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38 / November 2020 powderbulk.com CHECKLISTS TO HELP YOU PREPARE FOR A SUCCESSFUL PROJECT Facilities that process bulk solid materials often need to replace old or worn processing equipment, add manufacturing lines, or possibly even construct a new plant. This article provides checklists and questions to ask to help ensure that these types of projects proceed smoothly and successfully. Jerry Ferguson, Cross Industry Link full access to all parties involved in the project — both internal and external. SOW information checklist Once the right person has been chosen, the SOW can begin. Here are some items that need to be included: » The SOW should start with an overview of the company and an explanation of what you wish to accomplish with the project. › What are you planning to do? › Why are you planning to do it? › Where (in the facility or process line) are you planning to do it? › How are you planning to do it? » Include a description of the material(s) you pro- cess; for instance, list properties such as sticky, wet or dry, free-flowing, or others. What is the material's bulk density? Both your contractor and equipment suppliers B ulk solids processing plants often have to take on construction and installation projects. Equipment may have worn out or you might be looking to increase production efficiency or improve output. The project may involve adding one piece of equipment or it may mean adding an entirely new step to the operation. All of these scenarios have a common theme: If you want the project to be successful — and you certainly do — you need to make a plan. First, determine your needs. Then clearly communicate those needs to a contractor. The more clearly and specifically you can do this, the better your chances for a successful proj- ect conclusion. There are three items that are crucial. These include a well-written scope-of-work (SOW) document, an accurate budgetary estimate, and draw- ings or plans of the existing equipment or facility. All planning, regardless of project size or complex- ity, should start with a written SOW document. This is the best way to communicate your project's needs to the contractor(s). No one knows better than you exactly what you want to accomplish, and no one is better than you at answering the questions that will need to be asked. In essence, developing this plan and moving it forward to the next phase — getting an accurate bid from a qualified contractor — is up to you. Next, you need to choose the right person (or per- sons) to compile the SOW document. Do you have someone in your organization who's qualified to research and write such a document? Does this person have adequate knowledge of your process? Will he or she be able to invest enough time in collecting the information? The task could take hours, days, or even weeks depending on the project's complexity. The individual will need effective communication skills, as well, and management will need to grant the person For this mineral bagging operation, the scope-of-work document listed installing new bagging equipment, the support structure, and a catwalk.