Logistics: Critical for Remote Projects

In Alaska, a high percentage of projects are 'off the road system' and are considered remote locations. This aspect adds to the challenge of getting equipment and personnel to the job site. An additional challenge can be the weather; seasonal variations can work for or against the project in many ways. Preparation for a remote project is complex. In order to have a successful project, a great deal of planning is necessary and consultation with a person familiar with the area or experience working in remote areas is critical. Being able to respond to changes that can and do occur in the field, and anticipating scenarios that could occur and how to respond to those scenarios are crucial to a smooth running field program. Movement to and from the project for personnel, equipment, and samples may involve aircraft, boat, or off-road vehicles. Many projects involve setting up a temporary or long-term "camp" for the personnel which requires lodging, food, sanitation, transportation, and preparation for emergencies. Front end attention to even the smallest of logistical and project support detail can and will reduce the frustration of the Project Manager, personnel working on the project, and ultimately for the client. Reliance on last minute preparations can have immediate and long-term negative repercussions and be costly to the project. A successful field project doesn't happen automatically. It is important for all managers and key players, and our clients, to realize that a project that seems to run flawlessly is most likely one in which a great deal of thought has gone into the entire program planning process. Anticipating what can go wrong before ever leaving the office will allow for readily available at-hand information if things do go wrong once the project is underway. Having a back-up plan or several contingency plans ready to enact can often times save the project budget, the schedule and make the best use of all resources; both personnel and equipment. Pre-planning is especially important when you are dealing with a remote project. Your particular definition of remote may vary depending on where your offices are located, or where you commonly execute your field projects. Remote may be a job site that requires renting a 4 wheel drive vehicle to complete a project in Death Valley on dirt roads. Or remote may be one that requires flying to another state. In Alaska remote can take on a new, expanded, and to some, an awesome, unimaginable definition.