Controls News 13
9
Main theme: Lean automation |
Processes
Dependency on the original creator of software for
the automated system dramatically slows the rate
of improvement and adaptation. Large outside
companies are reluctant to take on small projects,
because their own structures have not designed for
them and they cannot earn money. So many small
improvements are never made and the core benefit
of lean is lost.
After:
«
Peace of Mind» handover with binding construction standards
for automation. The interests of the operator are mandatory for all
projects.
CERN in Geneva made the transition to lean in 2010.
Pictures/Logo
© CERN
Operators
Plan Implement
Operate
Buyers/subcontractors
Operators
Plan Implement
Operate
Buyers/subcontractors
Before
«
Cheap in Mind» handover without binding construction standards
for automation.
Project
Project
Excluded
Not implicated
Implementation is checked
Recommendations:
New processes for lean automation:
Competition for the highest degree of
competency and efficiency
«
Cheap in Mind» systematically inhibits lean auto-
mation. So during planning and tendering, «Cheap
in Mind» should be replaced with something more
worthwhile and acceptable to all process stake-
holders. The first step should be to introduce some
kind of «works standard» for infrastructure automa-
tion (HVACSE, etc.) and adopt it across the whole
property. It is important to maintain this standard
for all cases and projects.
All planning would be based on this standard.
This saves planning costs and effectively prevents
«
externally controlled» basic planning through
large manufacturers.
All contracts are bound by this standard. The
on-site audit of compliance with the «property
standard» by a truly independent testing firm is an
integral part of the final inspection. This inspection
is merely a spot check – like in lean automation.
The final test of compliance with contractual pro-
visions of the «property standard» is absolutely
essential. Only in this way do the buyer/initial in-
vestor and the contracted company have sufficient
motivation to leave «Cheap in Mind» behind and
implement the new property standard. The «Ba-
sic Fit» of the automation system is defined in the
«
property standard» in such a way that it sets out
simple, cost-effective optimizations and adapta-
tions that can be applied at any point in the life cy-
cle. Subsequently, operators’ interests are protect-
ed by the «property standard» for every project,
without them needing to be personally involved.
In the performance description there is now no
longer a competitive mindset along the lines of
«
Who can get a system through the inspection
with the lowest possible initial investment», but
rather an effective competition in terms of «Who
is the most efficient and competent automation
provider on the market?» That’s how competition
should be. For the standardization of automation
in buildings, two good sources of support exist to
make things simpler and safer.
The organization for public contractors in Germany
has produced a standard in German and English for
construction automation and for BACnet, which is
very good and simple to apply.
Even simpler is the use of the «Peace of Mind»
specification templates as the basis for property
standardization. For this purpose there is also a
standard inspection and assessment of implemen-
tation by external inspectors, such as TÜV SÜD.
Here you can find materials, information and practi-
cal examples:
P.S:
One of the leading examples of the process described above is the CERN research centre in Geneva. CERN applied the emergency
brakes and has now completely changed its process. You can read more about this project on page 57.
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