We would like to start by making it very clear that we are not a software company, and we do not sell software. We are an engineering consulting company that provides exceptional service.

That being said, we should also emphasize that our service depend on best-in-class methods and procedures supported by consistent and proven software tools and data sets. Having a comprehensive software tool to facilitate our consultant's efforts is an essential part of our quality program and helps us to be extremely efficient and responsive to our customer's needs.

Instead of creating closed proprietary software, we develop our tools by customizing open and widely available software platforms. These platforms include some of the PHA documentation software that is already being used in your facilities for HAZOPs and other risk analysis studies. Use of open and flexible tools is absolutely essential. The risk assessment process used at a company's facilities needs to be consistent. For example, a closed proprietary software package for SIS safety integrity level selection that forces the use of a certain type of risk decision criteria (e.g., numeric, 3x3 matrix, risk graph, etc.) will result in poor results unless it happens to be identical with the criteria used for other studies, such as HAZOP. From a safety perspective and a regulatory compliance perspective all risk assessment studies should use a consistent risk decision framework. It is extremely important to develop and customize a software tool to fit into a site's existing policies, procedures and criteria for risk assessment.

While Kenexis typically does not sell software, we would be happy to help your team to develop a customized solution that fits your organization's needs and is consistent with your existing policies and procedures. We start with a Risk Assessment Documentation platform, such as PHA Pro 6.0 from Dyadem, and modify the risk assessment criteria, tables, and worksheets to match your work processes and expectations. We can help you to develop modules for SIL selection, SIL verification, equipment survey checklists, alarm rationalization, relief valve surveys, and a variety of other engineered safeguard analysis programs.

If you are interested in finding out how Kenexis can help you to develop a software framework for assessing and documenting risks and engineered safeguard design basis using open and widely available software tools, contact Kevin Mitchell at Kenexis at 614-451-7031 ext. 2 or by e-mail kevin.mitchell@kenexis.com