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About Objective Solutions

Objective Solutions was established in January 2017 to offer management services, mainly to the electrical transmission and distribution market on a consultation basis.

My services cover the entire spectrum of the industry and besides my educational qualifications, I have served in various positions working with, and for, ESKOM and other utilities from 1981 to present.

Mission

To provide objective evaluations of problematic issues throughout the project value chain in the power line construction industry and provide effective solutions without unnecessary delay. As an independent party, Objective Solutions will be striving to mediate and facilitate between parties to reach early and amicable resolution to everyone’s best advantage. Objective Solutions’ services are available to Utilities, Contractors, Subcontractors and Incubatees.

Values
Discretion:
  • Findings and suggestions will always be based on fact and contractual specifications and agreements
  • Findings will always be True and Objective – regardless of who is paying for the service. Wherever possible, evidence will be presented.
Confidentiality:
  • Matters handled will be kept confidential unless the other involved parties decide otherwise.
  • Costs, methods, resources, progress etc. seen during investigation, will not be disclosed to any other party.
  • Objective Solutions will not accept work that conflicts with existing undertakings.
Legality:
  • Where legal contraventions are found – the parties that need to know will be informed immediately so that it may be corrected.
Impartiality:
  • The only thing that matters to Objective Solutions is that the correct information gets to the parties involved, without taking sides.
Candor:
  • Too much time is lost on projects by people protecting their actions and territory to the disadvantage of the industry.
  • Objective Solutions will say what needs to be said as diplomatically as possible – but silence for the sake of avoiding conflict is not an option.
Services
Contractors
Utilities
Incubatees
For Contractors:
For Contractors:
  • Critical Anayisis of enquiries (Request for Prices)
    • Objective Solutions will:
    • Study proposed contract to understand scope of work and technical requirements. Take note of extraordinary or unusual requirements
    • Evaluate contractors’ internal capacity in terms of financial, human and equipment availability to meet requirements within the expected project duration
    • Evaluate probable availability of resources to perform the work during the proposed contract duration
    • Evaluate competitive position in light of current market
    • Report findings in a risk matrix to the contractor to make financial and time provision for risk and/or decide to submit a competitive bid or not
  • Preparation of Proposal Documents
    • The contractors’ Management appoints a Bid Capture Team – with delegates from Finance, Operations, Technical, Logistics, Purchasing, HR and Estimating to participate in bid preparation.
    • Objective Solutions will lead the capture team to:
    • Agree on a bid preparation schedule and ensure that all team members deliver their high quality inputs in time for estimating to put the costing together.
    • Assist and coordinate the efforts of the Bid Capture Team to deliver a comprehensive and high quality tender.
    • Review progress at appropriate intervals and intervene where required to solve bottlenecks or late delivery by team members
    • Ensure that all risks are considered during the costing exercise.
    • Do a tender review with Senior Management and document outcomes; markup, payment terms, expected cash flows.
    • Adjust the tender to meet with Managements instructions.
    • Prepare a covering letter that stipulates inclusions, exclusions, proposed changes in technical, performance or financing requirements as decided by Management.
    • Get the tender signed by duly autorised persons.
    • Arrange copying, binding and delivery of the tender.
  • Supplier, Subcontractor and Incubatee Evaluation
    • During the tender preparation, the contractor may decide to use subcontractors and Incubatees and will by necessity have to select suppliers of material.
    • Objective Solutions will do an evaluation of the proposed Service Provider to ensure that they are:
    • Technically competent
    • Have sufficient financing to stay solvent during their contract
    • Have competent people in key positions
    • Have the required equipment
    • Have the required legal appointments and registrations in place
  • Supplier, Subcontractor and Incubatee Evaluation
    • The contractor normally have to procure materials for use on the project that conforms to customer and legal requirements. BBBEE status is; for instance; a critical requirement to conform with.
    • Objective Solutions can assist with the following:
    • Ensure the supplier is acceptable to the client (Employer)
    • Has the capacity to supply material to specification and on time
    • Negotiate payment arrangements to assist cash flows
    • Ensure BBBEE status is as stated in documentation
    • Ensure that the physical quality of the material is to specifications
  • Contract evaluation on Receipt
    • Objective Solutions can assist with the following:
