Achieving on-time completion of deliverables with minimal work-in-process (WIP) implies that overall cycle times and individual process cycle times are reduced to the extent possible. Production Scheduling uses standard processes to the extent optimal (ad-hoc workflows are always needed) to better define overall and individual deliverable process cycle times, as well as to enable opportunities for process improvement through repetitive execution. The aim is to create Production Schedules with the highest number of standard processes and minimum number of one-off processes within the pre-determined level of variability the production system is meant to deal with.
A standard process is a set of physical and/or support activities that repeats itself multiple times (e.g., erect steel components, install pumps, install pipe spools, secure permits, etc.). Standard processes can be identified in any type of process including business processes such as procurement or engineering.
Project stakeholders may identify standard processes in the early stages of the project usually by way of prescribing how work should be done or the project team can recognize a repeating element of work and develop one or multiple standard processes for it. Standard processes can be defined at multiple different levels including, but not limited to, meta-level process, phase or functional process, detailed sub-process and operations. The following table provides a more detailed description of these types of standard process.
| Type | Description | Lookahead Window |
| Meta-level | A high level process depicting the main phases of the associated scope at hand (e.g., project phases, well delivery, supply flows, etc.), but not enough detail for ongoing production control
Individual task durations are typically equivalent to weeks or months |
Long Term |
| Phase or Function | A more detailed process than the meta-level capturing main chunks of work within a particular phase or function (e.g., complete a test package, well planning, etc.), but not enough detail for ongoing Production Control
Individual task durations are typically longer than five days’ worth of work |
Long Term / Short Term |
| Sub-process | A process that ensures readiness for work execution capturing physical and non-physical tasks associated with completing a specific scope (e.g., complete a piping line)
Individual task durations are typically no longer than five days |
Short Term |
| Operation | Capture the details of a single operation such as installing a pipe spool, drilling a well, etc.
Individual tasks durations are typically a day or hours |
Short Term |
Insert a Standard Process
A standard process can be inserted in any one of four views: Lookahead view, Lookahead (Gantt Chart) view, Network Manager...
Method 1: Lookahead View
To insert a standard process from the Lookahead view, complete the following steps: Select the desired Milestone / Task to...
Method 2: Lookahead (Gantt Chart) View
To insert a standard process from the Lookahead (Gantt Chart) view, complete the following steps: From the Main Navigation Bar...
Method 3: Network Manager View
To insert a standard process from the Network Manager view, complete the following steps: From the Main Navigation Bar select...
Method 4: Gantt Charter View
To insert a standard process from the Gantt Charter view, complete the following steps: From the Main Navigation Bar select...