Learning objectives and outcomes

• To understand the principle steps of the SALVO process and its key approaches;
• To understand the concepts of cost risk optimisation and the total impact analysis approach to decision making analytics;
• To be a confident user of DST software and how it is applied to your own asset management decisions;
• To be confident in presenting the results, making decision recommendations (even with poor data) and handling challenges from others;
• To be able to apply your learning to support your company’s future asset management policies, strategies and plans now and in the future.

Course content includes:

The SALVO Process

• Introduction to the SALVO Project and 6-step SALVO Process
• Concepts of cost/risk optimization

DST Asset Strategy Evaluator – getting started

• The DST Decision lIbrary
• The DST Decision Structure
• Other useful operations

DST Modules

• DST Maintenance Evaluator
• DST Project/Change Evaluator
• DST Lifespan Evaluator
• DST Inspection Evaluator
• DST Inventory Optimizer

The DST Workshop Process

• Applying the training
• Key Learning points

Provides real practical insight into the implementation of effective processes for Asset Management, including alignment with organizational objectives and engagement of the workforce, risk management, prioritization, goal-setting, performance monitoring and cross-disciplinary collaboration requirements.

The course content includes:

Introducing the SALVO Process

• Who is DST?
• SALVO project and the 6-step SALVO Process

SALVO Steps 1-3

• Identify and prioritise problems / opportunities
• Defining the problem / issues
• Identifying potential solutions

SALVO Step 4: Individual solution evaluations

• The conflicting objectives
• The meaning of ‘Optimum’
• The DST approach to optimised LCC decisions

SALVO Steps 5: Blending and Bundling

• Blending rules
• Bundling examples

How to structure files in DST for an organisation
DST admin rights setup
Changing database
Backing up your DST database

DST is a suite of decision support software tools to assist in the cost/risk optimization of physical asset management strategies, particularly when available information is incomplete or uncertain. The tools comprise seven discrete but complementary modules that cover over 40 common types of asset management decisions.

The scope and application of these tools are extremely broad and are often business-critical. However, they are also designed to form part of an integrated decision-making process. This depends on a combination of clear roles, process discipline, and appropriate understanding or competencies in those performing the studies. Adequate training and assurance of competency in those performing DST studies are therefore important parts of providing confidence in the resulting decisions.

This Competency and Certification Framework has been developed to ensure that such appropriate skills are developed and harnessed; it also supports a structured professional development strategy that should be part of any effective continuous improvement programme.

Three levels of understanding and involvement in DST studies are recognized within the Framework. These are identified as:

• DST Certified Experts (DSCE)
• DST Trained Users (DSTU)
• DST Trained Contributors (DSTC).

In each subject area, the Framework covers DSTC, DSTU and DSCE levels of understanding, competency, and certification. Suitable prior skills and experience for each level:

DSTC (DST Trained Contributor)

• Any subject matter expert
• Knowledge and/or experience of planned task, equipment, maintenance, operations, design, process, costs, risks etc.

DSTU (DST Trained User)

• Computer literate (e.g. MSExcel, Windows, Word, Powerpoint)
  HNC, degree or equivalent education
• Understanding of basic risk concepts
• Interpersonal/communication skills
• Self discipline & good administration/documentation skills

DSCE (DST Certified Expert)

• As above plus industry and/or site technical and managerial experience
• Influencer skills
• Project management skills