Based on our experience with 9000+ projects and the patterns we observed, we developed the Smart Project Maturity Model (SPMM), which provides a continuum for project teams to maximize their value realization from the best practices of project management either in a staged manner or rapidly, depending on the need.

When the project size and complexity increases, manual management of project documentation, especially engineering documents using standalone systems become difficult or in-efficient. Concurrent engineering by distributed teams adds to this complexity. Errors and inconsistency in engineering and other documentation results in delays and rework. This is the stage when organizations start looking for digitizing their document management system and they start scouting for a Electronic Document Management System (EDMS). That is the entry point to SPMM Level#1.

SPMM Level#1 – Electronic Document Management

Goals

• Zero rework due to improper version control
• Reduction in documentation delays with better monitoring and control

Key features of SPMM level#1

• Review and Collaboration
• Collaborate digitally on a 3D model, BIM, 2D CAD drawings and documents over the internet
• Inter disciplinary checks (IDC)
• Collaborative commenting and consolidation
• Client submission and approval cycles
• Vendor document management
• Monitoring & Controlling using online dashboards
• Meeting minutes
• Transmittals and submittals
• Document comparison
• Versioning and revisions

SPMM level#2 – Engineering Deliverable Management

Goals

• Plan and monitor Engineering and Design deliverable to prevent delay and ensure cash flow
• Ensure Quality
• Resource optimization
• Collaboration with audit trail
• Optimized cash flow management

Key features of SPMM level#2

• Master deliverable list (MDL)
• Schedule driven EDMS
• Workflow automation with automatic status updates
• Rules of credit
• Client & Vendor collaboration
• Inter-disciplinary collaboration
• Correspondence management
• Transmittals and submittals
• Checklists
• Real time progress monitoring (S-curves)
• 3D – Progress monitoring
• Time sheets & Resource
• Cost and billing management
• Change management

SPMM level#3 Integrated Project Management

Goals

• Proactive project management of portfolio of projects
• Forecasting of trends in advance to prevent problems

Key features

• EPC deliverables management
• Earned value management (S curves)
• Client & Vendor collaboration
• Progress monitoring
• Snag close out
• Cost breakdown structures
• Monitor cost
• Risk management
• Resource management
• As built handover
• 3D progress monitoring
• Safety management
• Schedule management
• Project health dashboards

Organizations start with EDMS, then move on to Engineering Deliverable Management and then to Integrated project management. While this is the general trend, most of the capital projects get into level2 and level3 directly.