Operational Readiness Activation & Transition (ORAT)

Launching Operationally Complex Facilities: Operational Readiness Activation & Transition (ORAT)

Introduction

The launch of a new airport, hotel, hospital, stadium, or other public asset involves significant operational challenges. Many such launches have faced delays or issues due to inadequate planning and testing. To ensure a smooth transition from construction to operation, organizations can adopt the Operational Readiness Activation & Transition (ORAT) methodology.

When to Use ORAT

ORAT is particularly beneficial for complex, high-profile, and high-risk projects such as:

• Airports, railways, malls, stadiums, hotels, hospitals, and major events.
• Projects with multiple stakeholders and strict safety, security, and regulatory requirements.
• Situations where user behaviors are unpredictable and high customer service expectations are critical.

Overview

Purpose: ORAT aims to achieve complete operational readiness, not just construction completion. It focuses on integrating diverse moving parts into a cohesive, dynamic operation.

Key Components:

• People, Processes, Facilities, and Systems Integration: Validating integration points through exercises and tests to identify risks and gaps.
• Risk Management: Holistic risk management and reporting.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging stakeholders early to ensure their needs are met and to build confidence.
• Business Continuity: Maintaining continuity during the transition.

Process

Steps:

1. Blueprint Development: Setting expectations, defining responsibilities, and building a holistic view.
2. People Preparation: Organizational change strategy, recruitment and onboarding, technical and operational training.
3. Facilities and System Activation: Ensuring high-quality delivery and support for operations.
4. Process and Trials: Developing and testing processes, including standard, fallback, and emergency procedures.

Benefits

• Early Integrated Approach: Early identification and mitigation of risks.
• Improved Stakeholder Relations: Better issue resolution and enhanced stakeholder engagement.
• Process Definition and Testing: Improved processes and better training.
• Structured Staff Recruitment and Familiarization: Comprehensive training and familiarization programs.
• Positive Public Relations: Enhanced customer experience and improved public perception.
• Comprehensive Methodology: A robust framework to de-risk facility openings.

ORAT Blueprint

• Business Objectives, Scope, and Success Criteria
• Budget Planning
• ORAT Strategy
• Future Operating Model

Implementation

Structure:

• ORAT Delivery Structure: Project management office, operational readiness schedule, critical path, and independent tracking.
• Risk Assessment and Issue Management: Real-time tracking and dashboards.
• Governance and Coordination: Clear governance structure, single point of contact (SPOC), and stakeholder management.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Engagement Plan: Early stakeholder identification and engagement to ensure needs are met.
• Activation Program: Coordinating diverse stakeholders and leading towards a common goal.

People Preparation:

• Change Strategy: Aligning people, processes, facilities, and systems.
• Training Programs: Technical and operational training, general familiarization, resilience, and well-being.

Facilities and Systems Activation:

• System Ownership Matrix: Clear ownership and responsibility.
• Handover and Acceptance: Transparent and coordinated handover processes.

Process and Trials:

• Testing and Training: Progressive development and testing of new or modified processes.
• Trials: Effective dress rehearsals for final validation.

By leveraging the ORAT methodology, businesses can ensure a seamless transition from construction to operation, minimizing risks and maximizing customer satisfaction.