedule or specifications can easily jeopardise a project’s results, and compliancy issues can damage relationships. Detailed and solid information is key to structurally improving performance. EPR visualises the data collected and assists the team in understanding a project’s requirements and objectives.

EPR is a generic tool that reads ASCII files and:

• Checks the data for user selected predefined conditions, such as log interval, min and max values
• Plots times series for data columns
• Plots columns and contours
• Visualises data in easy to read graphs, which are great for sharing with the team

Once the program is set up, it is simple to load new ASCII files and quickly review data. in2Dredging can provide support to set up your system and address any additional project specific features not already available within EPR.