    • Evaluate contract documents for differences between enquiry, tender and proposed contract with specific attention to:
      • Payment terms
      • Bill of Quantity
      • Scope of Work
      • Execution programme
    • Address differences before contract is signed.
  • Initial works
    • Objective Solutions can assist with the following:
    • Select (Receive) Project Team as per tender allowables
    • Meet with Bid Capture Team and Operational Team – disclose all relevant contractual and technical factors to the teams.
    • Prepare/modify project schedule if different from tender schedule. Define the critical path. Submit to the Employer for acceptance (Especially if NEC 3 contract)
    • Kickoff meeting with Employers’ site team
    • Prepare and submit all contractual and legal documentation for authorizations or approval. This includes; Inspection and Test Plans, Environmental management Plans, Method Statements
    • Finalise contracts with suppliers of long lead items
    • Prepare project Budget
  • Site Establishment
    • Objective Solutions can assist with the following:
    • Lease agreements with landlords
    • Install Infrastructure at camp – offices, ablutions, fencing....
    • Contracts for waste water removal, security....
    • Permissions to use water, access outside servitude, waste dumping at registered sites, hazardous waste disposal
    • Permission to store fuel and to distribute fuel on site
    • Accomodation arrangements – provision for food and laundry.
    • Install communication infrastructure
  • Mobilization
    • Objective Solutions can assist with the following:
    • Arrange for people and plant to get to site
    • Get work permits and create employment contracts
    • Notify Manpower of intent to start construction in terms of OHSA Act.
    • Medicals and Induction for all site personel
    • OHSA appointments
    • Track receipt of material to stores
  • Procurement
    • Objective Solutions can assist with the following:
    • Final price and delivery negotiations
    • Place orders and service level agreements on suppliers
    • Finalise contracts with service providers and place orders
    • Open accounts for consumables like fuel, hardware
    • Ensure all suppliers have the correct specifications, drawings, delivery schedules...
    • Track receipt of material to stores
    • Authorise payments when due
  • Construction
    • Objective Solutions can assist with the following:
    • Monitor production, productivity, progress, quality and cost
    • Take corrective action where either of the above is not as per budget
    • Keep records of lost time to facilitate possible claims to or from the client
    • Prepare and submit claims where necessary.
    • Inititiate Invoicing on due dates or milestones
    • Keep track of variation orders. Evaluate the effect of such orders on cost and time and take appropriate action.
    • Physical checks on Health and Safety, Quality and Environmental compliance.
    • Monthly Project reports
    • Project Meetings with the ‘Employer’
    • Issue or Receive Early Warnings and take each to conclusion
    • Perform Dispute resolution tasks if required.
    • Rehabilitate and hand over site
  • Root Cause and Effect
    • Objective Solutions can assist with the following:
    • Do on site evaluation of a reported problem to determine the:
      • Veracity and extent of the problem
      • Reported matter is a contravention of a law, statute, specification or standard
      • Most likely immediate effect on Safety, Quality, Progress, Cost
      • Whether the evident matter is an effect of other related issues or whether the matter is the effect of its own origin
    • Purvey my opinion of the root cause and its current effects, as well as the probable effects if the matter is not resolved, in a detailed report.
      • A concession request may need to submitted to the Employer or Engineer or
      • An ‘accept as is’ proposal may be proposed if the matter springs from ignorance of the contract, specification or law and hence warrants no further action
  • Corrective and Preventive Action
    • Objective Solutions can assist with the following:
    • Propose corrective action that would minimise negative effects of the matter without being contrary to any law, statute, specification.
    • Where necessary – involve a relevantly skilled or qualified person to evaluate and agree to the proposed actions.
    • Propose a meaningfull method; with the root cause in mind; to prevent the matter from recurring.
    • Follow up on site to see that the proposed action has been implemented and that the results are acceptable.
For Utilities: (The Employer)
For Utilities:
  • Critical Analysis of Tenderers current capability
    • Objective Solutions can assist with the following:
    • Evaluate contractors’ internal capacity in terms of financial, human and equipment availability to meet requirements within the expected project duration
    • Evaluate probable availability of resources to perform the work during the proposed contract duration
    • Evaluate competitive position in light of current market
    • Report findings in a risk matrix to the Employer to make financial and time provision for risk and/or decide to submit a competitive bid or not.
  • Supplier, Subcontractor and Incubatee evaluation
