Project Manager Guidelines Overview
Project Manager Guidelines Overview
Mission Guidance
These guidelines are not the only way to manage a project. Use the guidelines—with your
intelligence and develop your own methods if they are in line with WesTech procedures. If you
have questions, ask.
Introduction
As a WesTech Project Manager, you’ll be responsible for ensuring that each project is completed in
a safe and timely manner within the:
• Company guidelines
• Cost estimates
• Project and product requirements
• Customer expectations
You’ll be responsible for and will need to coordinate:
• Engineering
• Design
• Procurement
• Shipments to the jobsite (possible buyouts & direct shipping)
• Installation coordination with the customer
• Field service (mechanical checkout, start-up)
• After-sale/warranty customer assistance
Purpose
If you are a new Project Manager, use the guidelines to identify where to start, what to do, and
how to complete the project.
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If you are an experienced Project Manager, use the guidelines as a quick reference.
We have arranged the guidelines in chronological order.
Refer to the Project Manager Meeting Map (QD-10589) to assist you with meetings and tasks.
• Store your documents in the project file in DocCentral. Your Project Manager Checklist
(QD-10105) will help you determine where to store required documents.
• Use the folder format in DocCentral.
• Use the prescribed file-naming convention mentioned in the Document Control procedure
(QP-10001) and Document Naming (QD-10582).
• Be sure to use the correct method for document versions and document changes. When
you change a document, do not save it as a separate file. You can find training on how to
do this here.
• Consider using the Document Management Team to assist you with your project
documentation (i.e., submittals, O&M’s, and other customers communication) if you have
any of the following related to your project:
o The customer has given you extensive requirements for documentation (sometimes
called VDRs, VDLs, etc.)
o The project involves multiple Teams
o The customer is considered high profile (an example of this would be a customer in
the power industry, a customer we have worked with in the past who we know has
stringent requirements, etc.)
Project Plans
A powerful advantage is gained by taking the time to step through a project plan at the beginning
of the project. This helps you as a Project Manager spend more of your energy in a proactive way
that you are controlling rather than reacting to events outside your control.
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Project plans can differ in degree of detail. The critical aspects of a project plan will be elaborated
upon below, but they should include: the sequence of steps identified, the resources (people,
machines, companies) that will perform the steps, and the dates that they should be completed.
Milestones
A good rule of thumb to consider when creating the minimum steps in a project is to look at when
the critical steps of a project change hands or focus.
Milestones, steps, or tasks should have at least a due date, but it’s usually helpful to give a start
date and an end date or duration of time the task should take.
Recommended milestones for WesTech projects may include Job Review, Submittal, Squad Check,
Detail Review, Job Verification, Release, Inspection, Shipping and especially all Invoicing.
Dates
The most critical aspect of a project plan is dates. Time is your most restrictive resource in project
execution. Planning with dates, even approximate, will help a Project Manager achieve project
goals.
• If the project is in one of the Systems groups, the System Project Manager will be the Lead
PM.
• If a WesTech team has a piece of equipment and will be responsible for installation as well,
that Project Manager will be Lead PM.
• If WesTech is not responsible for installation, whichever team’s equipment interfaces most
with the other equipment on site will be lead, subject to mutual agreement by associated
Group Managers.
Responsibilities
• All communication with the customer
• Knowledge of all spec sections as necessary
• Review customer documentation for cohesiveness
• Coordinate the overall project schedule
• Ensure client is notified of upcoming inspections as required
• Ensure all ITPs and inspection plans are followed
• Manage customer expectations-prevent scope creep
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Step 1: Kickoff
The purpose of the Kickoff is to explain and review preliminary project information and hand-off
As-Sold documents to production team for preparation of Job Review. The AE/Estimator is
responsible for scheduling and conducting this meeting.
It is important to have a Kickoff Meeting (QD-10582) with the AE/Estimator to:
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Review applicable plans and specifications with addendums. Highlight any non-standard items.
