Page 211 - Pipeline Risk Management Manual Ideas, Techniques, and Resources

8/188 Data Management and Analyses
more than one level of fields. An upper, general level would direct a lot of resources toward those. When this is done at the
prompt the user to choose one or more search parameters, expense of analytical tools, the risk effort suffers.
perhaps from the example list above. He may also then choose
the next level of fields if he wishes to specify more detailed Comparisons
parameters.
Search capabilities (as previously described) facilitate compar-
Tracking isons by grouping records that support meaningful analysis.
For example, when investigating internal corrosion, it is proba-
Users may want the program to be designed so that it can auto- bly useful to examine records with similar pipeline products. In
matically track certain items. Overall changes in the risk pic- examining consequence potential, it might be useful to group
ture, changes in indexes, or changes in the scoring of specific records with similar receptor types.
items may be of interest. Tracking of risk results over time Comparisons between groups of records may require the
shows deterioration or progress toward goals. Following and program to calculate averages, sums, or standard deviations for
quantifying risk changes over time has special challenges in records obtained by searches. Detailed comparisons-side-by-
a dynamic segmentation environment. This is discussed in side comparison of each risk variable or even all underlying
Chapters 2 and 15. data-might also he needed.
The program should be able to display two or more records or
Graphics groups of records for direct comparison purposes. The program
may be designed to highlight differences between records of
Pictures reveal things about the data that may otherwise go certain magnitudes, for instance, highlight a risk variable
unnoticed. Bar graphs, histograms, pie charts, correlations, and when it differs by more than 10% from some corresponding
run charts illustrate and compare the data in different ways. “standard” value.
Routines should be built to automatically produce these pic- Records being compared will need to be accessible to the
tures. Graphics routines can also put information in geographi- graphics routines, since the graph is often the most powerful
cally referenced format such as a map overlay showing risk method of illustrating the comparisons. A distribution of risk
values or hazard zones in relation to streets, water bodies, popu- scores tells more about the nature of the risk of those pipeline
lated areas, etc. segments than any one or even two statistics. Correlations, both
Graphics are very powerful tools-they can and should be graphic and quantitative, will be useful.
used for things like data analysis (trends, histograms, frequency
distributions, etc.) and for presentations. A distinction should Accessibility andprotection
be made between analytical graphics and presentation graph-
ics. The former denotes a primary risk management tool, while The risk model and/or its results may need to he accessed
the latter denotes a communication tool. by multiple users in different locations. Network or Internet
Presentation graphics can and should be very impressive- deployment options are often a part of risk management
incorporating map overlays, color-coded risk values, spill dis- software design.
persion plumes spreading across the topography, colorful The database should be protected from tampering. Access to
charts showing risk variables along the ROW, etc. These are the data can generally be given to all potential users, while
effective communication tools but not normally effective withholding change privileges. Because all users will normally
analysis or management tools. It is usually impossible to man- be encouraged to understand and use the program, they must be
age risks frompresentation graphics. Apipeline is a long, linear allowed to manipulate data, but this should probably be done
facility that cannot be shown with any resolution on a single exclusive of the main database. An individual or department
picture. To manage risks, the user must be able to efficiently can be responsible for the main database. Changes to this main
sort, filter, query, correlate, prioritize, and drill into the often database should only be made by authorized personnel, perhaps
enormous amount of data and risk results. That cannot realisti- through some type of formal change-order system.
cally be done in a presentation environment where information Modern software has many protection features available,
is either very high level or spread across many drawing pages or requiring certain authorization privileges before certain opera-
many screen views. tions can be completed.
In simplistic terms, capabilities that involve charting and
comparing data and results will be analysis tools. Capabilities Statistics
that involve maps and alignment sheet style drawings will be
presentation tools. Note that presentation tools often enhance The ability to generate the general statistics discussed on pages
the ability to investigate, research, and validate information. 189-192 should be a part of the software features. Note that
This is part of their role as communications tools. The analyses most of risk management decision making will be supported by
tools will normally be used first in risk management. They will data analysis-usually involving statistical tools-rather than
identify areas of special interest. Their use will lead to the sub- by graphical tools.
sequent use of the presentation tools to better assess or commu-
nicate the specific areas of interest identified. Documentation
In evaluating or designing graphics capabilities in a software
environment, the relative value of each type of graphics tool If a commercial risk model is purchased, it is imperative that the
should be established. The inexperienced risk manager will be full explanation of the risk model be obtained. Consistent with
very attracted to presentation graphics and will be tempted to all engineering practice, the user will be responsible for the