END USER INTERVIEW
Figure 1 . A schematic overview of the JIP33 vision . Source : https :// www . iogp-jip33 . org / about /.
using an online cloud-based tool . That has improved the quality and traceability of our specifications .”
She also emphasises the skill required for technical writing . “ We need to know how to question the people writing the specs to get what we need from them so they can write the requirements correctly . We have guidelines and industry standards to follow to standardize the way we write digital requirements , which is an expertise that we have developed .”
The digital tool has been in use since 2019 . “ We have collaborated with over a thousand representatives from suppliers , EPCs and operators . We have processed over 35,000 comments received during public reviews of the 50 specifications we have developed and maintained in that four-year period . That is what a digital tool can do for you ,” Rachel explains . Reviews were previously done using spreadsheets and email , and were prone to human error and loss of data .
Suppliers are key to the success of JIP33 . The team is always looking for ways to increase their engagement with suppliers , especially when trying to frame the topics to decide how the specifications will look . Suppliers are also invited to contribute to the public review of the draft specifications when the specification is about halfway ready for publication .
“ We invite reviews and comments from suppliers , EPCs , the twelve member operators , any operators that want to be involved , consultancies , SDOs , etc . With valves , we are very fortunate to have a long list of manufacturers and stockists who are interested and engaged .”
Sourcing Engineers
Since becoming the JIP33 Project Manager in 2022 , Rachel has adapted to a less hands-on approach . “ When I started on JIP33 , there was just another Project Engineer and myself , and we grew organically with the project . He left at the same time as I took over as Project Manager , so I had to backfill both of our positions and knowledge . Suddenly , we had lost the experience of two Project Engineers while taking on less experienced staff , which was a challenge .”
Sourcing engineers is a difficult task , Rachel can attest , having dealt with not only recruiting Project Engineers but also Lead Subject Matter Experts . “ When we produce a specification , we need a Lead SME who knows their subject inside-out and can also hold their own in a group of SMEs from twelve major operators .” She is referring to the operators who sponsor JIP33 , including ExxonMobil , Saudi Aramco , Shell , and TotalEnergies . Those sponsors bring highly knowledgeable experts to the table , so the Lead Subject Matter Expert must be able to command their respect when they are producing the specification together . “ They are essentially the scribe on behalf of the twelve operators , but they have got to make sense of what is discussed ,” Rachel explains . “ They need to be part of the discussion , even though they do not have a vote , because we are doing this on behalf of the oil & gas operators . It is not our ( Aker Solution ’ s ) specification .”
Expectations for JIP33 ’ s Future
JIP33 does not have a definite end date : it will come to a natural conclusion when no specifications are left to streamline . Occasionally , a specification never gets to publication . “ This is considered a success as well , as in a recent example , we handed a completed specification over to API to use as a basis for a new industry standard .”
“ That is part of a perfect solution , because eventually , we would like to think that the JIP33 library of specifications disappears , and everything is absorbed into existing industry standards .” Another good alternative would be for standards development organizations to create new specifications or
ABOUT AKER SOLUTIONS standards of their own based on JIP33 specifications , as with the example above .
Aker Solutions delivers integrated solutions , products and services to the global energy industry . We enable low-carbon oil and gas production and develop renewable solutions to meet future energy needs . By combining innovative digital solutions and predictable project execution , we accelerate the transition to sustainable energy production .
Figure 2 . A visual model of the JIP33 process . Source : https :// www . iogp-jip33 . org / about /. www . valve-world-americas . net • October 2024 | Valve World Americas 5