Abstract:
An interactive computer program for forecasting, prioritizing, planning and tracking paint, coating and lining maintenance work for the Facility assets of industrial and commercial complexes using an IBM compatible type computer. The assets include but are not limited to buildings, tanks, towers, structures, pools, docks and their sub components such as process piping, structure steel members, concrete floors, overhead cranes, blowers, pumps, motors, vehicle hoists, hardware, paneling, conduit, facades, exterior doors, interior doors, windows, and gutters that require painting over time. The novel invention uses a four step process. The first step is to break down the facility into asset groups, master components, and sub components. Second a condition survey of the master components and subcomponents is conducted followed by making work recommendations for each sub component. The third step is to develop coating system standards where coating systems, and cost data for the maintenance work is calculated. The fourth step covers work management which includes an assessment by sub component, recommendations are accepted and altered, costs are recalculated and various types of data operations are performed such as preparing management reports, historical data is reported and cost and schedule data is reported.

Description:
This invention relates to the strategic long term planning for the maintenance of paints, coatings and linings, and in particular to a novel computer program that anticipates future work requirements and costs associated with the recoating and repainting operations for industrial and commercial facilities such as but not limited to amusement parks, resorts, petroleum refineries, paper mills, power generating stations, municipal waste and water treatment systems, off shore oil drilling platforms, chemical processing plants, pharmaceutical plants, mineral processing facilities, cement plants, food and beverage preparation plants, ships, mines, office buildings, sports stadiums, automobile production and assembly plants, steel mills, electronic component manufacturing facilities, bakeries, manufacturing plants, agricultural production facilities, textile mills, lumber operations, printing and publishing plants, marinas, aircraft manufacturing plants, government aerospace facilities, railroad equipment manufacturing and repair facilities, pipelines and related equipment. 
     BACKGROUND AND PRIOR ART 
     Industrial and commercial facilities am comprised of numerous components and sub components which require regular inspection to determine when recoating and repainting projects should occur. For example, a chemical processing facility can have master components such as storage buildings, production areas, tanks, cracking towers, platforms, pressure vessels and sub components such as piping, structural steel members, concrete floors, overhead cranes, blowers, pumps, motors, valves, conduit, exterior doors, interior doors, windows, and gutters that require repainting over time. Thus, the larger and more complex the facility, the greater the task of planing for recoating and repainting projects. Many facilities are not re-coated and repainted until natural weather conditions have deteriorated the surfaces to a point of needing recoating/repainting immediately. By this time, the substrate of the master or sub component could be damaged as well. Thus, there would be additional labor, material and equipment costs to repair the substrate as well as the labor, material and equipment costs associated with the recoating and repainting operations. Constantly re-inspecting the master components and sub components of the facilities to determine the various recoating and repainting needs requires the expenditure of considerable engineering manpower resources. The organizing, cataloging and retrieving of the data collected by the constant re inspections in a manner which is beneficial to a facility, is extremely difficult if not impossible. These tasks are further exacerbated with large scale facilities that include multiple storage buildings, production areas, tanks, cracking towers, platforms, pressure vessels and sub components such as piping, structural steel members, concrete floors, overhead cranes, blowers, pumps, motors, valves, and conduits. 
     Several U.S. patents will now be described that fail to adequately solve the above problems. U.S. Pat. No. 3,605,682 to Groce et al. describes a coating computer but does not apply to structures, facilities and the like. U.S. Pat. No. 4,902,398 to Homstad describes a software program for coating materials in a vacuum environment and does not encompass facilities such as exterior building structures. U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,648 to Fills et al. describes a system restricted for paint inspections using video cameras to monitor painting automobiles. U.S. Pat. No. 5,437,773 to Glass et al. is restricted to an environmental and corrosion monitoring system. Other patents that do not solve the above problems include U.S. Pat. No. 5,229,840 to Arnarson et al. and U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,317 to Cox et al. 
     Thus, the need exists for a solution to the above identified problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The first objective of the present invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting facilities their master and sub components of facilities which tracks and reports what work needs to be done, when the work should be done and how much the work will cost. 
     The second objective of this invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting master and sub components of facilities that prioritizes the maintenance work requirements for coating and lining systems. 
     The third objective of this invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting master and sub components of facilities that forecasts future work requirements and annual budget estimates. 
     The fourth objective of this invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting master and sub components of facilities that tracks and reports performance of installed coating and lining systems. 
     The fifth objective of this invention is to provide long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting master and sub components of facilities that pinpoints coating and lining failure trends. 
     The sixth objective of this invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting master and sub components of facilities that schedules condition survey inspections. 
     The seventh objective of this invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting master and sub components of facilities that stores, analyzes and reports condition survey data. 
     The eighth objective of this invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting master and sub components of facilities that archives historical coating condition data for future reference. 
     The ninth objective of this invention is to provide a long range strategic maintenance planning tool for recoating and repainting a facility&#39;s components that compliments resource and manpower programs. 
     The novel software algorithm program are used primarily in mechanical component maintenance departments to write daily work orders for repairs and preventative maintenance. The invention can be used to track and report daily and weekly manpower utilization by maintenance departments and not for budgeting or prioritizing work to be performed. 
     The novel invention includes a graphical Windows™ type based user interface. This interface promotes a pro-active approach to performing maintenance work. The invention can further be user customized in order to help plan work packages that take advantage of economies of scale. The outputs can be interactive reporting and include planning screens which allows for strategic use of available funding for particular applications. The invention allows for &#34;what-if?&#34; scenarios in forecasting and work planning and reduces overall maintenance costs through more effective planning. The invention collects, stores and analyzes critical maintenance data and provides an accurate method of forecasting annual coating maintenance costs. The novel invention tracks effectiveness of completed work and significantly reduces planning time. The invention allows the user to track planned verses actual costs and allows historical data to be quickly retrieved. The novel invention allows for extensive analysis and reporting capabilities and provides immediate access to critical maintenance data and further provides detail at the facility, master component, or sub component levels. 
     Further objects and advantages of this invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of a presently preferred embodiment which is illustrated schematically in the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
     FIG. 1A is an overview flow chart of the four step implementation process for the invention. 
     FIG. 1B is a detailed view of the four step implementation process of FIG. 1A. 
     FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred computer equipment set-up for using the novel four step implementation process of FIGS. 1A-1B. 
     FIG. 3A is a flow chart representation of Step 100 and part of step 200 of FIGS. 1A-1B. 
     FIG. 3B is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 200 of FIGS. 1A-1B. 
     FIG. 3C is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 200 of FIGS. 1A-1B. 
     FIG. 3D is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 200 and a portion of step 300 of FIGS. 1A-1B. 
     FIG. 3E is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 300 of FIGS. 1A-1B. 
     FIG. 3F is a flow chaff representation of the remaining portions of step 300 of FIGS. 1A-1B. 
     FIG. 3G is a flow chart representation of a portion of step 400 of FIGS. 1A-1B. 
     FIG. 3H is a flow chart representation of the remaining portion of step 400 of FIGS. 1A-1B. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates a exemplary facility 600 having major components and subcomponents that can benefit from the subject invention. 
     FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary executive summary-work managment output of Step 400. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Before explaining the disclosed embodiment of the present invention in detail it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of the particular arrangement shown since the invention is capable of other embodiments. Also, the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. 
     The invention incorporates a novel four-step implementation process which will first be briefly described in reference to FIG. 1A and followed by an in depth description in reference to FIG. 1B. Referring to FIG. 1A, the first step 100 is a facility breakdown where each facility is organized into manageable components. The second step 200 is a condition survey where the facility is inspected to determine the baseline condition and in order to collect necessary data. The third step 300 encompasses coating system standards to select the coating systems to be used. The fourth step 400 encompasses work management to forecast, plan and track coating maintenance work using interactive screens, data generating reports and the like. 
     FIG. 1B is a detailed overview of the four step implementation process of FIG. 1A. For the facility breakdown, five substeps: Identify Asset Groups 110, Define Master Components 120, Define Sub Components 130, Enter Master Components 140 and Enter Sub Components 150 are followed. Table 1 gives a detailed description of the implementation process for each of the five substeps 110-150 of Step 100. 
     Step 100-Facility Breakdown/Asset Grouping 
     
