An object-oriented historical cost information base to support concurrent engineering

The importance of conceptual planning in achieving overall cost effectiveness of engineering-construction project is well recognized. There are problems with the conceptual planning process though. One such problem is the lack of integration between design and project control systems. This results in a sequential cost optimization process, which is time consuming and ineffective for fast-tracked process plant projects. A concurrent engineering approach is explored in this dissertation as a way to improve the conceptual planning effectiveness. To support concurrent planning, a new historical cost information model is developed in this research.;Based on extensive user interviews, this research developed a complete set of system functional specifications, a portion of which was implemented in a prototype object-oriented historical information base, called IBIS. IBIS stores the data in data source objects that encapsulate the procedures to perform the following operations: (1) cost allocation, (2) cost aggregation, and (3) cost normalization. Applying these operations to data source objects, IBIS can generate historical cost reports (various cost views) for any object in the information base in response to queries from users. These functionalities are supported by IBIS's ability to build the object references automatically (with pointers and back pointers) as the data objects are created. These pointers also enable IBIS users to navigate through data objects as desired.;IBIS has demonstrated that it can support multiple levels of abstraction for different user views effectively by using the object oriented database functionalities. This eliminates the need for storing historical data on paper reports. Finally, the value of IBIS, which supports concurrent planning, was verified by a review panel of industry authorities.