At OnTrack Engineering, we strive to add value not only through our best practice software and service solutions, but through capturing and sharing knowledge of best practices around topics of relevance to the project community.

On this page, we will highlight the published work of subject matter experts as well as presentations we hope you’ll find valuable or at least interesting, both our own and that of our colleagues at AACE, PMI and FIATECH and in other professional organizations.

To contribute papers or presentations or alert us to those you feel should be included, contact us at marketing@ontrackengineering.com

Implementing Integrated Project Controls Software

Over the past few years, since first releasing a fully integrated project controls software package, we have discovered, both through our own experiences and through research, that providing a complex software to fulfill project control needs within any organization is not as straightforward as introducing a single function software. In this article, we share with you some of the discoveries we have made and how you might plan to avoid these problems when you implement multifunctional software. This paper was originally published as a Technical Article in the February 2002 issue of Cost Engineering.

Cost Reporting by Multiple Breakdown Structures Simultaneously

Cost reporting can be generated and presented by multiple breakdown structures simultaneously. This type of reporting breaches the communication gaps between stakeholders - that is between the engineer, the contractor, and the owner - making a valuable contribution to the efficiency and making the complex project data clear to the users.

Realigning an Organization to Integrated Real Time Project Controls

For the past couple of years OnTrack™ Engineering has been introducing multifunctional software to the engineering and construction industry. We have, both through our research and our own experiences, discovered that introducing an integrated package to an organization is not as straightforward as introducing single function software. This paper highlights the facets of an organization that need to be addressed before the software can be used to its optimal efficiency. Hurdles we have encountered and methods to overcome these are addressed so you can avoid these same problems when you begin implementing multifunctional software.

Pipeline Optimization by Computer Simulation

The optimization of the design of a pipeline to transmit fluids involves a number of variables, which include pipe diameter, pressure, temperature, line length,space between pumping or compressor stations, required inlet and delivery pressures and delivery quantity. Each of these parameters influences the overall construction and operating cost in some degree and the selection of one or more will determine the economics of the construction and operation of the system. The program as described is applicable to all pipeline systems conveying fluids; typically gas and oil are considered. The formulae for flow can be readily changed to suit the fluid and the flow regime, be it laminar or turbulent. For the purposes of this paper and the illustration of the process, the presentation has been somewhat simplified in order to present a complex subject in a reasonably concise form.

New Pipelines, New Opportunities

The development of new pipeline systems through lands where the primary fuel source has been fuel oil or wood offers unique opportunities for the utilization of natural gas from the pipeline.

The use of gas in place of oil can improve local economies; reduce heating and energy cost and lower the emissions produced from energy sources. A computer simulation has been built that can examine all the options for the use of gas from a pipeline system, considering direct replacement of fuel oil with a local gas pipeline system, the generation of electric power – locally or centralized at the pipeline, and the option of using cogeneration with the pipeline compressor stations. The simulation provides both graphic and tabular presentation of the results to show payback and the influence of changes in key parameters. The paper discusses this program and the possible applications to areas hitherto remote from the supply of natural gas for fuel.

Integrated Project Management: The Rosetta Model

By integrating Internet technology with the project management body of knowledge, an exceptional, easy to learn and use, affordable model has been developed. Providing online, on time, instant precise cost and schedule information - delivered in each stakeholder's familiar format - and incorporating unique 'exception' reports, this Rosetta model, designed specifically for the engineering and construction industries, enables project teams to work with synchronicity to ensure successful project delivery. Using the Rosetta model, companies are more competitive and profitable.

FIATECH Outlook 2007-2010