Review the specs and PO for discrepancies and changes. For example, review:
• Hydraulics profile
• Equipment interfaces
• Expected Submittal date
• Title block information
• Shipping date or requirements
• Note any non-standard items or coatings
• Send the Engineering Request form (QD-10224) to the appropriate teams; you may want to
contact them to confirm receipt and scheduling.
• Process Performance Guarantees – In cases of projects with a PPG (QD-10224). See
additional resources here.
• Make sure sufficient material costs are included and that there are enough working hours
for the submittal, calculations, detailing, and project management. If the project requires
double checking (see QP-10025 for when needed), make sure to include more hours to do
that.
• Research in ERP and Quality system for any past warranties on similar equipment to
identify any risk and avoid any potential problems for this project. Research the past
warranties on the reference project or equipment. Training on how to do this is found in
UKG. Search for Warranty training in the Course library.
• Follow up with your contact on all requested additional information.
Customer/Project Information
• Identify your point-of-contact for the project (from submittals to delivery and installation).
• Find out who the plant or onsite contact is, and if they are already on site.
• Get a feel for what the project is like. Is it a long project with many phases? Or is your piece
of equipment the only project?
• What is the delivery address for the documents and for the equipment? (They may be
different)
• Any special delivery requirements?
• Store your updated files and documents in your project file on DocCentral and update the
Project Manager Checklist and Project Plan.
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Discuss:
• Are the submittal, approval, detailing, fabrication and shipment dates feasible?
• Are we meeting the customers’ expectations?
• The project plan - can it be met?
• Any differences between the contract drawings and the specs. Specifically review
elevations, connecting pipe schedule, etc.
• Any clarifications you may need for the design. Use the Request for Information (RFI) form
(QD-10149) to request additional information.
• Any differences between the Spec, the Proposal, and the Purchase Order. Confirm that
these differences have been resolved and documented in the As Sold Proposal, are still
outstanding in contract negotiation or with an open RFI or should be documented in the
submittal Letter of Clarification.
• The scope of supply/As Sold Proposal.
• Items to include in letter of clarification.
• Major buyout and Long Lead items.
• Any special/out of the ordinary requirements that the designer should be aware of
(materials, elevations, codes, etc.).
• Submittal package requirements.
• Are all costs accounted on the Job Control Sheet (JC Sheet)?
• Surface preparation and painting requirements.
• Any bolt, anchor bolt, and fastener requirements. Look at type (hook, wedge, or epoxy),
material and sizing.
• Past warranties on the equipment – review to avoid duplication of issues.
Review each of these items and decide how to handle any exceptions. Note: If you take exception-
describe to the customer how the change will be better for the product, performance, quality,
durability, etc. Give clarification, describe how the alternative will perform the same function but
may look different.
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If you need to make changes to any information on your JRCC, make sure you document the
changes using the revision blocks on the form.
Don’t assume anything. If you don’t have the information to complete the layout, find it first:
• Have the designer prepare a scaled layout, connection point between our equipment and
others, including tanks.
• Star all exceptions to the engineer’s specifications and plans. Note: Avoid re-work. The
Drive and Electrical teams should prepare their own list of exceptions to the specification.
Work with them up front to have the exceptions in the proper format, and all exceptions
agreed upon.
• Cloud any elevation or dimensions needing customer confirmation.
Complete the required calculations for the equipment:
Duplicate Projects
When we sell a project that is a duplicate of another project, our standard verification processes
still apply. This includes but is not limited to:
• Calculations
• Effluent/influent/underflow conditions
• Verification of instruments and valves, grating, and handrail
• Any coating and surface preparation requirements
• Verify all locations where our equipment connects or interfaces with other equipment,
structural, electrical, and mechanical.
• Verify P&ID and PFD for the current project.
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• Verify any external conditions that may be different from the original project.
• Review original project for warranty or other issues that may affect the design.
• Confirm changes in codes and standards are still met with the existing design.
• For long-lead items, have your Purchasing Buyer send out quotation requests with copies
of the specifications to vendors as soon as possible.
