Planning vs. OPC in a project: two distinct but complementary contractual functions
Introduction :
In project management, particularly in the fields of construction, industry and energy, two functions are often confused, or even wrongly merged in contracts: Planning function and the’OPC (Ordering, Control and Coordination).
At Alvid Consulting, We regularly intervene to clarify these roles in complex projects, and secure their proper operational and contractual deployment.
🧭 Two very different types of mission
🔹 Planning is a technical and strategic function. It consists of model task sequences, à analyze critical paths, à manage resources and anticipating drift of the project. The planner works with tools such as Primavera P6,, MS Project or Tilos.
🔹 L’OPC, for its part, is a field mission, à strong operational and interfaced dimension. The OPC is more than just a Gantt chart. It coordinates companies, anticipates interface conflicts, and above all, steers the project through the implementation phase, day by day.
⚖️ Essential contractual distinctions
In the drafting of contractual documents (CCTP, MOE contracts, DCE, etc.), he is fundamental to distinguish :
1. Scope of responsibilities
2. Scope of intervention
3. Deliverables
🧩 Complementarity, the key to project success
Too often, we find that confusing the two roles leads to problematic situations:
Unanticipated delays for lack of active field coordination; ;
Unrealistic schedules because they were drawn up without detailed knowledge of the operational phasing; ;
Diluted responsibilities between MOE, AMO, OPC and contractors.
➡️ Our advice: clearly separate the two tasks in contracts, The two functions work closely together.
🛠️ The Alvid Consulting approach
At Alvid Consulting, we advocate a dual and integrated approach :
Our planners build robust, structured and dynamic schedules in Primavera P6 or MS Project.
Our OPC coordinators ensure fine-tuned task synchronization and operational consistency in the field.
We advising owners and contractors on the contractual structuring of OPC vs. Planning responsibilities, and intervene in audit, reinforcement or overall management.
🎯 In conclusion
✅ The Planning is the GPS of the project.
✅ L’OPC is the experienced driver, who knows how to avoid traffic jams.
👉 Both are essential to delivering your projects on time, on budget, and in line with contractual commitments.
🔗 Would you like to structure your project or call for tenders with clarity on these functions? Contact Alvid Consulting - Our team is on hand to help you define your needs and secure your project management.
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