Planners - An Industry Challenge

To really benefit from this post please read "Planners struggle... closing the gap" which suggests there does not seem to be a clear, global template that would encompass the role and expectations of a Planner.

What we do well:

Add a preceding attribute as a qualifier. Subsequently the Turnaround, Maintenance or Project Planner role is established, then breaking down to a granular level identifying discipline or craft.

Establishing a high level list of responsibilities including:
Planning of execution - Work Orders (Paper Planning)
  >  review and management of assigned Work Orders
  >  verification of scope
  >  decomposition of Work Order scope to the craft and/ or equipment level
  >  estimate duration to perform each activity
  >  estimate number of resources and equipment to perform each activity
  >  list of tools required to perform each activity
  >  Bill of Materials
  >  order materials
  >  development of Safety Plan
  >  list of possible constraints or anticipated challenges

Work Package Creation
  > creating work package file system
  > research and composition of detailed work packages
  > auditing of work package elements to ensure all pertinent information is contained within the package
  > ensuring work packages are delivered to the responsible craft lead

Where we have some challenges:
Once the role has been determined to the discipline level it is essential to qualify the level of proficiency required to meet the goals and objectives outlined within the resource responsibility and RASCI matrix's. It is also important that the Planner communicates to the right people when decomposing work orders, ordering materials, updating planning progress, troubleshooting challenges and resolving issues. By developing and sharing of a communication matrix clear direction is established regarding who to talk to about what. (These documents are essential when understanding the guidelines in which Planners operate)

Establishing level of competency to perform activities of the Planner
  >  sense of ownership (participation) - contributing, reviewing and communication
  >  trade level coupled with experience
  >  facility maintenance, project, turnaround and operations experience
  >  establishing duration estimating expectations - level of accuracy
  >  computer skills in general
    >  proficiency with CMMS software
    >  proficiency with MS Office suite
 >  scheduling experience - even from a fundamental support aspect
 >  experience managing and reporting to Planning backlog
 >  understanding of resource, time and cost budgets

The role of the Planner is essential when developing the scope of any turnaround, project or maintenance schedule. The Planner is expected to be a subject matter expert, understand stakeholder expectations, estimator, materials expert and communications leader. Essentially an authority on all aspects of deliverable execution. It is also critical that the Planner instills confidence within the organization. Unfortunately, to date, there is no accredited institute with an authorized, concrete curriculum to enable a Planner Competency.

Maybe later, until then...