                       TABLE 1______________________________________Enter Master   Each master component is entered into the computer by itsComponents   identification number. Also entered is a brief description of140     the master component, the type of component it is   (decorative, facade, operational or structural), the date of   the entry, the criticality of the master component to the   desired operation of asset group (non-critical, moderate or   critical) and a notation as to location.Enter Sub   Each sub component of each master component is enteredComponents   into the computer by its identification number, under each150     master component&#39;s identification number. The sub   component identification numbering system is a subset of   the master component&#39;s numbering system, which allows   for planning and prioritizing by both master component   relationships or by other broader relationships, such as   process systems. Also entered is a brief description of the   sub component, the date the sub component was created,   the substrate material (concrete, steel, aluminum, wood,   fiberglass, drywall, etc.), the criticality of the sub   component to the master component (non-critical,   moderate, critical), the total surface area of the sub   component which has been measured or calculated for each   sub component&#39;s parts and summarized as a total, the   elevation and location of the sub component. If a digitized   picture of the sub component is available, it may be   attached to this record at this time.______________________________________ 
    
     Referring to FIGS. 1A-1B, the Condition Survey Step 200 includes two substeps: Conduct Condition Survey 210 and Make Work Recommendations by Sub Components 220. Table 2 gives a detailed description of the implementation process for each of the two substeps 210.01-210.13 and 220.10-220.20 of Step 200. 
     Step 200-Condition Survey 
     
