Success Story: Implementing Effective Obsolescence Management at Qatargas

摘要

This paper presents the experience and lessons learned in the development and implementation of obsolescence management programme in Qatargas. The programme contributes towards minimising or deferring capital expenditures in replacements through cost-effective alternatives that can extend the economic life of equipment while maintaining the required operational safety and availability. The obsolescence management process helps to identify, evaluate, categorise and recommend the way forward for managing obsolescence of spares and equipment. Rapid advances in technology have shortened the lifespan of components, rendering many obsolete, which is affecting their functionality and maintainability. This article discusses how Qatargas manages the mounting issue of spares and equipment obsolescence. Struggling through worldwide economic, political and locational issues, today an organisation needs to innovate in order to increase efficiency and cost-effectiveness, and reduce risk. Some industrial components have disappointingly short life spans. An unexpected failure leads to downtime costs which can translate to mounting unplanned downtime and escalating business expenditure. Often an equipment or spare is unavailable as the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) may produce newer models and improved versions. This leads to ever-increasing risks associated with disrupting operational infrastructure. Opting to mitigate obsolescence proactively allows seamless integration of the changes and advancement into the existing system, ultimately mitigating the risks associated with amalgamate new technology or machinery into an existing structure.