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ATP has a straightforward approach to managing PiMSlider projects. The key to the success of any PiMS implementation is the data gathering exercise. This potentially can take some considerable time, hence it is important that other important activities occur in parallel.
The following diagram summarises these key activities. This process is not cast in stone, but provides a framework with which we work with existing and new customers. By keeping the process simple, we can focus efforts on the technical challenges of acquiring data.
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The first set of meetings between ATP and a prospective customer.
A pre-requisite for the Introduction is to have completed the ATP Pipeline Integrity Management Questionnaire.
The importance of a completed questionnaire allows ATP to have a large number of fundamental questions answered in advance of first level discussions. Basic questions, such as, where is the pipeline located, how many kilometres of pipeline are requiring management, the age of the pipeline, and substance carried (oil, gas) and so on.
It also covers a number of other closely related subjects, gathering information about GIS systems, document management systems (DMS), and Enterprise Resource (ERP) Planning systems.
It's also important to discuss the quality of the data, who the data provider is, how long the records are available for, and so on.
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A scope study is a 2 - 3 month mini-project that implements an ATP PiMS solution (installed on a standalone laptop) into a customers site, for a specific and limited section of pipeline (for example, between 10 and 30 kms in total).
By performing such a study, it demonstrates to the customer a fully working PiMS environment analysing real pipelines actually owned by the operator, implemented very quickly. The amount of effort to complete this task by ATP specialists will give an indication of how much cost, effort and information is required from the operator to implement PiMS to manage the complete pipeline system.
During this analysis process, it also gives some insight into understanding the quality, structure and content of the data required for a full solution.
There would also be joint discussions of the PiMS project (in terms of phases), short, medium & long term plans, the identification and definition of additional requirements, an inventory of databases (including the preparation or digitising of data: ILI data, CP data, crossings, GIS data, document data, equipment data etc), discussions of interfacing with external systems (such as SAP, GIS systems) and the prototyping of additional features, if appropriate.
The final result of the scope study would be in terms of the preparation of a report, quotation and schedule of the large-scale PiMS project.
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This stage that is dedicated to understanding the integrity of data that a customer has available. In some cases, paper data needs to be digitised, before it can be useful, and in other cases, it is already in an electronic format, and the method of automatically interfacing into PiMS needs to be identified.
ATP has experts who understand the internal structure of the PiMS. By using our experts, or external consultants we can help prepare the data for PiMS.
This process must occur in parallel with other stages of the project, as it can take some time to accumulate the data, and prepare it for the correct format.
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ATP can create a full working version of the PiMS suite, along with real data from existing customers. Provided that the appropriate non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) have been put in place, a prospective customer will be able to trial the software for a short period of time, and experience the real power of PiMS.
ATP will provide the appropriate training at the beginning of this stage, and give support for any questions that might arise during this trial period
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This is dedicated to any bespoke developments required for PiMSlider, such as new features, or updates to existing features.
It is also the stage for Consultancy partners to implementing bespoke developments for data gathering applications (interfaces between PiMSlider and local databases).
Training for key technical personnel will take place in parallel using the software delivered as part of the software evaluation stage.
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The implementation stage occurs once all development and user acceptance testing is finished, and all data is ready at the customer site.
Full service commissioning occurs once all User Acceptance Testing has been completed, training given to the user community and all requirements have been met.
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After the service is commissioned, and the warranty period has expired, the customer will enter into a Support & Maintenance contract, where product updates are delivered twice per year fixing any minor bugs and delivering small enhancements.
At this stage, the support is handed over to the ATP Support organisation that manages the 1st, 2nd or 3rd line support for customers, depending on the contract.
The support contract is defined by Service Level Agreements with a clear procedures for reporting issues, and the commitment to meet response criteria.
ATP has a support helpdesk that completely Internet-based. Incident Tracking system. Each customer has their own unique login to the system, which allows them
to log and track issues 24 hrs/day, 7 days/wk.
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