EPISOD 2 - INTRODUCTION

CONSTELLATION BY PRIMAFRANCE

Implementing homogenous scheduling processes across multiple countries, cultures and business environments, is an element which is usually considered as not a priority one project. However, as it is closely related to all other aspects of the operation, it should be taken into account early during the integration.

Analyzing the difficulties faced during integrating existing processes, policies and tools, building one single business convention out of several cultures and business environment, is extremely time consuming and expensive.
This project will yield results long after it is started, and creates frustration among the various stakeholders, which then puts the successful implementation in jeopardy.

Consolidating complex project schedules at higher level, using traditionally available tools and methods requires carefully crafted processes and policies, together with strict control and follow-up. To achieve this, the organization shall put in place the necessary organization and develop the policies. Due to the time it takes to establish the organization and the related processes, operator errors are inevitable.

The Constellation Method is an approach and a related software tool, based on the principle of delegation (or subcontracting) and on a decentralized management model. It allows scheduling systems and project schedules to be connected, and letting each project participants using their well known and established processes and tools with minor modifications.

The goals of the “Constellation Method” are:

· To automate basic processes in order to reduce human error and save time.
· Provide more time to information analysis due to automated processes and data validation to increase decision efficiency.
· To provide data on timely basis with basic control.
· To create a common platform for reporting and to reduce disagreement between parties.
· To reduce the amount of necessary manpower to manage complex schedules.
· To minimize operational disruption while units are being integrated (processes are developed).
· Data validation by the planner/project manager before acceptation reducing dispute between units.