FAQs to SEAMS can generally be categorised into the following areas:
However, if you have a question that is not answered here, then please call us or and we will be happy to respond to your query.
A: It’s true that the usefulness of any output is reliant on the quality of input data. However, SEAMS’ consultants and domain experts are highly experienced in working with clients who have limited data. We work in close consultation with you and we are highly skilled in collating disparate data. We baseline data and create the foundation for your future data strategy that can be continually built upon and improved.
SEAMS have developed a series of data tools and analytical techniques to cope with limited, weak and often incomplete datasets. We recognise the need to first understand a client’s asset stock and its behaviour, which is at the heart of any modelling-based approach to investment decision making. Repopulation tools have therefore been developed to automate and expedite the infill of missing, and the eradication of erroneous, information, in order to cleanse data for modelling purposes.
A: No prediction will ever be 100% certain given the level of uncertainty in the real world. The key therefore is to make uncertainty a manageable risk. WiLCO will help to quantify uncertainty in your business, along with an associated risk factor (to either service or performance delivery) and cost implications. It will also show you variations of risk and therefore where you should prioritise your investments.
A: Part of our role during consultation, implementation and maintenance is to support you and your colleagues through every stage of the process. It’s important to remember that we are not aiming to change your business strategy. We operate within your ‘business as usual’ framework and our role is to optimise existing operations, systems and procedures. Most business improvement projects create change, but it’s positive change that will result in more streamlined, efficient and effective systems and processes within a very short space of time. SEAMS’ consultants are mindful of the impact of change and we will work to ensure you are hand-held throughout the implementation process.
A: A4: We believe that WiLCO is better than any competitive products on the market and more powerful than your own internal reporting tools. The software, which was developed specifically for the utilities sectors, considers not only all assets, but also all asset inter-dependencies and overlaps relating to investment scenarios. Spend decisions can therefore be made from a really robust and informed platform – optimising the opportunity to meet all of your asset investment objectives. It also enables the visualisation of your asset portfolio and your cost and performance scenario options over time – translating scientific outputs into meaningful information for engineers, asset managers, and finance professionals.
The software’s sophisticated predictive modelling capability sets it apart from other solutions. It improves forecasting accuracy and usefulness. It gives the client confidence that they have access to the best possible decision making tools.
A: The level of in-house resource required at the client’s site depends on the scale and complexity of the project requirements. Our first stage consultation determines the likely internal resource requirement and it can range from 1 – 2 people part-time for smaller projects, to much larger numbers of staff across various different departments for more complex projects. In terms of ongoing input, SEAMS provides full training before, during and after the implementation stage. Some clients require full training in the use of the WiLCO technology. Others are happy to have the whole system hosted off-site, so long as they have access to the outputs and resuilt viewing applications.
A: SEAMS operate a standardised analysis and modelling methodology – called the Template Project Workflow Service (TPWs). This is a robust and proven methodology. It is also a flexible methodology, allowing for change and/or development to suit any given client scenario or requirement. TPWs documents guide the analyst through data processing and model building procedures in a uniformed way, ensuring quality is built in at each step.
We carry out detailed sensitivity analyses of input data and results, and – by understanding the quality and quantity of your data – we can assess risks and apportion potential costs against these risks within a very well controlled environment. This gives our clients real confidence in their decision making. Validations against real world data also take place, including GIS plotting, measurement against historic performance (“back-casting” as opposed to “forecasting”) and expert panel discussion to further quality assure the process and outputs.
A: SEAMS employ the PRINCE2 (Projects in Controlled Environments) Project Management Methodology. With the PRINCE2 framework as a base, projects are delivered in a structured and controlled manner to achieve project and business success. The methodology ensures projects are delivered to timescale and budget with the necessary control and risk management, whilst accommodating the required flexibility.
A Project Initiation Document (PID) is produced and signed by the client to ensure that the project starts in an ordered manner and that all key deliverables and outcomes are agreed and documented. The key stakeholders are continually informed of the project progress and issues using Highlight Reports (issued at a frequency agreed with the client).
Throughout the project, SEAMS’ Project Manager will control, monitor and report on project progress. This will include the management of issues, changes, risks, stages and deviations from agreed tolerances.
Once all deliverables are accepted and signed off by stakeholders, the project is brought to a controlled end. Project success is assessed against the Business Case and the achievement of the deliverable using an External Project Evaluation Report (EPER).
A: SEAMS will develop a cost proposal based on an individual client’s needs. Fees are determined by:
