Pipeline operators and regulators are recognising the importance and usefulness of formal 'management systems'.
A Management System is a management plan, in the form of a document, that explains to company staff, customers, regulatory authorities, etc., how the  company and its assets are managed, by stating:

• who is responsible for each aspect of the asset and its management,
• what policies and processes are in place to achieve targets and goals,
• how they are implemented,
• how performance is measured, and
• how the whole system is regularly reviewed and audited.

PIPELINE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Penspen Integrity can produce pipeline management systems, MAPDs, MAPPs, risk management systems, and pipeline integrity management systems. These are usually 'paper-based' system. At the core of this system will be a risk analysis.. This analysis can be either quantitative or qualitative. A qualitative analysis is usually the preferred first step, and this should show an operator the key risks, and they can be quickly addressed. Quantitative analysis can follow this first step, if necessary, but in both cases (quantitative and qualitative) expert judgement and analysis will be required. Later versions of the system could be in the form of software.

Pipeline operators are strongly recommended to adopt these management systems, as they are an excellent aid to management, allow rapid demonstration of compliance with laws, codes and regulations, and can offer real cost benefits, by identifying key risk areas, and relevant mitigation methods.