A global energy leader ("the Owner") faced significant challenges in planning and executing work efficiently. Traditional workflows relied heavily on manual processes, with work packages created using static documents, disconnected spreadsheets, and external visualization tools. These inefficiencies led to lost time, version control issues, and missed opportunities for optimization.

The Challenge

As projects grow in size and complexity, leveraging technology to streamline processes becomes crucial. The Owner's project team was ready to move beyond manual, non-graphical work planning to a fully integrated, graphical approach that would enhance efficiency, reduce errors, and improve collaboration. 

Previously, creating work packages required multiple steps across different systems, including manually moving files between platforms. Keeping track of the latest document versions was a constant challenge and cause for safety concerns—planners often had to search through multiple programs to verify whether they were working with the correct revision. This manual effort slowed down project execution and increased the risk of using outdated information. 

The Solution

The Owner adopted O3’s graphical work planning and robust integration capabilities to streamline work packaging processes. 

Graphical Work Planning

By implementing O3’s graphical work planning, the project team revolutionized how they created and managed work packages. Instead of using disconnected tools, planners could now interact with a digital model to: 

• Identify and link components directly to work packages 

• Automatically integrate the latest drawings and documents from Assai 

• Add custom tags such as spool identifiers and construction documentation 

• Gain a visual representation of the job for improved execution 

This approach eliminated reliance on external software like Navisworks, which required complex licensing and was prone to crashes. Now, planners could work directly within O3, seamlessly linking all relevant information and avoiding the need to manually capture, store, and transfer screenshots between tools. 

“In the O3 model, I’ve created a package with 46 pipe supports in roughly 1 day,” shared a project planner. “Previously, this would have taken a full week.” 

Overall, graphical work planning reduced the time required to create work packages by an estimated 80%. 

Robust Integrations 

A key factor in the Owner’s success was O3’s deep integration with Assai. Now, once a drawing or document was uploaded to Assai (such as an IFR or IFA revision), it was automatically linked within O3. This eliminated the need for manual uploads, ensuring that work packages always contained the latest revisions without additional effort from the team. 

“We no longer have to worry about whether we’re using the right version. Instead of searching through programs to check if we’re on Rev 5 or Rev 7, we get an email update, and it’s already in O3.” 

Additionally, company-specific documents, such as safety alerts, were seamlessly incorporated into work packages. Every time a new alert was issued, it was attached directly within O3, ensuring it was always accessible when needed. 

Results So Far

The shift to O3’s graphical work planning and integration capabilities delivered significant benefits: 

• Time Savings: A piping support package that previously took a full week to build was completed in just 1 day. For larger packages, planners saved an average of 4 days per package. 

• Elimination of Manual Effort: Planners no longer needed to manually capture and transfer screenshots, mark up drawings in external programs, or re-upload files. 

• Improved Version Control: Integration with Assai ensured the latest document versions were always available, reducing errors and rework. 

• Enhanced Visibility and Coordination: By integrating with the project schedule (P6) and leveraging real-time data, the team had greater transparency into work planning and execution, enabling better decision-making. 

Conclusion

By embracing graphical work planning and digitization through O3, the Owner significantly improved work packaging efficiency, reduced manual effort, and enhanced overall project execution. As the organization continues its journey toward best-in-class execution, ongoing leadership support, engagement, and cross-division collaboration will be key to unlocking even greater value from its digital work planning initiatives.

To learn more about how O3 can streamline your workflows and drive predictable project outcomes, schedule your personalized demo today.