Migrating and delivering data in a form that can be used by data-centric systems is one of the most important elements for a successful move to the SmartPlant solutions. Intelligent systems can convert data to information, but this requires some form of raw data to be able to function. This discussion of the relationship between systems and data may seem trivial, but it is fundamental to the successful implementation of any new system.

Through the years, we have gathered many lessons learned during data migration projects. Here is a list of my top five lessons learned:

When planning a new system installation, place a line item in the budget for data conversion and migration. In our experience, the migration effort can easily equal the time and cost for system licensing, delivery, training, and startup. The good news is that the investment will serve you for many years to come.

A former boss of mine frequently said, “Projects will come and go, but objects (data) will last forever.” Once migration and data recovery have been performed, the result should be considered an asset of the corporation. It should be secure, maintained, and continually used as facilities are designed and modified and decisions are made.

Create and migrate information once and use it many times. The value of information is directly proportional to the number of times it is used. Information referenced even once has real benefit.

Always evaluate how information will be accessible by multiple systems. Fundamentally, today's technical systems are designed to look at the same plant elements — just different views. Make sure that information is accessible across multiple platforms. SmartPlant Foundation has a groundbreaking capability to unify different information about a plant and the changes made to it. There is tremendous value in SmartPlant Foundation's ability to manage and publish information through multiple data systems. The industry will continue to develop advancements to “glue” together data centers.

Consider the role within your company for “information engineers.” Traditionally, companies have employed system/application specialists, but now is the time to take this role to the next level. Information Engineers are responsible for ensuring that information about their particular specialty (rotating equipment, heat exchangers, instruments) is being fully captured, retained, and used multiple times.

The management track for the Intergraph 2003 IP&P conference reflects the emphasis on “data as the fuel.” The topics cover significant challenges we all face as we define data-centricity; the business value of integration; e-collaboration in the 21st century; and the owner and EPC of the future. The implications are clear: we must plan and maintain our information with as much care as we have traditionally planned and maintained our software applications. When we achieve this, companies will begin to see the non-linear benefits that can provide a new competitive advantage.