Plant Documentation

We record your data with state-of-the-art software and specific knowledge – so that it can be used just as it is needed to implement your project and for official approval processes.

Two GCEA employees on the computer enter the documentation

Clear and Effective Documentation
Documentation of Project-Relevant Data in Plant Engineering

The plant documentation comprises all documents required for the operation, maintenance and safety of a plant. This includes technical processes, supplier documents, operating and maintenance instructions, security guidelines, error logs as well as higher-level, structured documentation and proof of change. We also support you with comprehensive project management, validation planning and the creation and review of validation and qualification documents.

What Do We Develop When It Comes to Documentation in Plant Engineering?

  • Engineering documentation for the pre-engineering, basic and detail engineering phases (basic and process flow diagrams and P&I flow diagrams, component lists, 2D/3D plant layout plans, 3D plant models, piping isometrics, OEM quotations, schedule, cost calculation, etc.)
  • Steel construction sketches for external dimensioning of the profiles
  • Piping statics incl. support plan
  • Explosion protection document incl. explosion protection zone plans
  • Explosion protection system documentation, also for existing systems
  • Technical system documentation
  • Qualification and validation documents (e.g. test plans and reports on DQ, IQ and OQ)
    • Project management to coordinate all relevant processes
    • Planning the validation
    • Creation of a validation plan
    • Commissioning, qualification & validation services
    • Creation of validation & qualification reports
    • Training and workshops for compliance with regulatory requirements
  • Applications and change notifications in accordance with the Federal Immission Control Act (BImSchG)
  • Approval register, AwSV register, approval requirement register
  • Maintenance and servicing plans and lists
  • Plant overview plans for machine and plant layout
  • Plant standards for process technology and plant engineering
  • Plant layout plans with supply lines (e.g. city water, well water, compressed air, electrical lines)
  • Plant plans such as fire department plans, fire protection plans, escape and rescue plans

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Two engineers develop the technical plant documentation

Why Is Plant Documentation Necessary?

System documentation is necessary to ensure the safe and efficient operation of a system. It collects all relevant technical documentation in one central location, which enables quick access to important information. This ensures that all components comply with legal requirements such as the Machinery or Pressure Equipment Directive and minimizes liability risks.

Missing or outdated documents can lead to delays in maintenance and inspections, as information has to be procured retrospectively at great expense. Well-structured documentation prevents such problems and reduces the workload during operation. It also helps to standardize processes and define maintenance measures to ensure the smooth operation of the entire system.

High-quality plant documentation offers clear advantages: up-to-date data, avoidance of redundancies and secure, traceable document management. Changes are incorporated immediately and external documents can be easily integrated. Data protection is guaranteed by controlling document access. After decommissioning, the documentation enables archiving in accordance with regulations.

Without professional support, errors can easily occur - such as incomplete or outdated data, which can lead to high costs later on. We help you avoid these pitfalls so that you don't have to worry about your plant documentation.

Our Approach to Creating the System Documentation

Plant documentation must meet specific requirements in order to ensure the success of the project. A uniform language is particularly important, especially for international projects, to ensure comprehensibility and consistency. This applies to the structure of the documentation, from the naming of files to the uniformity of fonts and font sizes.

The digitization of all analogue documents is central to enabling efficient document management. Our engineers ensure that all documents are classified in accordance with international standards such as EN 61355-1. This standard ensures that technical documents are correctly labeled and easily accessible.

References and keywords are carefully integrated to make the documentation traceable. It is crucial that the documentation is complete, as the operator must refer to it in the event of damage and it must be archived for at least ten years by law.

Documentation is initiated as early as the planning phase of the system and follows a structured process in four phases: First, data is collected, followed by the creation of raw documentation. After successful functional tests, the data is transferred and finally the final documentation is created after commissioning. This consists of paper and digital documents, CAD files and technical system data. Our engineers continuously update the documentation throughout the entire life cycle of the plant.