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PIMS
PIMS is a web-based project information management
system hosted by Engineering Software Solutions, LLC - a fully-owned
subsidiary of ValSource, LLC. PIMS provides its users with a customizable
approach to A/E/C project management and facilitates the commissioning
and qualification of pharmaceutical plant and equipment. Using PIMS project
team members can administer many aspects of the project, including:
- the creation of PIMS projects;
- the maintenance of engineered equipment system data,
specifications and equipment datasheets;
- the documentation and management of project items
like Change Notifications, Punchlists, Documents, Action Items, and RFIs; and
- the monitoring and tracking of project items and project progress thru reporting.
Project Administration
PIMS allows a company to manage multiple construction projects in a single PIMS database.
Each project can be configured to address its own unique needs, while the cloning of
some project information - for example, an item workflow - across projects to speed
set-up is also possible. Project team members have access to PIMS functionality and
data based on their role in the project as defined in PIMS. Project team members are
assigned a unique group and discipline, and this classification is then used
by PIMS to regulate access to PIMS functionality as well as project documentation.
Engineering Data
Once a BOD (Basis of Design) is established and drawings are completed, much of the focus of an
A/E/C project turns to data – collecting and managing the data related to the engineered systems
identified and defined by these documents. PIMS includes several functional areas to facilitate the
collection of engineered system data.
Systems
The PIMS System List allows users to identify all the systems in a given PIMS Project.
Each system is described by a unique System ID, name, and a brief description. System
owners and/or those project users with a stake in the given system can be identified.
PIMS also classifies systems with respect to commissioning and qualification to facilitate the
identification and production of the necessary documentation.
Components
The PIMS Component List records the individual components that make up specific engineered systems like
electric power; communications and control; lighting; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning;
and structural systems. Each component in PIMS is tied to a specific system and identified by
tag number, brief description, and vendor make, model, and serial number as defined by the
relevant specification.
Specifications
Each PIMS component represents a unique item of equipment as classified by tag number and
vendor serial number. Each component in turn is related to a specification that identifies
the common attributes of all items of similar equipment as classified by the vendor make
and model number. The PIMS Specifications List is a list of all specifications associated
with a given project’s engineered systems and their components and provides additional
information that can be used in the generation of commissioning and qualification documentation.
Each specification logged in PIMS can be attached to its corresponding documentation –
contractual terms, installation and maintenance information, etc. Specifications can also be
associated with a PIMS Datasheet to facilitate the capture of attribute information.
PIMS Datasheets and Receipt Verification Forms
PIMS Datasheets provide users with a unique way of capturing the individual characteristics
of an item of equipment. PIMS allows users to construct their own datasheets or make use of a PIMS
library of standard datasheet definitions. Once the datasheet for a given specification has been
created, PIMS allows users to create an associated Receipt Verification form. Each receipt
verification form contains a subset of attributes from the associated datasheet as well as a
standard questionnaire to document the equipment’s condition at the time of receipt. The receipt
verification form is used to receive each associated item of equipment and can facilitate the
commissioning and qualification process.
Project Items
Frequently, as a project progresses, design changes
are identified that can potentially affect the success or failure of an
engineered system’s implementation. Punchlists and Action Items are logged
to track isolated issues and ensure their resolution. RFIs are issued to resolve outstanding
questions, and Project Documents are generated throughout the life of the project. PIMS
provides users with the means to identify, manage, and track all these project items.
Project items are tracked through user-defined workflows.
Statuses in each workflow are used to represent the different stages of the approval
process from initiation to the ultimate rejection or approval and subsequent completion.
Workflow statuses are extremely important as they identify which project users are
involved in which steps of the approval process. Each status can be defined to
invoke automatic email notification of those users when a project item reaches that status,
and follow-up email notifications to the same group can be sent after a specified period
of time has passed.
Project Change Notifications (PCNs)
PIMS PCNs provide a simple yet effective way of tracking design changes and keeping all
interested parties informed with regard to each change's design impact, cost,
and scheduled completion. PCNs consist of brief descriptions of the original design,
the reason for change, and the modifications required. Each PCN can also
identify the functional areas affected and whether there is an A/E, CM, or
schedule impact. PCNs are classified by Project Phase – where in the project
process the change is identified. Changes caught early in a project are
often less costly to implement than those identified later. PCNs are
also classified by Change Type – whether they exist as a result of design
development or a change in scope, for example. The Root Cause of a PCN can
identify whether the change is due to a specific defect/cause or if market
forces are determining the scope of change. Once a PCN has been approved
the relevant costs can be identified and contingency dollars can be tracked.
PunchLists
The PIMS PunchList Log tracks punchlist items associated with an A/E/C
project. Punchlist items consist of a brief description of the modifications
required, the intiator, and can indicate the area and item of equipment involved.
Each punchlist item is also classified according to a user-defined Type and Category.
Types drive the workflow used to process the punchlist item, while Categories
allow users to group punchlist items by user-defined criteria.
Documents
PIMS allows users to categorize and track various types of project documents
which are usually organized according to function and type. The PIMS
document workflows identify the state of each document as it is drafted, reviewed,
and executed, or can simply indicate what documentation has been received.
Workflow-generated email notifications keep the necessary project personnel
informed of each document’s progress.
PIMS Project Library designations are a customizable way to
identify similar project documentation. Much like functional access, the access to
documentation classified in each project library is driven by a user’s role.
Once a set of Project Libraries are defined, users can further segregate
the documents classified in them by Document Type. Each type can have its
own unique workflow. Document Locations allow administrators to identify the
physical locations where project documentation is stored. Locations are
also attached to PIMS Project Libraries and represent the physical location
of documents when not in use.
Action Items
The PIMS Action Item Log is used to record action items on
a construction project. An action item is just that – an item, issue, etc. that
must be acted upon. Action items can be recorded in any functional area or can
be generally related to the construction project as a whole. Action items are
opened with a brief description and can be assigned to specific project users
or vendors. Once addressed action items are closed and kept for historical purposes.
RFIs
The PIMS RFI Log records all Requests for Information issued on a project.
Users can record their issue and request an answer from other project users
or vendors. Responders can reply and indicate whether additional information
is needed.
PIMS Reports
PIMS provides users with a powerful means of tracking project
items and project progress with PIMS Reports. Standard report templates are provided that can be
customized as necessary to produce user-specific filters and sorts. Each of these reports
can then be scheduled to run as needed - daily, weekly, or monthly - and delivered
as a PDF to the user's email address on that schedule. These same reports are also
available 'on demand' - in PDF or HTML format.
Online Technical Support
Online support allows users to document issues and their resolution. When users create
tickets in the online support area these tickets are forwarded to a technical support
representative who will follow-up with the user and ensure their issue is resolved.
When available users can also chat with a helpful technical support representative online.
Click here or contact us at
support@engsoftsolutions.com
to learn more about this and the other support options available to our users!
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