Section 8

Automation and Training

GENERAL
The use of automation has led to more efficient operations in the Regional Offices as
well as the project sites. Bechtel has developed or purchased a number of automation
technologies and has made the software available at the Regional Offices and on
projects to facilitate the most efficient operations possible. On a project level, the use
of such state-of-the-art technology has resulted in better service to the clients.
Some of these programs and their applications features are discussed below.
It is the Construction Coordinator's responsibility to be familiar with the software
packages that are available for use in the Regional Office as well as the software
packages that are typically used by the field organization to improve its operations over
the course of construction.
The Construction Coordinator also has significant responsibilities in the development of
the Project Construction Automation Plan. Appendix B of this handbook contains a
copy of the Project Construction Automation Plan Guidelines which outlines the
responsibilities of the Construction Coordinator in the development of the project
automation plan and provides guidelines for the preparation of the plan.
PERSONAL COMPUTERS
Personal computers are commonplace in today's work environment, and the computer
has become a necessary tool for most employees in the Regional Offices. Each work
station is connected to a Local Area Network (LAN) as well as a Wide Area Network
(WAN).
The WAN allows PC's to interconnect with each other and with non-PC based systems
over the standard networking architecture which is used by Bechtel to communicate
between local computers, the Regional Offices and the project sites. It allows the
integration of PC's into Bechtel's corporate computer network.
Each work station will typically have Lotus 1-2-3, dBase, and Word Perfect on its hard
disk. Other software is available from Bechtel Automation Technology (AT), depending
on the user's need. As part of a local area network each work station will also have
access to either local or network printers. Through the WAN, each work station has
access to E-Mail, the On Line Reference Library (OLRL), and other company wide
programs.

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Some of the generic software packages such as Lotus 1-2-3 and dBase, have
applications that have been created specifically for construction and field operations.
For example, Lotus 1-2-3 has been used for a generic field non-manual staffing plan
and a Regional Office staffing plan for a project.
The Construction Coordinator must be familiar with these software applications and use
them on a regular basis to become more familiar with their use on projects.
In-House Training
The Construction Coordinator should take advantage of the training courses that are
offered by the Regional Offices.
To be familiar with the assigned personal computer and how it is tied to the Bechtel
network, a class on LAN and WAN applications is recommended. The Construction
Coordinator should also take an E-Mail class to become familiar with its functions and
advantages.
Other PC related courses, such as DOS, Word Perfect, Lotus 1-2-3, dBase III,
Windows and CADD are available from AT and should be taken, depending on the
Construction Coordinator's familiarity with the various software programs.
A training session on the use of the On Line Reference Library (OLRL) is also
recommended for the Construction Coordinator.
The Construction Coordinator should also consider other courses that are being offered
by various departments within the Regional Offices. Training schedules are published
periodically (usually quarterly) showing the courses being offered.
Other types of in-house training which are available to the Construction Coordinator
include the use of the libraries, videos, and self-help study materials.
WALKTHRU
WALKTHRU is a real-time, three dimensional 3-D simulation system that allows the
user to interact with existing 3-D computer models in a lifelike manner. With
WALKTHRU and a color graphics work station, the user can move through the 3D
computer model, seeing objects as they would appear after being constructed.
WALKTHRU gives the user control of position (i.e. body location) and viewing (i.e. eye
sight) orientation while moving through the model. Real-time animated images,
displayed in color with perspective, provide a lifelike simulation of the user's
movements. The user can also control the motion of individual objects in the model.
WALKTHRU's "Record" function can record any path of motion, as well as the motion
of the 3D objects the user observes. The "Replay" function can reconstruct this

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combined viewer and object motion, resulting in an animated "tour" of the model that
one can replay at any time. The user can also replay just the motion of the objects,
allowing a view of the effects of moving through the 3D model while the objects are in
motion. Equipment installation, replacement, and operations activities, and entire
facility designs can be visualized before anything is built in a more cost effective
manner than with static drawings or plastics models.
Other WALKTHRU features include:

dynamic interference detection while objects are moved interactively

accurate dimensional measurements for precise placement or design

verification

a direct video recording hookup to produce videotapes for use in training,

meetings, or reports

In recap, typical uses of WALKTHRU include:

Presentations

Engineering Reviews and Evaluations

Visualization

Constructability Reviews

Client Reviews

Operations and Maintenance Reviews

PIPELINE
PIPELINE is a piping and mechanical equipment tracking system providing engineering
and construction with a unified, cost effective database management system designed
to track all commodities associated with piping and mechanical equipment (hanger,
spools, valves, welds, lines, mechanical equipment, bulk large-bore pipe, and bulk
small-bore pipe). The PIPELINE databases can be developed directly from the 3D
CADD databases provided the 3D CAD database is properly configured. When the
databases at not properly configured, construction and engineering personnel can
manually enter data applying to their respective departments or disciplines. Barcode
readers can be used for the fast and accurate data entry.
PIPELINE is a multi-user program, compatible with any NETBIOS-compatible network,
including Novell and PCSA. It features a pull-down menu system, "browse-style" data
base editors (complete with advanced searching, filtering, and editing functions,

