Automotive Testing Technology International Magizine :: pages 84 and 85
November 2007

Engine and vehicle manufacturers, suppliers and research centers are constantly searching for more accurate, efficient and economical means to produce, collect, and analyze data. Critical to determining the roadblocks to effective data collection is an understanding of the influencing factors. Outdated facilities and test systems and a lack of testing capacity are identified quite easily. However, a major factor to consider is the fragmentation of facility systems, or quite simply, the lack of a properly operating facility.

The integration of the test systems with the facility is fundamental to successfully addressing a fragmented facility. While integration is a term of many connotations and equally as many levels of fulfillment; at its best, facility integration identifies critical systems that affect data collection; marries facility and process and delivers a functioning facility.

Organizations need a dependable, quality partner when it comes to complex facilitytest facility integration. ACS provides Total Test Facility Integration - a seamless delivery model that provides a single source for complete facility design and construction, equipment specification, selection and procurement, and complete systems integration and commissioning. The result is a fully functional test facility that delivers reliable data in a competitive manner.

Total Test Facility Integration allows development of guaranteed project costs early in the design process. This minimizes internal resource commitment, while still maintaining client participation in all aspects of design, cost, and schedule development. This is accomplished by early assembly of the project team, which consists of the client, ACS, and mutually selected consultants, contractors and suppliers.

The first phase in the process is the Concept and Budget Report (CBR), delivering to the client a defined scope, establishing a project execution plan and providing detailed project costs. ACS specifically tailors the cost documents to define the scope at a confirming level, allowing the receipt of a guaranteed maximum price. This early recognition of the project budget allows the client to make strategic decisions in the planning phase, minimizing changes and reducing overall project costs.

ACS uses its Test and Measurement Systems group to complete phase two of the process: equipment specification, selection, and procurement. Working as an extension of the client's staff, ACS assembles equipment specifications and requests submittals from qualified suppliers for each component. The responses are then reviewed jointly, allowing the client to make a matrix-based selection. Selected equipment is then procured by ACS.

The next phase is final design, during which the construction documents and long lead facility equipment packages are completed. Construction packages are developed so that facility construction can start shortly after the concept document approval. This allows overlap of the construction documents' development with construction activities and accelerates the schedule dramatically by beginning construction efforts in parallel with final design documents.

The fourth phase is construction, which spans from initial construction activities through start-up and commissioning. ACS does not self-perform the construction, but competitively bids to multiple subcontractors in each category. Using local contractors allows ACS to be competitive at locations around the world. ACS takes single source responsibility to coordinate the interface between all contractors and suppliers. The on-site project superintendent facilitates and supervises the daily construction activities. The responsibility of interfacing suppliers, purchasing critical equipment and pre-testing system components allows ACS to conduct streamlined commissioning processes for even the most complex facilities. The customer's operation and maintenance personnel are included in the start-up and commissioning process.

The last phase is the preventative maintenance phase. ACS develops and operates a preventative maintenance program to keep all the systems operating in peak condition. This phase includes ongoing operations and maintenance training developed specifically for the client's internal staff and providing electronic operations and maintenance manuals.

The design-focused ACS Total Test Facility Integration Process is structured to provide services as an extension of the client's staff. All cost information associated with the project is shared on a complete open book basis, allowing the client to remain in control of all project cost issues. Competitive bidding of all subcontractors allows the owner to receive the greatest value on all trade packages. This value-based, team-focused approach allows the client to receive: reduced project unit cost, accelerated project delivery schedule, and owner certainty of outcome.

The ACS staff is vertically integrated specifically for the single source delivery of engine, vehicle and component test facilities. With a fundamental knowledge of industry regulations, testing technology, and facility issues, ACS has a specialized understanding of both test and facility systems. Projects range from complete master planning, design and construction for corporate technology centers to laboratory relocations and single test cell upgrades. Renovations of active plants can be made
in phases, allowing the client to continue operating while upgrades are completed, enabling clients to meet "first to market" milestones. From the ACS manufacturing facility, capabilities extend to custom test equipment design and fabrication, controls and instrumentation, test data management, test cell commissioning, and ongoing operations and maintenance support.

Product independence and industry expertise, coupled with the excellent team building and total leadership skills, are the company's greatest service. ACS delivers.