DST Software training

Decision Support Tools Ltd (DST) is the Evaluator Software product division of The Woodhouse Partnership Ltd.

The Decision Support Tools Asset Strategy Evaluator suite is the first of a new generation of technologies to bridge the gap between technical issues and financial justification for what to do, why, and when.

The Woodhouse Asset Management Academy supports the DST education and training program.

The highly interactive nature of the software demands a collaborative workshop approach to ensure that not only are the underlying concepts understood, but they are also converted to real practical capability and value, through first-hand experience of how and when to apply them effectively.

We combine classroom training (or distance learning) with onsite facilitation support of live asset studies to achieve DST User & DST Expert qualifications.

In almost all cases the studies performed, during the training program, reveal benefits that exceed the cost of the whole implementation (training, facilitation, software licensing and support).

DST training is an essential component of acquiring the software and is part of the implementation program tailored to the solution.

Find out more at
www.decisionsupporttools.com

Our Decision Support Software Training courses include:

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

 

***NEW***
Optimized value-based Decision-making course

Methods, tools, skills, and processes for optimizing cost, risk, performance, and sustainability.
1 day course

We  also facilitate SALVO process and DST Modelling workshops:

We will select a suitable diverse range of cases to be studied, from those provided by your organization, for reinforcing/applying the training with an immediate analysis program.

The selection will depend on available knowledge and complexity of the cases (‘do-ability’ in the timescale available). We will also provide an idea of the relevant data or knowledge that would be valuable; if we provide full ‘input data templates’, our experience is that people get intimidated unnecessarily – whereas the ‘live’ capture and pooling of local knowledge is a lot more practical and successful!

The initial session will be used to introduce the underlying concepts and the range of methodologies and tools needed for the different decision types. After this session, we split into more subject-specific modular training/workshops, with appropriate multi-disciplined teams – the relevant team in each case should include, at least, process/operations, design/engineering and maintenance knowledge, and will benefit from some generic information being available (e.g. unit labour costs, production rates and planned/unplanned downtime consequences).

Examples of Good Cases for initial studies include:

Planned maintenance task intervals e.g.

  • Heating or cooling systems
  • Mechanical equipment overhauls 

Inspection timing/intervals

  • Corrosion monitoring
  • Periodic condition measurements

Safety/Functional testing intervals

  • Electrical protection devices
  • Standby equipment

Spares decisions

  • Is it worth holding a high cost, long lead time ‘critical’ spare; if so, how many?

Minor projects (cost/benefit/risk appraisal)

  • Any

Major asset life cycle decisions 

  • Purchasing 
  • Life extension 
  • Replacement  

For further information and to obtain a quote please contact us

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