    • The Tenderer is likely to use subcontractors and Incubatees and will by necessity have to select suppliers of material.
    • Objective Solutions can do evaluations of the proposed Service Providers to ensure that they are:
    • Technically competent
    • Have sufficient financing to stay solvent during their contract
    • Have competent people in key positions
    • Have the required equipment
    • Have the required legal appointments and registrations in place
    • Compliant with SDL requirements
  • Supplier evaluation and selection
    • The contractor normally have to procure materials for use on the project that conforms to customer and legal requirements. BBBEE status is; for instance; a critical requirement to conform with.
    • Objective Solutions can assist with the following:
    • Ensure the proposed supplier is acceptable to the client (Employer)
    • Has the capacity to supply material to specification and on time
    • Ensure BBBEE status is as stated in documentation
    • Ensure that the physical quality of the material conforms to specifications
  • Contract evaluation on Receipt
    • Familiarise self with contract documents for full understanding of with specific attention to:
      • Applicable Specifications and Standards including SHEQ
      • Scope of Work
      • Execution programme
      • Bill of Quantity
      • Payment terms
  • Initial works
    • Meet Project Team as allocated – Planning, SHEQ, Site management and Supervisors.
    • Ensure that the team all know the contract and their roles and responsibilities.
    • Receive project schedule. Review, discuss with Contactor and accept/reject in terms of the contract. Finalise and accept in terms of NEC 3.
    • Kickoff meeting with Contractors’ Project and site team. Ensure all, including subcontractors, are au fait with the contract deliverables. Keep Minutes of the Meeting.
    • Receive all contractual and legal documentation for authorizations or approval. This includes; Inspection and Test Plans, Environmental Management Plans, Method Statements. Get these revieved and brought to earliest conclusion and approval
    • Finalise contracts – via Commercial, with suppliers of long lead and free issue items and ensure this is provided for in the Project Schedule
    • Prepare project Budget
  • Site Establishment
    • Install Infrastructure at camp e.g offices; if not supplied by the contractor
    • Check Contractor has contracts for waste water removal, security....
    • Meet with landowners – establish a relationship.
    • Accomodation arrangements – provision for food and laundry
    • Install communication infrastructure if not supplied by Contractor
  • Mobilization
    • Arrange for people with equipment to get to site
    • Notify Manpower of intent to start construction in terms of OHSA Act
    • Medicals and Induction for all site personel
    • OHSA appointments
    • Track receipt of material to stores and maintain Inventory
  • Construction
    • Monitor production, productivity, progress, quality and cost
    • Take corrective action where either of the above is not as per budget or schedule
    • Keep records of lost time to facilitate possible claims to or from the Contractor
    • Prepare and submit Site Instructions where necessary
    • Receive and review Payment Certificates/Invoicing on due dates or milestones
    • Keep track of variation orders. Evaluate the effect of such orders on cost and time and take appropriate action
    • Physical checks on Health and Safety, Quality and Environmental compliance
    • Monthly Project reports
    • Project Meetings with the ‘Contractor’
    • Communicate and Facilitate with other Utilities for line, rail or road crossings or excavations
    • Issue or Receive Early Warnings and take each to conclusion. Maintain a Risk Register
    • Perform Dispute resolution tasks if required
  • Root Cause and Effect
    • Do on site evaluation of a reported problem to determine the:
      • Veracity and extent of the problem
      • Reported matter is a contravention of a law, statute, specification or standard
      • Most likely immediate effect on Safety, Quality, Progress, Cost
      • Whether the evident matter is an effect of other related issues or whether the matter is the effect of its own origin.
    • Purvey my opinion of the root cause and its current effects, as well as the probable effects if the matter is not resolved, in a detailed report:
      • A concession request may need to submitted to the Employer or Engineer or
      • An ‘accept as is’ proposal may be proposed if the matter springs from ignorance of the contract, specification or law and hence warrants no further action.
  • Corrective and Preventive Action
    • Propose corrective action that would minimise negative effects of the matter without being contrary to any law, statute, specification.
    • Where necessary – involve a relevantly skilled or qualified person to evaluate and agree to the proposed actions.
    • Participate in finding a meaningfull method; with the root cause in mind; to prevent the matter from recurring.
    • Follow up on site to see that the proposed action has been implemented and that the results are acceptable.
For Incubatees:
For Incubatees:
    • The business plan is an essential document that should be done even before an incubatee thinks about a name, a logo or registration of the business. It’s primary objective is to get buy-in from potential equity partners, investors and ultimately - Customers