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includes fast error checking routines to prevent duplication, as well as user-defined

column formatting and Ad Hoc reporting), extensive on-line help, and unlimited printer
support. PIPELINE can print barcodes for use with barcoded material lists, work
packages and installation cards. PIPELINE features user-definable data dictionaries
for automatic cost coding and weld procedure identification. The cost dictionaries are
compatible with any work breakdown structure.
PIPELINE also includes an integrated SETUP program that can be used for modifying
databases and allow existing database structures to be revised and new databases to
be created for use with PIPELINE. SETUP also allows the user to edit the PIPELINE
report layouts and even create user-defined reports. SETUP is used to establish the
commodity/component numbering system.
A detailed review of the PIPELINE program is available in a disk-based format. Three
tutorial disks examine the uses of the program in a menu-driven format.

Lesson 1 reviews the keyboard and leads you through the steps involved
in obtaining a printout and querying the databases.

Lesson 2 explains the engineering uses of the program.

Lesson 3 details the used of the program by construction, including the

utilization of data cards.

A fully operational demonstration copy of PIPELINE is available on request.

SETROUTE
SETROUTE is an interactive computerized electrical component tracking system for
use on a microcomputer. It provides an effective and easy-to-use tool for controlling
and organizing electrical cables, raceways, equipment, termination, jumpers and cable
routes.
SETROUTE features a streamlined, interactive data entry process where error
messages are promptly displayed. Major strengths include ease of use and a minimum
of training required for a new user to become productive. The self-guiding program
systematically steps the user through the entire session using a series of questions and
prompts. On-line context sensitive and general help is available throughout the
program, making referral to the User's Manual rare.
E-Mail
MAILWORKS (All-in-1 Mail) is an electronic message and document exchange system
that is available on all PC's in the Regional Offices and project sites that are on the

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PCSA/PATHWORKS network. MAILWORKS has the flexibility to interface with PROFS

and MCI Mail.
MAILWORKS is a convenient and efficient means of transmitting messages and
documents to others on the network.
To access MAILWORKS, one must have access to the PATHWORKS network via a
User ID and password, and also an E-Mail ID and password.
Introductory courses on MAILWORKS are available at the Regional Offices.
MAILWORKS Reference Guides are also available to each user.
The E-Mail system is currently implemented on all project sites to keep the field
organizations in constant communication with the various functional departments within
the Regional Offices as well as other project sites. This mode of communication
provides engineering, procurement, construction, project management, and field
organizations ready access to a system of efficiently dispensing and sharing
information.
On Line Reference Library (OLRL)
The On Line Reference Library is a Bechtel-wide information database incorporating
significant reference information supporting all major departments, business lines and
service organizations.
The Construction portion of the OLRL is focused on constructability and corporate
manuals. New areas and sections will be opened as needed.
The Construction OLRL is subdivided into seven areas:

Construction OLRL Introduction and Overview

This section provides general information about the Construction OLRL
and its use.

Construction Library
This section provides general information such as bulletins and technical
papers of interest to construction.

Constructability Information
This section contains constructability information including an electronic
version of the Constructability Handbook, project lessons learned, and
construction best practices.

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Construction Tools, Equipment, and Materials
This section contains information about innovative tools, equipment and
materials that are available to improve the construction process.

Construction Manuals
This section includes electronic versions of construction manuals.

Construction Generic Project Procedures

This section includes electronic versions of generic procedures that are
available for use by construction projects.

Construction Training Handbooks

This section includes electronic versions of Construction Training
Handbooks that have been issued for use.

Materials entered in the OLRL are controlled by Construction Internal Operations

Procedure E102.
The OLRL User's Guide and Quick Reference Guide provide guidelines in the control
of entries into the OLRL.
Construction CAE (CCAE)
Construction CAE is an integrated system used for visualized construction planning
and scheduling by simulating construction activities of a facility, based on the project
schedule. The CCAE software allows the user to visually analyze the project 3D
computer model and construction work schedule simultaneously on the work station
screen.
The CCAE software gives the user the capability to perform design reviews of the
facility's 3D model, and to move through the model via a path defined by the user.
Some of the advantages of CCAE include:

Personnel can make faster, better-informed planning decisions

Instant access to design and scheduling data

Detection of problems, such as design or construction access

interferences, early in the project

Perform "what if" planning

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Simulate the work plan on a graphics work station

Optimize work planning and schedules before construction starts

The entire project team can be involved in the planning process from the
start

Cost and schedule problems in the field can be avoided

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