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30 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News ? APRIL 2013 PROJECT MANAGEMENT safety and quality documentation as well as detailed plans of the ves-sel or platform. With 3D visualiza- tion tools, decision makers can make more informed decisions by looking at the product in 3D, versus looking at a spreadsheet. This also provides the ability to see potential problems and make adjust-ments before it is too late.Intellectual Property (IP) ProtectionIntellectual property (IP) protec-tion is of the utmost importance for projects that involve collaboration between several companies and sup-pliers. By defining access for each user based on role or discipline, managers can ensure that there is no unauthorized access to information.A collaborative environment can also help generate, efficiently man- age and track all of an organization?s electronic documents for maximum traceability. Organizations can use it to protect their documents with advanced security mechanisms that identify and keep sensitive materials safe from unauthorized access. On Time Production In the marine and offshore indus- try, producing on time is a compel-ling necessity. In fact, being late by one day can cost upwards of $5M. Let?s look, for example, at the refur- bishment of India?s aircraft carrier INS Vikramadity, which had been purchased from Russia. It has been delayed by numerous cost overruns and project mishandling. The instal- lation of the nuclear engines was supposed to be done with Chinese insulation plates. However, the ma- terial was deficient, causing a delay. Russia is now suing China for $800 million for this error, which was due to an incorrect requirement manage-ment approach. Originally set to be completed in 2008, the refurbishment is now scheduled to be completed in Octo-ber 2013, assuming there are no ad-ditional delays or problems. The cost has skyrocketed, costing billions more than originally expected. Strict process and resource plan-ning throughout a project is required to avoid situations like this, given the sheer size and cost of a vessel or offshore platform. All stakeholders need to know where the project is (Copyright Dassault Systèmes)In the marine and offshore industry, producing on time is a compelling necessity. In fact, being late by one day can cost upwards of $5M. MR #4 (26-33).indd 30MR #4 (26-33).indd 304/2/2013 3:04:08 PM4/2/2013 3:04:08 PM