| | December 20149CIOReviewVintri will integrate with ShawCor's enterprise data system to deliver single-source data to Vintri's cloud-based repository with an objective of global expansion to bring more pipe mills into the systemtechnically robust purchasing process, pipe is also acquired as a commodity through distributors. Regardless of source, all pipeline components are installed by contractors. This can result in low traceability of pipeline components, as evidenced by significant data gaps exposed during accident investigations. To combat this, in 2011, TransCanada initiated discussions with ShawCor and Vintri Technologies about the possibility of building a pipeline product data system in which all suppliers could participate with the objective to better understand and track product quality to support TransCanada's asset integrity objectives. After a series of plant trials to validate the Vintri technology, the team developed the following:· A common standard for pipeline data, capturing all data needed to own and operate a pipeline over its entire life. TransCanada led this part of the program and elected to focus on the pipeline pressure envelope. The source of each data element for each component in the pipeline was identified. Supply chain participants were engaged to assess their ability to provide the data in electronic form.· A plant-based solution for manufacturers to collect and store pipeline component quality information, with links between the information and individual pipe. This is referred to as serial tracking where each pipe is a unique item. Product quality data includes steel characteristics, pipe mill data, and pipe coating data (thickness, testing results, etc.). · A cloud-based solution for data collection, security and query to support real-time access and long-term asset management. This solution needed to be both secure and accessible to all qualified suppliers, large and small, for participation via secure web-based portals.Development of the information technology solution was based on the ShawCor Technology Development process. TransCanada led the effort to establish the common data standard and represented "the Customer" because they will own the asset. Vintri Technologies served as the information technology provider, taking responsibility for the overall data management solution as well as the plant and field technologies. ShawCor worked with Vintri to develop the plant-based solution for traceable product-quality data on finished, coated pipe. A key requirement is to maintain the integrity of the pipe while the mill-applied markings are removed in the pipe coating process, and to ensure accurate and reliable stenciling when they are replaced on the finished external coating surface.The role of the pipe coater in the product data chain is significant for a number of reasons:· Pipe coaters receive bare pipe, sometimes from multiple
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