Today, the term ‘integrated engineering’ has become commonplace when it comes to plant engineering in the process industry. At first, the statement that ‘integrated engineering does not match up with reality’ may seem intriguing! Nevertheless, a closer look at the realities of planning shows that the ‘best of everything’ approach offers many advantages, provided it is realized in the right way.

The idea of gathering all project data in one common database and using one tool for complete lifecycle of the plant, from concept and basic planning through detailed planning and construction to commissioning and operation, does sound attractive. However, what sounds good in theory unfortunately does not work in practice. Only in rare cases, it is possible for a whole enterprise to switch to one integrated software solution – not to mention any project partners who may be involved. Reality in the process industry and hence its software solutions are definitely heterogeneous.

Many believe that there is no alternative to integrated engineering. But, users do have a choice. In simple terms, they have to make the decision between having ‘everything from one source’ and having ‘the best of everything’.