EB as a Service and large projects
Mathias Brinker
Managing Director
mathias.brinker@Engineering Base · Large projects
Large projects in Engineering Base: many suppliers, one documentation
We steer the document flow of all parties involved, so that many individual contributions become one consistent whole in Engineering Base.
In large projects, many suppliers and disciplines contribute to the documentation, often in parallel, under time pressure and with their own tools and habits. Without central control, the end result is a collection of documents that don't fit together. TechnologiX takes over control of the document flow. We set binding standards, check every contribution and bring everything together in one shared data model in Engineering Base. The result is a reliable digital twin of the plant instead of a folder full of uncoordinated individual documents.
Single source of truth in a large project
The challenge
Anyone who has completed a large project with many suppliers knows the typical problems:
- Each supplier uses its own designation system, and the same piece of equipment appears under three names.
- Data sets drift apart. One discipline is still working with revision B, another already with revision D.
- Formats don't fit together: PDF here, Excel there, a third CAD system at the next supplier.
- Interfaces between disciplines are unclear. Signals, cables and terminals lead nowhere.
- Errors only come to light during commissioning or handover, when they are most expensive to correct.
The result is documentation that nobody fully trusts any more, and a quality risk for later operation.
Our solution: TechnologiX steers the document flow
Binding specifications before the first line is drawn
Before a supplier starts designing, it is clear how the work will be done.
- Preparation and binding distribution of the client specification and client standards to all suppliers
- Engineering guideline for the project: designation system, plant structure, document types, revision rules
- Provision of the binding master data, shapes and typicals
- Definition of handover formats and delivery dates per supplier
Project control and document management
- Project management and engineering management for the entire documentation scope
- Maintaining a central document list: which document comes from whom, in which revision and by when?
- Interface coordination between disciplines and suppliers, including maintaining an interface list
- Monitoring delivery dates and escalating delays early
- One contact for all documentation questions in the project
Bringing everything together in one data model
- Transferring supplier contributions into the shared Engineering Base data model
- We transfer supplier contributions that were not created in Engineering Base into the project structure
- Linking contributions across discipline boundaries, e.g. the signal from instrumentation with the cable from electrical design and the terminal in the control cabinet
Quality control before a contribution takes effect
No contribution enters the overall data set unchecked.
- Checking against the project specifications: designation, mandatory attributes, structure, standards compliance
- Plausibility checks, e.g. for duplicate designations, open connections or missing assignments
- Defined review, release and revision workflows with a clear status for every contribution: submitted, checked, released
- Structured feedback to the supplier if something doesn't fit, with a concrete list of defects instead of a general rejection
- Consistent quality assurance across all suppliers, to the same standards for everyone
Master data, shapes and typicals set the pace
Consistent documentation doesn't start with the check, but with the foundation. TechnologiX specifies master data, shapes and typicals centrally and manages them for the entire project. All suppliers work with the same device data, the same symbols and the same standard solutions. Deviations therefore don't arise in the first place, instead of having to be laboriously found and corrected later.
Like clockwork
Client standard, quality and suppliers mesh together. Every wheel has its place, and the whole only runs because the gears fit together.
Engineering Base as a Service in large projects
Large projects place special demands on the EB environment. Engineering Base as a Service solves three of them at once.
Flexible when licence demand fluctuates
Large projects are time-limited and sometimes need special licences. Demand fluctuates strongly: in peak phases many people work at the same time, in other phases only a few. We provide the licences together with AUCOTEC and adjust them to actual demand, up and back down again. You don't have to keep licences and infrastructure permanently for a peak that is over once the project ends.
Your client database stays protected
Project work does not take place in your local production database, but in a separate project environment that TechnologiX provides in a certified data centre. Your actual client database remains untouched in the meantime. Your ongoing operations continue undisturbed with the valid plant status.
Transfer back only after passing quality control
Only when the project is complete and has successfully passed quality control do we transfer the checked result back into your client database in a controlled manner. Only checked, consistent data enters your production data set.
- ProvisionTechnologiX sets up the project environment, based on your data and your standards.
- Parallel workSuppliers and disciplines work under the control of TechnologiX. Depending on the project, they work directly in the project environment or deliver their data, which we then transfer. We decide on the right option together with you.
- Quality controlWe check every contribution and the overall result against the project specifications.
- ReleaseYou release the checked result.
- Transfer backWe transfer the released data back into your client database in a controlled manner.
Your benefits at a glance
- Cost flexibility for licence and resource peaks
- Protection and integrity of your production data throughout the project
- Clean quality assurance at the interface between project and operation
The result
At the end of the project, we don't hand over a pile of individual documents, but a consistent overall package in one data model. Every piece of equipment is uniquely designated, every connection is closed, every revision is traceable. This gives you a reliable digital twin of the plant that your operations can work with from day one.
Frequently asked questions about large projects
How are large projects with many suppliers handled?
In large projects, TechnologiX GmbH steers the document flow of all suppliers and disciplines. TechnologiX sets binding standards such as designation, master data, shapes and typicals, checks every contribution and brings everything together in one shared data model in Engineering Base. The result is a reliable digital twin of the plant instead of a folder full of uncoordinated individual documents.
Do all suppliers have to work in Engineering Base?
No. Depending on the project, suppliers work directly in the project environment or deliver their data. TechnologiX GmbH transfers contributions that were not created in Engineering Base into the project structure. TechnologiX decides on the right option together with the client.
How does TechnologiX protect the production database during a large project?
Project work does not take place in the client's production database, but in a separate project environment that TechnologiX GmbH provides in a certified data centre. The client database remains untouched in the meantime. Only after passing quality control and release by the client does TechnologiX transfer the checked result back in a controlled manner.
What happens if a supplier contribution doesn't meet the specifications?
At TechnologiX GmbH, no contribution enters the overall data set unchecked. TechnologiX checks every contribution against the project specifications and for plausibility. If something doesn't fit, the supplier receives structured feedback with a concrete list of defects instead of a general rejection.
How does TechnologiX handle fluctuating licence demand in large projects?
With Engineering Base as a Service, TechnologiX GmbH provides the licences together with AUCOTEC and adjusts them to actual project demand, up and back down again. The client doesn't have to keep licences and infrastructure permanently for a peak that is over once the project ends.
What does the client receive at the end of a large project?
At the end, TechnologiX GmbH doesn't hand over a pile of individual documents, but a consistent overall package in one data model in Engineering Base. Every piece of equipment is uniquely designated, every connection is closed and every revision is traceable.
Are you planning a large project with many parties involved?
Talk to us before the suppliers start designing. The earlier the standards are in place, the less has to be corrected at the end.
Discuss your large projectYour contact for large projects