PECM Issue 14 2015 | Page 20

Managing risk plays a key part in the strategy to decrease uncertainty and ensure project estimates track to project performance. Flexible technology manages E&Cs through market storm By Steven Kratsis, Vice President, Engineering and Construction, EURA, AspenTech w ith the plunge in oil prices, big operators’ oil & gas capital spending is coming under increased scrutiny. Therefore, engineering and construction companies (E&Cs) have a greater need to be more flexible, remain profitable and manage their business through market turbulence. To survive and thrive, contractors need to innovate dynamically across all aspects of their operations and deliver highquality services in line with market forces. So, how can E&Cs weather market storms and address both operational and commercial needs? As the relationship between E&Cs and owner-operators changes, contract conditions need to be more closely aligned to the interests of both parties to ensure project scopes are clear and costs do not overrun. Also, when engineering expertise is tight, the workforce tends to be stretched to achieve more with less resource. Owner-operators consider standardised designs as one option to minimise costs. Therefore, partnering with the right technology vendors with flexible business models can make the difference between 20 PECM Issue 14