I. Introduction to the Mission of OPC Construction
The mission of OPC Construction is crucial for construction projects. It ensures proper coordination, efficient timeline management, and optimized implementation.
OPC plays a key role in scheduling, steering, and coordination. It ensures that deadlines are met, tasks are executed efficiently, and various stakeholders are properly coordinated throughout the project.
In EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) projects and according to the MOP law, the OPC oversees both the design and execution phases, covering everything from execution studies to project handover.
OPC, which stands for Ordonnancement, Pilotage, and Coordination (Scheduling, Steering, and Coordination), plays a vital role in the construction sector. Its main mission is to ensure that all aspects of a construction project are well integrated and executed according to the detailed studies.
As a leader, the OPC must implement an optimized organization of stakeholders and the construction site. Its role is to anticipate interactions between different trades. From detailed planning to the resolution of final project issues, the OPC is a central figure in the project.
II. OPC Mission and the Choice of Planning Tools
The choice of planning tools is essential for the mission of OPC Construction, especially when multiple software solutions are required. For example, Primavera, MS Project, or Tilos may be necessary.
Each tool has specific advantages. However, combining multiple tools can add value, particularly in terms of communication and analysis.
III. OPC Mission and Risk Anticipation
Due to the complexity of construction projects, it is recommended that the OPC engineer compile a risk assessment report at least once a month. This assessment can impact both the design and construction tasks.
Conducting Monte Carlo simulations before launching a project can strengthen OPC initiatives and assumptions. These simulations can be carried out before or during the execution phase.
IV. Site Analysis and Preparation of Management Deliverables
The OPC plays a crucial role from the project’s design phase by anticipating project analysis and decision-making. Additionally, it must have a clear understanding of the project owner’s objectives and an evaluation of the challenges for each stakeholder.
1. Execution Study Phase
Development of the project’s overall schedule and objectives:
- Identification of key project milestones (studies, synthesis, equipment procurement, structural work, finishing work, and technical equipment).
- Integration of allocated deadlines for each study and necessary technical validation.
- Establishment of the project’s organizational structure and functional hierarchy.
Assessment of project constraints:
- Consideration of regulatory deadlines and necessary administrative authorizations (building permits and other site approvals).
- Anticipation of logistics and supply chain needs.
Identification of project interfaces:
- Recognition of potential bottlenecks between different trades (structure, fluids, electricity, façade).
- Coordination between design offices and project management.
2. Synthesis and Technical Coordination
Planning of synthesis meetings:
- Centralization of studies developed by each stakeholder.
- Validation of both spatial and functional compatibilities.
Use of BIM to facilitate coordination:
- Detection of interferences between various systems (HVAC, plumbing, electricity).
- Optimization of execution based on site constraints.
Implementation of Electronic Document Management:
- Registering deliverables in the document management system with expected deadlines aligned with the schedule.
- Monitoring and optimizing the approval timeline for technical and administrative documents.
Updating the schedule based on synthesis results:
- Adjusting deadlines to maintain logical sequences.
- Integrating approvals and modifications into the overall planning of all trades.
V. Scheduling and Coordination of Construction Works – OPC Mission
Once the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is established, the OPC creates a detailed schedule covering all project phases to ensure smooth site execution. The detailed planning should consider the necessary human and material resources for completing the work within the required timeframe.
1. Detailed Planning of Works
Defining elementary tasks:
- Sequencing activities (site preparation, foundations, structural work, metallic frameworks, finishing work, and equipment).
- Managing interactions between different trades.
- Verifying task scheduling per trade category.
Organizing critical phases:
- Water and air-tight phases, including the detailed scheduling of structural completion.
- Installation of technical equipment based on designated usage points.
- Ensuring key project milestones align with project completion and handover deadlines.
- Consolidating planning and making deliverables available per area and trade for efficient work execution.
Improving work cadence:
- Managing intervention zones (zone by zone, floor by floor).
- Anticipating necessary tests and technical validations.
2. Real-Time Monitoring and Schedule Adjustments
Planning weekly construction meetings:
- Monitoring progress and adjusting the schedule accordingly.
- Identifying delays and implementing corrective actions.
- Alerting contractors and clients about potential schedule impacts on the critical path.
Coordinating planning with contractors:
- Synchronizing multiple interventions and proposing alternative execution plans.
- Managing scheduling conflicts and unexpected issues.
VI. Project Handover and Issue Resolution – OPC Mission
The OPC is responsible for preparing the project’s handover and tracking any outstanding issues.
1. Organization of Pre-Handover Operations (OPR)
Ensuring compliance of executed works with design specifications:
- Verifying that the completed works align with the approved plans and technical specifications.
- Identifying defects and implementing necessary corrective measures to resolve issues.
Coordination with the project owner:
- Organizing site visits with the client to confirm work progress aligns with the project timeline.
- Preparing handover documents for final project delivery.
2. Managing Issue Resolution
Tracking corrective actions:
- Verifying that necessary corrections have been made.
- Validating completed works before final acceptance.
Final handover of works:
- Collecting final technical drawings and all administrative documents.
- Formalizing site closure.
- Handing over warranty and operational documents to the client.
VII. Conclusion: The Mission of OPC Construction
As a leader in project management, the OPC ensures the success of a construction project.
By organizing key project phases, it ensures that studies are well conducted and that works are delivered and accepted. This approach facilitates project success and the achievement of objectives.
Its role is to ensure a smooth transition between each project phase while coordinating the actions of various stakeholders. This enables the delivery of a compliant project within deadlines and quality requirements.
