Evaluation of illustrative ConOps and Decision Matrix as tools in concept selection

Abstract

AbstractLow oil prices and cost reduction initiatives are currently affecting the oil and gas domain. At the same time, the industry struggles with budget and schedule overruns. The high focus on generic requirements tends to overshadow the operational needs for the system. Previous research points out insufficient acquisition of operational needs as a main contributor to costly late design changes. This paper explores the use of an illustrative Concept of Operation and Pugh matrix as tools when evaluating concepts in the subsea domain. We apply the tools to a conceptual study of an interdisciplinary system expansion to encourage an unbiased holistic mindset of the decision makers. We also aim to answer if the project engineers can use these tools to expose showstoppers and opportunities at an early stage of the system development process. The result of our research indicates that an illustrative ConOps supported by a high‐level Pugh matrix can serve as a trigger for discovering opportunities and constraints not initially considered. An Illustrative Concept of Operation and Pugh Matrix show potential when used as tools in communicating qualities of conceptual solutions between project members and stakeholders.