Page 15 - Suncor 360 - October 2014

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OCTOBER 2014
360

“At our first review session, it was like we Looking at the well pad project holistically He is confident that adding rigour to the

broke the sound barrier when people
builds the successes of each individual team well pad project will result in more efficient
started asking ‘What’s best for Suncor?’ into a successful overall program, says use of time and money. “We are looking

The answers began resonating with
Gordon. “We have the people and the to commoditize the well pad program
our mission of reducing capital costs,
talent, and by getting teams collaborating, instead of creating a specialized work of

and the relevance of why we were all we’re creating a plan that will improve each art each time.”
there became crystal clear.”
and every time we execute it.”

Another view of collaboration: STENS

Suncor Technical Excellence Networks members, who are appointed by Suncor’s professionals. “Our group comes together

(STENS) are a formal mechanism for Technical Forum, are driven by one question: to write the guidelines, and the STEN
cross-company collaboration.
What’s best for Suncor?
sponsors a subcommittee of engineers from

the local networks who discuss the contents
These knowledge-sharing networks bring Answering this question requires focusing on of these chapters and offer feedback.” The
our subject matter experts together to a common goal – the key to effective
end result will be a best practices booklet to
develop solutions, share best practices and collaboration. “We all operate in different be used as training material for new
transfer lessons learned with the goal of facilities and locations, but we recognize that
engineers and during orientation for
reducing operational risks, developing if we come together as a group to process automation professionals.
competency and improving performance. collaborate, everyone will rise with the same

These groups break down barriers, connect tide,” says Eric.
Differences in geographical location means
peers, reduce the redundant work that STEN members meet face-to-face at least

happens in silos and capture knowledge so To do so, however, it is crucial to reconcile once annually, but primarily work together
everyone’s different circumstances,
others can use it. STENS focus on specific through conference calls, video conferences,
areas that range from equipment to experiences, locations and roles before collaboration sites on the Core and email.
defining how, what and where to collaborate.
operating procedures and safe work practices
to key technical processes that support “It is up to each network’s team leader to
sense where the differences are and facilitate
maintenance, reliability and turnarounds.
the reconciliation of these differences.”
360+
Eric Lau, the STEN team lead for Process

Automation Application, says each of the STEN members typically focus on a few For more information about
roughly 30 technical excellence networks distinct priorities each year. This year, Eric’s STENS, visit the Core >
Collaboration > COP Sites > Suncor Technical
across the company have a mandate and a STEN is developing a set of automation best Excellence Networks.
practice guidelines for process control
well-defined way of operating. Team

Eric Lau
MacKay River wellpads.