Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) Overview

Each Project Definition Rating Index (PDRI) is a powerful, easy-to-use tool that identifies and precisely describes each critical element in a scope definition package. It also enables project teams to quickly identify the project risk factors related to desired outcomes for cost, schedule, and operating performance. By using the PDRI method, teams can capture mitigation action items and evaluate the completeness of scope definition at any point prior to detailed design and construction.

The PDRI is intended for use during front end planning (FEP), the project phase that encompasses activities such as feasibility, concept, and detailed scope definition. (See Figure 1.)

Note that “front end planning” has many other equivalent and associated terms, including “front end loading,” “advance planning,” “pre-project planning,” “programming,” “schematic design,” “design development,” and “sanctioning.” Although the term “front end planning” is used in this document, it should be considered synonymous with the analogous term that is more familiar within the user’s business process. (More detailed information on timing and process is provided below.) Although the original PDRI was envisioned as a decision-support metric for funding detailed design and project execution at Phase Gate 3, experience has shown that, depending on project size and complexity, PDRI should be used more than once prior to arriving at this gate.



Which PDRI is best for this project?
Table 1 lists practical applications for each version of the PDRI, so users can decide which versions apply best to their particular projects. For further clarification, Table 2 summarizes the main characteristics of infrastructure, building, and industrial projects. Together, these tables can guide the selection of the most appropriate PDRI for any project under consideration.

With a hybrid of industrial and building types, which PDRI score sheet should be used?
In general, if the primary designers for the project are architects, then the PDRI for Buildings should be used. If the primary designers are process (chemical) engineers or industrial (mechanical) engineers, then the PDRI for Industrial Projects should be used. Alternatively, the team can look at the composition of the project in terms of work (design or construction expenditures) to make the decision. In some circumstances, the team may decide to use both in concert.

Many industrial facilities (chemical plants or refineries) require various types of buildings to support the operations and maintenance effort, such as the following:

• administration buildings
• warehouses
• control buildings
• maintenance facilities
• laboratories
• security facilities
• training centers

In these cases, the Industrial PDRI should be used on the primary facility, but the team may want to use the Building PDRI on each type of building. Use the score sheet as a checklist if an entire assessment is not desirable.

Another example would be that of a building used for research or office space. Some of the space in the facility may be designated for production, including engineered equipment, process flows, and dedicated utility requirements. The Building PDRI would be used to plan the major portion of the facility, but the Industrial PDRI could be used to help plan the production space. At a minimum, the Industrial PDRI could be used as a checklist in this situation.