Developing an Operational Readiness Plan

The Operational Readiness Plan (ORP) is a vital ingredient of a successful project. In many organisations the job of preparing for the start-up of a new facility is outside the remit of the Project Manager (who is typically fully occupied in the design and build of the new facility). The job of getting ready to operate this facility often falls to someone from Operations and typically it is the manager who will eventually be responsible for the new facility.

Often left until too late, Organisations focus on the design and build of a new facility and often forget about the time and planning needed to get the new facility ready to operate. Our consultants can help organisations to set up their Operational Readiness Plan (ORP) at the right time so the new facility is ready to operate precisely when needed.

Methodology & Deliverables

Via a short workshop, we bring together key members of the project and future operations team to identify and build a detailed plan for the different Operational Readiness activities. This will include:

• 2-3 day workshop to identify and build a work breakdown structure for the different ORP activities.
• Use of tried and tested checklists to identify required activities and ensure nothing is missed.
• Develop a work breakdown structure for the ORP activities.
• Key deliverable is a detailed (level 3 -4) Operational Readiness Plan with assigned responsibilities and timings, typically covering recruitment, training, SOPs, SHE procedures, logistics, maintenance, commissioning & start-up, product testing and approvals etc.
• Provide engagement for the people who will be involved in the future running of the facility.
• Begin the integration process of the new facility into the existing organization.

If design software such as BIM 360 is being used in the project, then this workshop can also demonstrate how this software can be used to support the future energy and facilities management.

Who is involved?

Representatives from key departments in the organisation (e.g. HSE, Manufacturing, Maintenance, Engineering, Demand Chain, Finance, HR, and people with a detailed knowledge of the project.

Timing – when should this consultancy be engaged?

Best to hold the workshop early in the project, say early in the Basic Engineering phase. Time is needed especially for activities such as recruitment, developing procedures and training.

Our Consultants

Our Consultants have worked in industry in senior roles in multi-national companies. They have extensive experience in starting-up new facilities and preparing an organization for a new facility to come on-line. Find out more about our consultants on our Business Consultancy page.

Contact us to find out more or to arrange your Operational Readiness Plan consultancy.