    • Objective Solutions can assist with the following:
  • Business Plan Preparation
    • Evaluate the Value Statement of the Incubatee – do they offer a desireable niche service?
    • Assuming they do offer a valued or differentiated service, processor product:
      • Do a study on the Political, Environmental, Social and Technical aspects that affects the viability and sustainability of the business.
      • Do a Competitor Analysis – what is your competitive advantage
      • Evaluate the Financial requirements of the business with the key factor being able to maintain apositive cash flow.
      • Determine the key success factors of the business
      • Reduce the dream to a detailed Mission with measureable Objectives
      • Do preliminary budgets, cash flow statement and Balance Sheet
      • List what they are good at – capitalise on this
      • List what they are bad at – make arrangements to rectify the weaknesses
  • Sourcing of Finance
    • If the business need assistance to negotiate loans, grants, investments etc. Objective Solutions will assist or lead these processes as required by the client.
  • Getting Orders
    • Objective Solutions can assist with applications to be registered:
      • At National Treasury as an approved supplier
      • At Targeted Utilities
      • On Employer Panels of approved suppliers
    • Objective Solutions can assist with preparing tenders or evaluation of orders received from main contractors before acceptance of orders.
  • Basics of Project Management
    • If required, Objective Solutions can initiate the new owners in the science of Project Management but it must be understood that, unless I am appointed to act as Project manager, the topic is too vast and complex to impart in a meaningfull manner.
  • Contract evaluation on Receipt
    • Evaluate contract documents for differences between enquiry, tender and proposed contract with specific attention to:
      • Payment terms
      • Bill of Quantity
      • Scope of Work
      • Execution programme
    • Address differences before contract is signed.
  • Initial works
    • Select (Receive) Project Team as per tender allowables
    • Meet with Bid Capture Team and Operational Team – disclose all relevant contractual and technical factors to the teams.
    • Prepare/modify project schedule if different from tender schedule. Define the critical path. Submit to the Employer for acceptance (Especially if NEC 3 contract)
    • Kickoff meeting with Employers’ site team
    • Prepare and submit all contractual and legal documentation for authorizations or approval. This includes; Inspection and Test Plans, Environmental management Plans, Method Statements
    • Finalise contracts with suppliers of long lead items
    • Prepare project Budget
  • Site Establishment
    • Lease agreements with landlords
    • Install Infrastructure at camp – offices, ablutions, fencing....
    • Contracts for waste water removal, security....
    • Permissions to use water, access outside servitude, waste dumping at registered sites, hazardous waste disposal
    • Permission to store fuel and to distribute fuel on site
    • Accomodation arrangements – provision for food and laundry.
    • Install communication infrastructure
  • Mobilization
    • Arrange for people and plant to get to site
    • Get work permits and create employment contracts
    • Notify Manpower of intent to start construction in terms of OHSA Act.
    • Medicals and Induction for all site personel
    • OHSA appointments
    • Track receipt of material to stores
  • Procurement
    • Final price and delivery negotiations
    • Place orders and service level agreements on suppliers
    • Finalise contracts with service providers and place orders
    • Open accounts for consumables like fuel, hardware
    • Ensure all suppliers have the correct specifications, drawings, delivery schedules...
    • Track receipt of material to stores
    • Authorise payments when due
  • Construction
    • Monitor production, productivity, progress, quality and cost
    • Take corrective action where either of the above is not as per budget
    • Keep records of lost time to facilitate possible claims to or from the client
    • Prepare and submit claims where necessary.
    • Inititiate Invoicing on due dates or milestones
    • Keep track of variation orders. Evaluate the effect of such orders on cost and time and take appropriate action.
    • Physical checks on Health and Safety, Quality and Environmental compliance.
    • Monthly Project reports
    • Project Meetings with the ‘Employer’
    • Issue or Receive Early Warnings and take each to conclusion
    • Perform Dispute resolution tasks if required.
    • Rehabilitate and hand over site
Qualifications
Management Advancement Programme (MAP)
Advanced Project Management Programme
ALTX Directors Programme
Production Management Diploma
Export Management Diploma
New Engineering Contract Short Course
Welding & Fabrication Inspection Certification Level III
  • No Original Available
Liquid Penetrant Testing Level II
  • No Original Available
Radiographic Testing Level II
  • No Original Available
Magnetic Particle Testing Level II
  • No Original Available
Ultrasonic Testing Level II
  • No Original Available
Career
  1. Power Line Consultant

