What is BS 202001 and Its Impact on the Industry?
BS 202001, titled “Project Controls – Specification,” is an exciting development for industry project management and controls. Currently under review, this British Standard has been released in draft form by the British Standards Institution (BSI) for public consultation. It aims to establish a robust framework for the design, operation, and application of project controls, making it relevant for organisations, leaders, and consultants across various sectors and industries.
What is BS 202001?
BS 202001 seeks to standardise project controls by providing clear guidelines and specifications applicable to projects of all types and sizes. The standard is designed to foster consistency, efficiency, and effectiveness in managing projects, particularly in complex environments where clear controls are essential for success.
As outlined by Steve Wake, Chair of the BSI committee responsible for this initiative, the standard intends to emphasise the importance of embedding project controls at all stages—from inception to completion. It is poised to become a key tool in improving engagement and collaboration among all stakeholders involved in project delivery.
Implications for the Industry
The introduction of BS 202001 represents a significant step forward for industries reliant on project management and controls. By offering a standardised approach, it will enable:
- Improved Consistency: Organisations will benefit from a unified methodology for managing projects, reducing variability in outcomes.
- Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlined processes will help reduce wasted effort and optimise resource allocation.
- Wider Collaboration: Clear guidelines will encourage better communication and cooperation across multidisciplinary teams.
For sectors like construction, engineering, and IT, where robust project controls are critical, BS 202001 could become a cornerstone of best practices, supporting better governance and accountability.
The introduction of BS 202001 offers an excellent opportunity to leverage specialised STO (Shutdown, Turnaround, and Outage) software such as, iPlanSTO, to align with the standard’s guidelines on project controls. iPlanSTO provides a comprehensive platform for planning, managing, and monitoring critical maintenance and operational projects, ensuring that every aspect of project control—from resource allocation to timeline management—is optimised and transparent.
By integrating the principles of BS 202001, iPlanSTO can enhance consistency and collaboration across teams, ensuring that projects are not only completed efficiently but also in compliance with industry-wide best practices. For organisations seeking to adopt BS 202001, such software solutions can serve as a critical tool for embedding robust controls and delivering successful outcomes in a structured and consistent manner.
Opportunities to Provide Feedback
The draft of BS 202001 is now available for public consultation until January 10, 2025. This provides a unique opportunity for stakeholders to shape the final document by reviewing and commenting on its contents.
To participate, individuals and organisations can register on BSI’s online review portal, which provides easy access to the draft and facilitates a straightforward feedback process. This collaborative approach ensures the standard reflects the needs and perspectives of the broader industry.
Timeline for Implementation
While the draft is available for consultation now, the finalised version of BS 202001 is expected to be published in mid-2025, following the incorporation of public feedback. Once it comes into force, it will be a valuable resource for project managers, consultants, and organisational leaders, driving improved practices across the board.
BS 202001 is a landmark step in the evolution of project controls. Its implications for consistency, efficiency, and collaboration will be felt across industries, offering a standardised approach that promises to elevate project management practices. With the opportunity to provide feedback still open, this is the time for stakeholders to engage and contribute to shaping a standard that will define the future of project controls.
To learn more or participate in the consultation process, visit the BSI review portal and ensure your voice is heard.
