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Interface Management

Publication No
RS302-1
Type
Research & Development Product
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2014
Pages
22
Research Team
RT-302
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DOCUMENT DETAILS
Abstract
Key Findings
Filters & Tags
Abstract
As capital projects have become more complex and increasingly global, project leaders have felt a greater need for interface management (IM). Defined as the appropriate management of communications, relationships, and deliverables among two or more in
Key Findings

Standardized terminology and definitions are important to the adoption of the Interface Management process. Key terms include:

  • Interface Management (IM)
  • Interface Stakeholder
  • Interface/Interface Point (IP)
  • Interface Agreement (IA)
  • Interface Action Items (IAIs)
  • Interface Control Document/Drawing (ICD)
  • Interface Data Register (IDR)
(RS302-1, p. 5 or RR302-11, Appendix B, pp. 142-144)
Projects on a Fast Track are primary beneficiaries of Interface Management (IM) which should begin in the concept stage of a project. (RS302-1, p. 16, Figure 6)

IM is primarily adopted on industrial high dollar value projects which utilize EPC and EPCM delivery strategies involving large numbers of stakeholders. IM is used to address 17 project risk and complexity factors, including: 

  1. Cost (highly-competitive bid)
  2. Schedule (condensed cycle time)
  3. Scope (extended/unfamiliar, poorly defined scope)
  4. Execution risk (unknowns)
  5. Number of joint venture partners (EPCs/owners)
  6. Technology (new and complex)
  7. Existence of large number of suppliers/subcontractors
  8. Multiple engineering centers

Early implementation of IM enhances the following attributes for project success:

  • Definition of deliverables
  • Definition of roles and responsibilities
  • Quality and clarity of information flow
  • Timely flow of information
  • Agreeable deadlines
  • Managed collaboration
  • Responsibility allocation
  • Knowledge exchange
  • Traceability
Filters & Tags
Knowledge Area
Project & Program Management, Project Organization & Communication
Project Phase
Concept, Detailed Scope, Detailed Design (Engineering), Procurement, Construction, Commissioning & Startup
Project Function
Project Management, Risk Management
Industry Group
Light Industrial, Heavy Industrial, Buildings, Infrastructure
Research Topic
Interface Management
Keywords
Interface Management, Interface Point, Interface Agreement, Interface Control Document, Interface Data Register, Fast Track, Interface Complexity, Interface Maturity, Interface Risk-Impact, Stakeholder Communication, Interface Stakeholder, rt302

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