Engineering Matters

Engineering Matters


#223 Data and collaboration, operations and maintenance

July 20, 2023

The operations and maintenance (O&M) sector has changed significantly since the inception of the 3P, or public private partnership, model in the 1990s. Once, these contracts merely assigned O&M responsibilities. Today, clients want suppliers to help them implement specific social and environmental values. 



This is changing the way O&M contractors work. They must collaborate closely with clients, making sure they understand the client’s aims, and that they can fulfil these. To do that, they must have a deep understanding of an asset. A digital twin built alongside a project, can enable this understanding at the O&M contractor.



But even on contracts where there is not a direct line between delivery and O&M,clients often generate a wealth of data. By using these to shape their O&M programme, and by engaging in a collaborative relationship with their O&M provider, they efficiently achieve complex goals, that make their projects resilient, and align them with broader values.



Guests



Philippe Jean, Senior Vice President of Operations for O&M, SNC Lavalin Canada



Jason Pavey, Managing Director – O&M UK and Europe, Atkins



Partner



Atkins, part of the SNC-Lavalin Group, is one of the world’s most respected design, engineering and project management consultancies. Employing over 18,000 people across the UK, North America, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific and Europe, Atkins utilities the latest technology to deliver major capital projects, and provide expert consultancy for clients across the energy, transportation and infrastructure sectors.