Client Experiences #2 - No More Outdated Software
We've all worked with frustrating, outdated software. It's a pain to try and get everything to work the way you want it to, and the task is usually just too important or time-sensitive to take a break from. Everyone knows where that leads - yelling, cursing, or just slouching down in your chair in defeat, bested by technology once again.
During March 2016, our client decided that they were done working through this frustration. They wanted to update their data entry, schedule updating, and reporting processes so that they could streamline more effectively and remove these hassles from their everyday life. In addition to this, the refinery was looking for a way to develop a more effective cost control method for their turnarounds. Their current software just wasn't cutting it anymore. So they came to Emerald Associates for assistance - and luckily, we knew just the right programs to meet their needs.
Using P6-Loader, TAPS, and P6-Reporter (previously EP-datawarehouse), Emerald Associates was able to give our client the software they deserved. No more despairing over yet another system crash or panicking over the disappearance of important data - now they had software that they could work with.
Thanks to Emerald's P6-Loader, our client was able to drastically cut down on the amount of time they spent poring over data. Automatic schedule updates went from taking hours to a matter of minutes, and custom dashboards and green-ups could now be created and automatically updated using P6-Reporter. This made the whole process move a lot smoother and much faster. Our client drastically reduced their need for manual entry, cutting down on errors and saving yet more time. The P6-Loader was a big step up from their previous way of managing things, not to mention significantly faster and far less likely to be tear-inducing.
This client still uses P6-Loader, TAPS, and P6-Reporter to this day. No more outdated software for them - from now on, it's smooth sailing.
About the Author
Ian Nicholson, P.Eng. - VP Solutions
As our VP Solutions and a Lead Risk and Implementation Specialist, Ian leads Emerald’s functional consulting group. With over 20 years of international experience in varied fields and roles from manufacturing, heavy civil construction, pharmaceutical plant construction, hospital projects and oil and gas capital and turnaround projects, Ian brings a wealth of project knowledge to all of our clients.
A visionary in the world of CAPEX, maintenance and turnaround planning processes, Ian has lead many of our large clients through their integration projects between ERP/EAM systems and Primavera products. Some of his integration success stories include Suncor Energy SAP to Primavera integration, BP Maximo to P6 integration, implementation of P6 at the Ontario Power Authority as well as the integration of Primavera Contract Manager with Oracle Financials at Capital Health Authority and Vancouver’s Rapid Transit Project 2000. Other major clients include Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, Shell Canada and Shell Global Solutions.
Ian has conducted Monte-Carlo risk analysis on CAPEX and turnaround projects for Shell Canada, Suncor Energy, Husky Energy and Bruce Power. He believes that successful Monte Carlo application is a process, not just a tool and has spoken at a number of events on the correct application of risk analysis.
When not assisting clients with their projects, Ian unwinds by riding his BMW motorcycle, listening to music or dragging his kids on long hikes.