Built_Environment_Interface_Lesson05_Manage_Student_

Construction Interface Management

• Effectively managing interfaces is crucial in construction projects.
• Interface Management (IM) involves managing interactions between different parts of a project.
• This includes interventions, attributes, tools and processes.
• Implementing IM at the project level is the next important step.
• IM processes are workflows that use a workflow engine.

Introduction

• This topic covers interface management (IM) implementation.
• Roadmaps summarizing IM implementation are used throughout the project life cycle.
• IM processes can be implemented as workflows (step-by-step tasks).

Objectives

• Apply IM processes and workflows
• Leverage a master interface plan (MIP).
• Implement IM effectively.
• Recognize the connection between IM implementation and project performance.

Sections List

• Interface Management Processes
• Master Interface Plan
• Interface Management Implementation
• Relationship Between IM Implementation and Project Performance

Interface Management Processes

• Introducing the maturity model for IM business processes.
• Standard IM processes and workflows are typical after a project has reached its maturity.

IM Maturity Model

• The maturity model details business processes involved.
• This model describes standard IM processes and workflows that are common at the point of implementation maturity.

Stages of Maturity for IM Business Processes

• The stages are: 0 (Implement ad hoc processes), 1 (adopt industry best practice), 2 (develop best practices), 3 (measure impact), and 4 (integrate IM processes).

Standard Processes and Workflows

• Creating and managing interface points (IPs)
• Using IP workflows to create, modify and close interface points.
• Updating IPs for a project (reflected in the contract)
• Documenting Interface Agreements (IAs) as part of the interface register (to ensure timely responses).
• Setting up relationships between parent IPs and all associated IAs.
• Owner approval for complex IAs (ensuring clarity in the exchanges).
• Using Interface Action Items (IAIs) for documenting/tracking simpler tasks or activities.
• Handling IA change requests (updates to IAs).
• Updating interface register (central repository of interface data)
• Integrating IM and work schedules.
• Deliverable integration among parties (data, drawings, etc.)

Standard IM Processes and Workflows

• Monitor and control with reports and dashboards.
• Project handover process: transfer of information and IM system content.
• Project administration tailored for IM roles.

Let's Discuss

• In daily professional life, are you implementing IM business processes? If so, what stage are you at?
• Have you worked on a project requiring owner approval on IAs? Why was this required?

Master Interface Plan (MIP)

• The MIP represents strategies, processes and methods for managing interfaces designed by the project management team.
• The MIP manages internal, external and inter-project interfaces over the project's life cycle.
• A MIP is often a generic corporate tool or template.
• Included contents include: definitions of interface management, interface points, and agreements; purpose of IM; the maturity level of IM within the project; the IM process; common types of interface points within the project; responsibilities; examples of interface points and agreements.

IM Strategy

• The IM strategy detailed in the MIP should address these aspects: types of IPs; processes; and responsibilities of project participants.

Let's Try It

• Under what circumstances do you change interface agreements?
• Imagine three situations where interface agreements will require changes.
• Identify the MIP components: definitions of IMs; definitions of WBSS; SMART goals; RACI information; time and materials; sample IP forms; definitions of IAs; quality control plan.

Organizational Level Implementation

• Staff are designated for interfaces.
• Standard, shared terms and understanding of interfaces should be developed.

Project Level Implementation

• Projects commonly use design-bid-build (sequential, linear phases) or design-build (parallel phases).
• Is IM more valuable for design-build vs. design-bid-build projects?

Project Implementation - Project Life Cycle

• The project team will gain declining returns or benefits if they implement IM too late in the project phase.
• Each phase (e.g., feasibility, concept, detailed scope, etc.) has unique IM necessities.

Front-End Planning Phase

• Feasibility phase: appraising project, identifying key stakeholders, and working on initial plans.
• Concept phase: identifying/selecting the project's best approach, establishing detailed plans.
• Detailed scope phase : outlining detailed specifications, identifying interface points and relationships.

Execution Phase

• Design and procurement: detailed plan and securing materials/services.
• Construction: building.
• IM strategy is implemented, plans and procedures are updated.
• Performance of IM is monitored and measured.

Handover Phase

• Formal lessons learned are conducted.
• IM performance is evaluated and benchmarked.
• Interface agreements are closed for hard and soft IPs.

Let's Try It

• What benefits can be expected from implementing IM in each phase (Front end, execution, handover)?

Principles of IM Implementation

• Implementing IM well requires following 7 guiding principles based on real cases and research.

Tight Control

• Tight control of dynamic interfaces is needed to meet project goals and plans.

Clearly Defined

• Static interfaces should be clearly defined throughout the project period.

Integrity of Project Integration

• Organizational factors should not affect project integration.

Changing Organization Structure

• Project organization needs adjustments for the project's evolution and ongoing developments.

Early, Firm Control of Design

• Firm control, early in the project, is essential for effective control across the project.

Management of the Design/Production Interface

• Managing the interfaces between design and production are very important.
• Design/production interactions are the most crucial and complex to manage amongst all project interfaces.

Effort Required Is a Function of Size, Speed, and Complexity

• Integration efforts rely on projects' size, speed of completion and complexity.
• Project success is also a function of implementing IM at an early stage, properly.

Relationship Between IM Implementation and Project Performance

• Research shows a relationship between IM implementation and project performance.
• High levels of IM implementation lead to better project performance, particularly in terms of cost growth.
• Five times-better performance (cost growth) in high-level IM implementation compared to low IM levels.

IM Implementation Impact Scenarios

• Scenarios provide real-world examples and show effects of IM implementation.
• IM implementation can help with project cost savings.
• The research also shows the importance of IM implementation as a significant factor in the project success.

Planning the MIP and Other IM Related Work

• Knowing, outlining, and implementing the master interface plan (MIP).
• Use the activity workbook for detailed instruction to build your own plans.

Return and Report

• Discussing and reporting on issues and findings.

Wrapping Up

• Summarizing the main points of effective IM.