Workflow Process Model for Flash Track Projects

Prior studies explored and identified the interrelationships of various flash track practices and concepts. This research formalizes a reengineered workflow process for successful flash tracking, known as cPEpC (little c stands for committed and collaborative engagement of downstream stakeholders at the onset of the project, big P stands for procurement of strategic and long lead items, E stands for engineering, little p stands for procurement of balanced items, and big C stands for construction). The cPEpC model is centered around the notion of the importance of building a fully integrated team by engaging key specialty contractors and vendors early on during the conceptual and detailed scoping phases. cPEpC formalizes the committed involvement of both contractors and specialty contractors as well as facilities operators and managers early in the project. In essence, it enables a construction-driven and operation and maintenance (O&M)–driven design philosophy or method of directing the design development process by injecting into it, at the outset, substantial knowledge and experience about means and methods of construction and considerations for O&M. cPEpC requires a heightened degree of concurrency among procurement, design, and construction, while maintaining safety, quality, and the risk tolerance that is needed to manage the volatility inherent in flash track projects. This paper contributes to the body of knowledge by formalizing the cPEpC workflow process and by providing empirical evidence of its implementation in a first-to-market flash track project in the food and consumer products industry.