PDIS is the WSDOT agency-wide, project delivery information system that supports delivery of Capital Improvement Preservation Program (CIPP) projects. It works within WSDOT’s Project Management process for effective and efficient project delivery.
PDIS includes a customized version of Sciforma's PS8 software, which is a tool for:
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Project Planning
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Work Breakdown Structure Development
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Schedule Building
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Resource Assignments and Management
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Cost to Complete Estimates
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Comprehensive Project Analysis and Tracking
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Individual or Multiple Project Analysis
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Project Performance Measurement
WSDOT's 3 Strategic Initiatives are Project Delivery, Accountability and Communication. PDIS contributes to all of these initiatives. PDIS enhances project level scheduling and cost management capabilities and provides an agency-wide method to balance resources and roll-up consistent project data across multiple projects. Actively managed project schedules mean greater ability to be proactive on projects. Because schedules are documented and readily visible to project teams and managers, it contributes to electronic communication and supports face-to-face communication as well.
History and Status
In 1997, the Olympic Region set out to improve their project delivery effectiveness. This effort evolved into a search for a more robust scheduling software tool that could handle multiple project schedules, be networked with other project support teams to share schedule information, and have the ability to compile schedule, budget, and resource data and “roll it up” at the team, office, and region levels.
Sciforma’s PS8 software was selected through a competitive process. Later, the entire agency jumped in, realizing that PDIS will provide powerful tools for effectively managing project delivery, providing consistency for project teams across the state.
When fully implemented, PDIS will lead to increased efficiency in project delivery and greater accountability. PDIS is being developed and implemented in phases.
Phase 1 – Business and Functional Requirements for the scheduling software. From August 2000 through May 2002, we gathered business and functional requirements and built the prototype system. At the same time we worked to increase awareness about the benefits of using schedules to manage projects. We also did some training of staff to use PS8 as a stand-alone scheduling software tool. From May through October 2002, we tested, and refined the prototype system. On November 18, 2002 we turned the scheduling system on for statewide use.
Phase 2 was the initial implentation of the scheduling system. Many users have received training and opened accounts. A number of Project Delivery Training courses covering the priniciples of project scheduling, basic use of PS8, and other more advanced courses in project scheduling, analysis and management are available.
The Project Delivery Information System, as it exists today, provides a pivotal tool for the development of project schedules that can be effectively used on individual projects and can also be compared and/or rolled up for office, region, and agency-level use. One of the most important features developed and implemented to date is the Master Deliverables List (MDL). The MDL provides a common starting point for the development of schedules, and ensures consistency in terminology for project deliverables.
The future of PDIS includes more comprehensive and easier access to project-related data across the board, improving project communication for both internal and external audiences.
Phase 3 kicked off in August of 2004. While the scheduling system is already fully functional from a scoping and design standpoint, there are enhancements necessary both to streamline its use and broaden its effectiveness, and to more fully include specialty groups and the construction side of the house.
Additionally in Phase 3 WSDOT will build a data mart that will contain data from project schedules agency-wide. This data mart will be a part of the overall WSDOT data warehouse and will enable easier access to comprehensive project data, increasing the effectiveness and efficiency of project delivery and project reporting. Also within Phase 3 WSDOT will examine the value of resource loading project schedules and various methodes of tracking actual project expenditures over the life of the project.
WSDOT's efforts on PDIS are a long-term commitment. The way we schedule and manage projects in changing to meet both internal and external needs for information. We are well on the way, however, there is still much to do. Patience on all sides and a willingness to experiment and to learn are our biggest allies in this change process.
For detailed information about this project or to arrange a presentation for your group or organization contact:
PDIS Help Desk
WSDOT Project Management & Training Office
PO Box 47335
Olympia, WA 98504-7430
(360) 705-7300
Email: WSDOTPDISHelpDesk@wsdot.wa.gov