What is an ORAT?
Changes bring opportunities but they also bring risks. In safety and time critical environments, these risks, if unmanaged, can have very serious consequences.
Operational Readiness and Transition (ORAT) is a methodology that provides a framework for managing the risk that changes bring with it, be it due to changes in facilities, configuration or procedures. This methodology also aims at harnessing the opportunities that the same changes bring. ORAT is a methodology highly used in changes affecting airport operations. It can equally be applied to other changes in the aviation industry such as those affecting Air Navigation Services.
A typical project focus is on construction delivery and completion of a static asset (cost, time and quality), operational readiness is focused on the dynamic state of a business operation, integrating all of the diverse moving parts into one, cohesive, dynamic operation.
An ORAT is used mainly because it:
• Ensures smooth start / transition of operations.
• Provides controlled and managed planning, preparation and execution of operational readiness processes.
• Integrates all stakeholders (air navigation services (management and staff), airport operations, regulation and certification, airlines, handling, etc.)
• Ensures buy-in and safe and efficient process
ORAT Components
Every project is different; however usually an ORAT will have the following elements:
It is important to remark that each of these elements has a purpose in the ORAT process and it should be properly handled.
Also, an ORAT will require excellent coordination between Operational, Technical and Safety/Regulatory parties.
Human Centric Approach
We believe that the best way of doing an ORAT is keeping in mind that Humans are always a key part, as we are the ones who are involved in every operation.
The various ORAT sub-phases such as Concept, Procedures, Safety, Training, Shadowing have also the objective of permitting the main actors (e.g. Management, Operations, Engineering, Safety Management, Regulatory Oversight, etc.) to gain confidence in the system, therefore, increasing the acceptance of the system as a whole and increasing the chances of a successful transfer of knowledge.
ORATs aim not only to prepare everything for operations but also to transfer essential knowledge on procedures, training and safety management as well as transition management to the staff during the process.
INGENAV we are confident that when a big change will happen, an ORAT is a key element for a successful transition into the new operation environment.
We base this on our knowledge and in our experience of previous projects where with the use of ORAT, successful implementations have taken place.