• Communicate with the customer your intensions to purchase these long-lead items before
submittal approval. Upon customer request, promptly provide details for engineering pre-
approval of long-lead buyouts to expedite approval.
• Have the Purchasing Buyer issue the POs to vendors to lock prices contingent on
engineer’s approval. Include applicable specifications.
• Where needed, request catalog and submittal information from vendors to arrive before
submittal date. Let them do their part of the submittal preparation for you.
• Organize all buyout information, and make sure we comply with specifications.
• Inform Purchasing of any selected vendor involvement during estimating, copying them on
any quotes received.
• Order Drive and Electrical equipment [Engineering Request Form (QD-10224)]
• Work with Drive and Electrical to ensure that the required submittal documentation will
arrive before the submittal date.
• Review the information for completeness, correctness, and compliance with the
specifications.
• Prepare any required calculations that will need to be submitted.
• Include an explanation or summary sheet for all calculations.
If calculations require a Professional Engineer (PE) stamp, allow three to five days for the PE to
check them and make any changes. You might need a little extra time with some PE stamps,
especially when it is from another state.
Note all exceptions directly on the specifications using a publishing program (Publisher, PDF X
Change) by each specification section and paragraph number, state in detail what the exception is
and give a reason for the exception: better technology, better performance, etc.
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• Before the submittal goes out, perform the Squad Check. Hold this meeting after you have
completed and compiled the submittal but before you send it to the customer. Send the
compiled Submittal out to the Squad Check invitees 24 hours prior to the scheduled Squad
Check.
• The Squad Check Agenda. Use an equipment specific form to capture the Squad Check or
use the generic Squad Check form (QD-10156)
• Up to date As Sold Proposal. You may find after the project hand-off from sales that things
had to change due to customer request, design requirements or other reasons. These
updates must be included in the As Sold Proposal. This is the responsibility of the PM.
• Up to date Job Review Component Checklist
• Up to date As Sold JC Sheet and Accepted Change Orders
• The Consolidated Submittal including:
o Drive Drawings (if applicable)
o Electrical Drawings (if applicable)
o Equipment General Arrangement Drawings
o Any other GAs being submitted by WesTech teams
o Buyout cutsheets indicating correct model numbers and/or selected options
o The Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) (QD-10190). Consult the QC Department for any
questions regarding the Inspection and Test Plan.
o Schedules, instrument lists, P&IDs and other documents being submitted by
WesTech
• Pertinent Contract drawings
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• Drawings of reference projects that have been used for the project
• The specifications (at least applicable parts)
Next Steps
Contact the customer and make sure they received the submittals.
Note: Clarification on Customers: We work for Contractors, Owners, Cities, Engineers, and other
entities, and they are all customers. We use the term customer broadly in this document.
When the customer approves your submittal without comments:
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• Work with your customer and set a shipping date. Make sure the equipment arrives on site
when the customer wants it. Allow for holidays and the usually busy spring season. Report
this date in your schedule meeting.
• Record the contract ship date (approval date plus contractual requirements, 18-20 weeks,
etc.) Note: If it ever looks like we won’t meet the requested date, let the customer know
immediately.
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• Go over the reference project(s) to determine which drawings you’ll use, and which
changes to include.
• Make sure the designer has all the needed information on member sizes, thicknesses,
connections, elevations, etc. This should include copies of all applicable, updated, checked
calculations.
• Review unique design features, problems, etc. Pay close attention to those items that are
different from the standard or reference project.
• Review estimated hours, available time, and have the designer and the checker set due
dates and commit to them.
• Review and identify all applicable codes and standards.
Next Steps
• Compare the JRCC with the final detail drawings. Make sure they agree.
• Check with the designer and your checker often to answer questions, lend support, ensure
the design is being followed, and see how the project is progressing.
• Make sure your checker has received the current JRCC, calculations, and revisions from
the customer.
• If the project falls under “double check” category, have a second set of competent eyes
look over the detail drawings, as directed by the Design Manager.
