Planning vs OPC in a project: two distinct but complementary contractual functions
Introduction :
In project management, particularly in the construction, industrial, or energy sectors, two functions are often confused, or even wrongly merged in contracts: planning and the’OPC (Planning, Supervision, and Coordination).
At Alvid Consulting, we regularly intervene to clarify these roles in complex projects, and to secure their smooth operational and contractual deployment.
Two missions, very different in their nature
- The Planning is a technical and strategic function. It consists of model the task sequence, to Analyse the critical paths, to manage resources and to anticipate abuses of the project. The planner works with tools such as Primavera P6, MS Project You Tilos.
- The’OPC, for his part, is a Field mission, to strong operational and interfaced dimension. The OPC is not limited to a Gantt chart. It coordinates companies, anticipates interface conflicts, and above all, lead the project in the execution phase, day to day.
In the drafting of contractual documents (technical specifications, project management contracts, tender documents, etc.), it is fundamental to distinguish :
1. The scope of responsibilities
2. Scope of intervention
3. The deliverables
Complementarity, the key to project success
Too often, we see that the confusion of the two roles leading to problematic situations:
Unexpected delays due to a lack of active on-the-ground coordination; ;
Unrealistic plans plans developed without detailed knowledge of operational phasing; ;
Diluted responsibilities between the Ministry of Education, youth and sports, administrative and operational support, and businesses.
Our advice: clearly separate the two tasks in the contracts, while ensuring close collaboration between the two functions.
The Alvid Consulting Approach
At Alvid Consulting, we advocate for a Dual and integrated approach :
Us planners construct robust, structured, and dynamic schedules in Primavera P6 or MS Project.
Us project coordinators ensure fine-grained task synchronisation and operational coherence on the ground.
Us advise the contracting authorities and project management on the contractual structuring of OPC vs Planning responsibilities, and intervening in audit, reinforcement or overall steering.
In conclusion
The Planning is the GPS of the project.
The’OPC is the Experienced driver, who knows how to avoid traffic jams.
Both are essential for delivering your projects on time, within budget, and to contractual commitments.
Would you like to structure your project or tender with clarity on these functions? Contact Alvid Consulting – Our team is on hand to define your needs and secure your project management.
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