END USER INTERVIEW
“ There are a lot of competing priorities , so advanced notice helps reduce the time between the old facility being removed and the new facility being added ,” explained Scrivner .
The second cause for removal is based on quality ; if the quality of a manufactured product , customer service , or delivery , is poor and the issue is not resolved , the manufacturer or supplier in question may be temporarily placed on hold or may be removed from the list .
Experiencing a Learning Curve
To understand and gain the expertise necessary to correctly assess the qualities of an AML candidate ’ s eligibility , Scrivner took every opportunity he had to learn from those around him .
“ My predecessor , Ray Bojarczuk , was in my current role for more than 20 years . It was daunting to come in behind someone with that much experience ,” stated Scrivner . “ I had a significant amount to learn , and the mentoring was critical .”
Scrivner ’ s informal training plan began in 2007 and continued over the next ten years until Bojarczuk ’ s retirement . “ Ray began copying me on some of his more
“ Earlier in my career , I had the impression that the Piping AML represented only those vendors who could meet the quality requirements set by ExxonMobil . Now , I understand that there are many qualified manufacturers not yet on the AML .” critical emails . At the time , I did not fully appreciate the importance of some of the information I was privy to . When I look back now , I am thankful that I kept all those emails , as they helped me to establish a database of knowledge that I can refer to .”
Apart from a few overseas shop visits done together , all of Scrivner ’ s training was done remotely . “ During the 10 years of handover , we were never in the same work location . We were focused on remote learning long before the pandemic ,” chuckled Scrivner . “ Coming into the role in 2017 , I had 20 years of AMLs to refer to . What I did not necessarily have , was the background and context of how and why specific choices were made ,” said Scrivner . “ Ray and I spent a lot of time during the handover discussing the background and basis of those decisions .”
One of Scrivner ’ s largest takeaways from his mentor was how important history , background , and context are in the decision-making process . As there are hundreds of manufacturers to consider for the AML , I had to learn how to prioritize which additions and extensions to pursue . “ Earlier in my career , had the impression that the Piping AML represented only those vendors who could meet the quality requirements set by ExxonMobil . Now , I understand that there are many qualified manufacturers not yet on the AML .”
“ Also , I used to believe that the cause behind most new valve failures lay with the design or manufacturing related to the components ,” Scrivner continued . “ What I have learned , however , is that more than half the failures are associated with testing , modifications , handling , or transportation of the valve or application . Many of these post-manufacturing activities involve distributors , fabricators , or the end users themselves . It is important to understand the root cause of the failure before jumping to conclusions and prematurely issuing reports or quality alerts ,” he cautioned .
READ PART 2 of this article in the April 2023 issue of Valve World Americas to learn about the importance of relationship building in this role , the impact of the various committees Scrivner is involved with , and his insights into the ongoing challenges faced within the industry .
6 Valve World Americas | March 2023 • www . valve-world-americas . net