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5 tips for managing STOs in the oil and gas industry

Oil & Gas STO blog
15 June

Are you a project controller struggling to manage shutdowns and turnarounds in the oil and gas industry? With so many moving parts and tight timelines, it can be a challenging task. But fear not! Here are some tips to help you manage shutdowns and turnarounds effectively.

1) Be prepared for the unexpected

Despite careful planning, unexpected events can still occur during a shutdown or turnaround. As a project controller, you must be ready to pivot quickly to ensure that the project stays on track. This means building contingency plans into your schedule and budget, and having backup resources available in case of emergencies such as weather-related issues, equipment failure, or contractor delays.

2) Communication is key

Effective communication is crucial during a shutdown or turnaround. Make sure to communicate regularly with all stakeholders, including your team, contractors, and senior management. You can use tools such as status reports, dashboards, and progress updates to keep everyone informed. Good communication helps ensure that everyone is on the same page, and helps to avoid misunderstandings and delays.

3) Focus on safety

Safety is the top priority during any shutdown or turnaround. As a project controller, you must ensure that all safety protocols are in place and followed rigorously. Make sure that everyone on the project understands the importance of safety and has the necessary training to work safely and implement full emergency-response procedures in times of incidents.

4) Use the right tools

The right tools can make all the difference when it comes to managing shutdowns and turnarounds. Invest in software solutions that help you plan, track progress, and manage costs. Examples of such tools include scheduling software and project management software.

5) Learn from past experiences

Every shutdown or turnaround is an opportunity to learn and improve. Make sure you capture all data and lessons learned from each project and use them to improve your processes in the future. This means conducting a post-project analysis to identify areas for improvement and implementing changes based on the lessons learned.

At Cleopatra for Turnarounds, we understand the challenges of managing shutdowns and turnarounds. That’s why we offer our software solution and training courses at our in-house Academy to help you improve your skills and knowledge and ultimately better manage your projects.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you manage your next shutdown or turnaround project more effectively.

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