    Objective Solutions

    With over 36 years of experience in the power lines industry, I have embarked on a journey to pass on the knowledge I have acquired during the course of my career. I am currently assisting a Young Black Woman owned company to be recognised as an Incubatee for the Transmission line Industry, which includes creating a business plan, getting finance & creating operational systems.


    Furthermore I am in the process of developing a new product for the market – still very hush hush, as well as serving on Working Groups where POLASA and ESKOM are working together to improve the industry.

  2. Projects Manager

    Robor (Tricom)
    Responsible for:
    Ariadne Venus manufacturing project - 5000T
    Upington A & B manufacturing projects - 3600T
    Gromis Oranjemund – 1800T
  3. Operations Director

    Robor (Tricom)
    Responsible for:
    Setting up facilities to manufacture power line towers.
    Introducing a MRP system to manage jobs better.
    Developing a logistics system more suitable for the power line
    manufacturing business.
    Continuation of current projects for telecommunication towers.
    Continuation of manufacture & corrosion protection on the
    Meerkat Backing Structures.
  4. General Manager

    Stefanutti Stocks Power
    Responsible for:
    Gouda Windmill 132kV Double Circuit line – 42km – Line Construction
    Sere Windfarm 132kV line – 46km – Line Construction
    Gamma Kappa 765kV – Stringing & Regulating only
    Kappa Turn-ins – 400kV – Line Construction
  5. Contracts Director

    Stefanutti Stocks Power
    Responsible for:
    Tabor Witkop 400Kv Line 96km – Line Construction
    Gumeni Turn-in 132kV – Poles – 17km – Line Construction
  6. Operations Director

    Africa Power Lines
    Responsible for:
    Medupi H Section – Tower Manufacture & Line Construction
    Eastgate Deviations (Highly Complex Project) - R1,000,000.00 / 100m
    Other responsibilities included:
    Financial performance of operations.
    Getting Africa Power Lines ISO 9001 listed.
    Getting Africa Power Lines ready for power line construction,
    i.e. purchasing of required equipment, building teams etc.
    Getting Africa Power Lines accepted as a capable line
    construction company at Eskom.
    Developing & implementing reporting & measurement systems.
    All operations including telecommunication site builds in countries
    like The DRC, Ghana, Benin, Nigeria & RSA.
    Getting problem projects to completion & minimising losses.
  7. General Manager

    Africa Power Lines
    Responsible for:
    Financial performance of operations.
    Establishing a new Power Line tower factory within the existing
    Telecommunication tower factory.
    Continuation of existing telecommunication tower manufacturing.
    Creating & implementing factory & logistic control systems
    i.e. productivity measurements etc.
    Introducing & establishing Quality Control systems.
  8. General Manager

    ABB Powerlines / Babcock Nthutuko Power Lines
    Responsible for:
    Financial performance of the BUU.
    Tower design & testing.
    1200T per month tower manufacturing facility.
    Internal 3000T per month Galvanizing facility.
    OHL components up to 765kV level facility.
  9. Project Manager

    ABB Powerlines
    Responsible for:
    The export of 6000T of 400kV tower steel (Mexico).
    The export of 4000T of 400kV tower steel (Phillipines).
    The export of 2500T of 132kV tower steel (Malaysia).
    Cahora Bassa – 500kV Direct Current Line replacement of storm
    damaged section over the Zambezi river.
    Nigeria Shirora Abuja - 330kV Line (60km) & Substation - this included
    design & testing.
  10. Production Manager

