Introduction
In today’s digital era, where data analytics, machine learning, and AI applications are revolutionizing our lives and work practices, large projects and facilities nevertheless struggle to managing their data in 3D models.
The creation of a 3D model is a prerequisite for development of a Bill of Materials and a construction plan. It is very expensive to create the model, yet most organizations do not realize their full potential.
A 2024 survey conducted by USPI revealed that only 20% of owner-operators maintain their 3D models. This allows them to implement multiple use cases, including brownfield engineering, operator training, maintenance planning, and integrity management. In contrast, 80% of organizations did not maintain their models, leading to a lack of trust and limited usage of the models and associated digital twins .
Most organisations seek to reduce costs and schedules via modularisation and use of high value centres to provide remote support. These cost reduction strategies also necessitate high quality 3D models and visualisations.
Challenges and root causes
In projects the consequences of poor 3D models are deferments and rework due to poor transitions of existing models from assets to project, and rework in construction which may be based on models that are insufficiently mature at the start of construction and lacking the data required to support Advance Work Packaging. In Assets, the typical issues are lack of trust of digital twins, poor findability of information and ineffective integrity management of a facility.
Root causes for the value erosion include
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Lack of governance and ownership of the 3D model
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Poor requirements specifications on the part of owner operators, which leave contractors uncertain about what to deliver or how to deliver the 3D model.
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Inadequate follow up of 3D model reviews to close out comments
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Difficulties in integrating information about skids and equipment from vendors
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Unclear handover requirements.
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Unclear requirements for reality capture used to verify and complement 3D Models
FL3DMS - A Game Changer
Under the USPI banner, Owner/Operators, EPC contractors, and software vendors are now collaborating to address these challenges and transform project execution and facility operations through the development of the Facility Lifecycle 3D Model Standard (FL3DMS).
FL3DMS seeks to enable a future where 3D models seamlessly transition from design to construction and support operations throughout an asset's entire lifecycle. During construction, the work sequence and status can be visualized, and procurement and construction teams can easily and timely identify bottlenecks in the schedule. The 3D Model is should be trusted such that it reduces preparation time for brownfield projects and turnarounds and eliminates the need to “go out in the field and take a look”.
FL3DMS Deliverables
To address the challenges and root causes, USPI has organized the FL3DMS project, which is delivering:
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A 3D Model Specification: Defining clear requirements for model configuration and data handover.
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A 3D Model Lifecycle Management Guide: Providing practical guidance on implementing FL3DMS, addressing topics such as model ownership, data hosting, contracting strategies, and lifecycle usage.
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An Implementation Guides: Tailored for both owners/operators and contractors to ensure effective adoption.
Business case
At the onset of this work, the USPI FL3DMS team took a close look at the business case, to verify whether it really pays to specify and look after the 3D Model. The team conducted an industry study that weighed the costs against the benefits. The study examined both OPEX savings from operational efficiencies and CAPEX savings for brownfield engineering activities, revealing a payback benefit-to-cost ratio of approximately 4:1. This ratio clearly highlights the opportunity to maintain the facility’s 3D model and underscores the importance of utilizing the model effectively.
Governance
Many engineering disciplines contribute content to the model, ownership is often fragmented, resulting in gaps in quality and usability. The 3D Model is a truly multidisciplinary engineering deliverable. FL3DMS therefore recommends to:
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Establish clear business ownership, ideally led by an engineering manager.
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Appoint a dedicated business application owner for consistent management and enforcement of standards within the model by all parties working on the model.
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Embed 3D model requirements into contracts to ensure standard compliance, utilizing the FL3DMS 3D Model Specification.
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Provide training to all content owners in the model, based on lifecycle guides to improve competency and clarify their roles in the overall lifecycle management process.
Sustaining the Change
The above recommendations will provide a strong foundation for effective 3D model management. FL3DMS remains committed to evolving alongside industry needs. Activities undertaken by FL3DMS include:
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Close collaboration with CFIHOS, DEXPI, Norsok, and CII to ensure alignment of data standards such that they can be used concurrently on projects. The FL3DMS data model and content requirements are aligned with the CFIHOS data model and Reference Data library.
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Enhanced as-built requirements: Defining clearer requirements for different as-built options, including dimensionally accurate, logically accurate, and purpose-driven approaches.
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Enabling corrosion management via model data: Defining clear requirements to leverage 3D models for proactive corrosion monitoring and maintenance, ensuring operational integrity and extending asset lifespans.
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Providing standards for reality capture and 4D planning: Incorporating standards for integrating technologies like laser scanning and photogrammetry into the model lifecycle and creating a unified roadmap that combines scheduling data with 3D models, enabling dynamic planning and tracking.
What Can You Do?
Besides implementing the recommendations provide in this article, you can explore the FL3DMS website and start utilizing the available materials, including the FL3DMS overview video.
To learn more, please here to USPI, provide feedback, or join the effort to help your company get full value of its digital assets, and raise the game for the full suite of process industries.