Interface and integration management for FPSOs

For the purpose of concurrent engineering, ease of fabrication, time to first oil and reduction of onsite special competencies, the topside of FPSO is divided into several modules. Modularization minimizes interaction between the modules by increasing interaction within the module. Interactions are interfaces which must be recognized, defined, designed, documented and tested. The term interface refers to any logical or physical relationship required to integrate the boundaries between systems, subsystems and their environment. Systems and subsystems can include hardware and software. Interface management (IM) is a process to manage interfaces efficiently. The intention is to define a process which makes IM cost-effective and efficient. The proposed process starts breaking down the total system into several subsystems or modules with minimal interaction between them. Following the system engineering V-diagram all interface requirements, their possible solution, and method of testing them are documented. The Design Structure Matrix (DSM) is used to identify an optimal number of modules as well as for the tracking interface progress during the design, fabrication and installation phases. Strategies needed to manage interfaces between various subsystems are discussed. The methodology is equally applicable to other industries that also face interface management of complex systems.