    ABB Powerlines
    Responsible for:
    Managing the manufacture of Overhead Power Line Fittings.
    Ensuring high quality & on time delivery of all orders within budget.
    Planning & acquiring of stock / services.
    Measuring productivity.
    Overseeing the maintenance of all factory related machinery & facilities.
    Overseeing all processes & functions of the factory, i.e. Forgings; Castings;
    Machining; Galvanizing; Packaging & Dispatch.
  11. Divisional Quality Manager

    ABB Powerlines
    Responsible for:
    The development, implementation & maintenance of ISO 9001 systems.
    Management of factory Quality Control personnel.
    Management of Site Quality Control personnel.
    Management of Supplier Quality Control & Assurance.
    The development of Inspection & Test Methodologies.
    Root Cause Analysis.
    The maintaining of Records of Inspections & Tests at all operations.
    Projects in this role:
    Majuba Pegasus 400kV Line.
    Matimba Bulawayo 400 kV Line.
    Saldanha 400kV Line.
    Majuba Power Station – Coal offloading system.
    Majuba Power Station – Materials handling system.
  12. Quality Manager

    Howden Group
    Responsible for:
    The development, implementation & maintenance of ISO 9001 systems.
    Management of Supplier Quality Control & Assurance.
    Management of internal Quality Control personnel.
    The development of Inspection & Test Methodologies.
    Root Cause Analysis of problems.
    Corrective Actions.
    Preventive Actions.
    Products made:
    Industrial Fans for Eskom & Mines.
    Industrial bag filters.
    Air Preheating packs for Eskom.
    Industrial heating systems like Kilns for ISKOR (Mittal).
    Pumps.
  13. Quality Specialist

    Eskom - Capital Expansion Division
    Responsible for:
    Problem Resolution Processes.
    ITP's - Procedures for approval.
    Supplier evaluation.
    Destructive testing, i.e. Tensile Testing; Charpy Testing; Hardness Tests etc.
    Nondestructive testing, i.e. Visual & Dimensional Inspection;
    Magnetic Particle; Ultrasonics; Radiography; Liquid Penetrant; etc.
    Paint Applications.
    Galvanizing.
    Products made:
    Nuclear Fuel Cells.
    High Pressure Valves.
    Pressure Vessels.
    Structural Steel, i.e. Buildings, Power Lines, Conveyors etc.
  14. Quality Control

    Eskom - Rosherville
    Responsible for:
    Preparing Inspection & Test Plans.
    Physical inspection of products during the manufacturing process.
    Recording of inspection results for the record.
    Non destructive testing processes incl. Visual & Dimensional Inspection.
    Balancing rotating equipment.
    Statutory Inspection on High Pressure Welding.
    Corrosion Protection.
    Products made:
    Structural Steel.
    Heat Exchangers.
    Pressure Vessels.
    High Pressure Piping Systems etc.
  15. Qualified Boilermaker

    Eskom - Rosherville
    Responsible for:
    Manufacturing to drawing, from raw materials.
    Products made:
    Fans, Fan Casings, Bearing Casings.
    High Pressure Piping Systems.
    Structural Steel.
    Power Station Maintenance work.
    Pressure Vessels.
  16. Draughtsman

    GEA Aircooled Systems
    Responsible for:
    Making detailed drawings to engineering design.
    Products made:
    Heat Exchangers.
    Structural Steelwork.
  17. Qualified Boilermaker

    Wadeville Engineering
    Responsible for:
    Manufacturing to drawing, from raw materials.
    Products made:
    Underground Coal Mining Equipment.
    Draglines.
    Structural Steel.
    Tanks.
    Industrial Fans.
    HP Pipework.
    Pressure Vessels.
  18. Boilermaker Apprentice

    (Continued After National Service)

    Wadeville Engineering
    Responsible for:
    Manufacturing Structral steel for Sasol II.
    Practise & preparation for Trade Test.
  19. Boilermaker Apprentice

    Wadeville Engineering
    Responsible for:
    Manufacturing various steel products as part of training.
    NTC 3.
Contact
+27 83 452 5093
nickv@objectivesolutions.co.za
+27 11 083 5679
Nick van der Mescht
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53 Joyce Street, Randhart Ext1, Alberton, 1449
Created By: Apollo Design Agency | 2017