• Ask your Manager (or someone appointed by them) to approve the details after you have
checked them.
• Make sure the installation drawings are completely detailed, including close ups on hard to
see areas of connection.
• Make sure all connections fit, especially the first components being put together
(cage/rake arms, etc.).
• Make sure the detail drawings conform to the approved submittal.
• Check for interfaces (examples: drive to cage/center column or drive shaft/walkway), if
applicable.
• Check quantities. Do they match the proposal/ Purchase Order/approved
submittal/accepted change orders?
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• Keep inspection costs in mind when selecting your fabricators and vendors. Are the quotes
within budget? Can—and will—the fabricators and vendors meet schedule?
• Keep shipping costs in mind when selecting your fabricators and vendors. Is one shop less
expensive to fabricate but more expensive to ship, or vice versa?
• Ensure your vendors and fabricators are qualified to meet customer’s quality expectations.
• For any major fabrication, each applicable section of the WesTech Workmanship Standard
(QD-10572) must be called out on the Purchase Req.
• Include comments for:
o Special schedules
o Special shipping, tagging, or handling requirements
o Ship assembly requirements (define clearly)
o Grinding surface preparation
o Welding codes
o Coating system, galvanizing or special linings
• For long lead items (anchor bolts, pumps, special tanks, etc.) order as soon as you receive
the submittal approval.
• Major Buyouts are defined in the Company Glossary of Terms (QD-10645).
Anytime you have any problem that involves our suppliers, the Purchasing Department MUST be
included. They will take the lead in any communication with suppliers. We may have other projects
on the supplier’s schedule that you may not be aware of that could be affected by your interaction
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with the suppliers. It is in WesTech’s best interest that all supplier communication be handled
through the Purchasing Department.
Inspection Buyouts
If buyouts are delivered to a WesTech warehouse, arrange inspection prior to your shipping date
for compliance on specifications, quality, and quantity.
Label parts and item numbers so your customer can identify the items we’re providing.
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• Confirm all work and documentation associated with the invoicing milestones are
complete.
• Confirm again the terms of the contract for payments. Look for any special invoicing
instructions, such as billing cycle (cutoff date), which if missed can extend another 30 days
for the invoice payment.
• Release the Invoice within 24 hours of shipment or milestone terms. Notify your Manager
and VP.
• Notify Collections of any relevant information via email at ar@[Link]. Include
relevant information regarding the collection status of each project and section.
Ask the customer: “Is there anything that may prevent this invoice from payment within the terms?
”If the answer brings to light any eventual problems, notify collections immediately.
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Note: While in the field, if problems come up during this phase, use the Field Service Trip Report
(QD-10102) to document and correct problems. Use the form to resolve problems quickly and
define all extra charges before the work is authorized or done.
If the problem involves a warranty charge, have your Manager open a Warranty Number in the
Quality System, and complete all fields of the Warranty Card to the best of your knowledge. Get
approvals.
Note: As a last resort, use the field service as a leverage to collect payment. The quality of our
service will create – or curtail – return customers (the best kind). This is our last strong opportunity
to get paid. Arrange to have the customer pay before we provide the final field service.
Post-Job Review
• Help accounting collect any past due amounts.
• Close out project in Business Central. Accounting will “complete” the project once trailing
costs are in.
• If appropriate, hold a post project review with your Manager and the Project Team. Review
and discuss:
o Successes and challenges
o How to improve
o Budget vs. Actual
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• Update your Project Manager Checklist (QD-10105) and Project Plan with the final status
and submit to your Manager to review.
PM Procedures
As Project Manager, there are procedures that will help you if you have questions on how to
manage your project. Please refer to the following:
Designing (QP-10024)
Inspections (QP-10009)
O&M Manuals (QP-10018)
Packaging and Shipping (QP-10041)
Paint and Coatings (QP-10015)
Project Engineering – Products Division (QP-10025)
Submittals (QP-10017)
Warranty Processing (QP-10034)
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