                       TABLE 2______________________________________Sub StepDescription    Implementation Process______________________________________Conduct  Each sub component is visually inspected to rate andCondition    record a number of physical attributes. This informationSurvey   is then input into the software program. The attributes210      that are observed, rated and recorded are: 210.01-210.13Exposure type    The sub component&#39;s exposure type is observed and210.01   entered as atmospheric, ultraviolet, acidic, alkaline,    immersion, splash zone, salt spray and high temperature.    All that apply to this sub component are entered.Operating    The sub component&#39;s operating environment is rated asenvironment    one of the three types of operating environments-mild,210.02   moderate or aggressive.Substrate    The substrate condition of each sub component is rated ascondition    intact, superficial damage, structural damaged or210.03   structurally failed.Coating  The coating integrity of the existing coating is rated asintegrity    excellent, good, fair or poor.210.04Select   The location of the sub component is evaluated as to theSubComponent    ability to be seen by the public. The ratings are hidden,View210.05    visible and high profile.Rate     The overall appearance of the sub component is rated byAppearance    the surveyor/inspector. The values of this attribute are210.06   excellent, good, fair and poor.Measure  The adhesion of the existing coating to the substrate isAdhesion rated as excellent, good, fair or poor. This rating can be210.07   correlated with ASTM Adhesion Test Method D3359.Defect Ratings    The sub component is inspected for any of 17 coating210.08   defects. Once a defect is observed, it is rated as to its    frequency (minor, random, medium or extensive), its    possible consequences if left un repaired (aesthetic,    coating failure, structural collapse or creation of a safety    concern); the percentage of the sub component&#39;s area    (0-100%) that is affected by each observed defect is    measured and recordedDFT (Dry Film    The dry film thickness of the existing coating isThickness)    measured using the appropriate test equipment. Several210.09   representative measurements are made and recorded in    the DFT table to allow the software to calculate an    average coating thickness.Hazardous    If the surveyor/inspector determines that a hazardousOperations    material/condition may result for work on this sub210.10   component-a notation is made as to the potential hazard    present.Inspection    Based on the surveyors/inspectors observations andFrequency    experience, the desired inspection frequency is selected210.11   for this sub component-the choices are monthly, semi    annually and annually.Survey/Inspect    Any comments that the surveyor/inspector feelsComments appropriate are recorded at this time.210.12Assign picture    If a digitized photograph is available, it may be attached210.13   to the record at this time.Recommended    Based on the surveyors/inspectors observations andwork task 220    experience, a recommended work task may be made from220.10   the following: inspect (sub component), touchup    (coating), re-coat (apply coating over the entire surface    area of the sub component), replace (coating) or (remove    and replace with) new constructionApplication    Any conditions which are observed which, in the opinionCost     of the surveyor/inspector, will raise the installation costMultipliers    of the coatings; is noted. The default conditions are220.20   barricades, scaffolding, rigging, and confined space;    more can be added to accommodate each facility&#39;s______________________________________    needs. 
    
     Referring FIGS. 1A-1B, the Coating System Standards Step 300 includes three substeps: Develop Coating Systems 310, Enter Cost Data 320 and Calculating Cost Per square Foot Applied 330. Table 3 gives a detailed description of the implementation process for each of the three substeps 310.01-310.11,320 and 330 of Step 300. 
     Step 300-Coating Systems Standards 
     
                       TABLE 3______________________________________Sub StepDescription     Implementation Process______________________________________Develop   Coating systems are built to perform specific functionsCoating   for each facility. The user enters the data based onSystems 310     his/her experience and/or recommendations from     others.Coating System     The user determines the number and name of eachId 310.01 required coating system in advance of starting this sub     step. The system name should be descriptive of the     role the system will perform at the facility.System    A brief description of each system is entered to assistDescription     in identification.310.02Surface   The various surface preparation methods that will bePreparation     used, or can expected to be used at this facility areMethod 310.03     entered into the software. Each method is given a     unique description; the various attributes that are     researched and entered are: name of surface prepara-     tion method and the labor, material and equipment cost     per square foot to perform this method of surface     preparation.Coating   The various coating materials that will be used to buildMaterial Entry     the coating systems are entered. The materials are310.04    selected based on recommendations of the coating     vendors, outside coating consultants, from the     experience of the coatings engineer at the facility or     from other sources. A unique material identification     number is given to each coating material entered. The     material identification number should be descriptive of     the material without being longer than 10 characters.     Other attributes of the coating material that are     researched and entered at this time are: manufacturer&#39;s     name, product name, generic type (alkyd, latex, epoxy     and polyurethane for example), percent solids by     volume, cost per gallon, recommended dry film     thickness range per coat of material and VOC&#39;s     (volatile organic compounds) in pounds per gallon.Application     Various application methods are now entered into theMethod    software. These methods can be based on the require-310.05    ments of the coating materials previously entered, on     recommendations from outside sources or from the     experiences of the coating engineer at the facility. The     user is required to enter the application method name,     the estimated material transfer efficiency percentage     (the ratio of the amount of coating material that is     present at the start of the application method to the     amount of coating material that is deposited on the     substrate; expressed as a percentage), the labor and     equipment costs per square foot for this application     method.Coating System     The coating system being built is identified as to itsType 310.06     applicability to the facility&#39;s needs. All applications     that apply are selected from the following: touchup, re     coat, replace or new construction.Coating System     The primary system purpose is selected from thePurpose   following: architectural, lining, protective coating,310.07    sacrificial, decorative or other uses which may be user     defined.Surface   The required level of surface preparation for thisPreparation     system is chosen. Only one type of surface preparation310.08    per coating system is allowed.Material 1-     For the 1.sup.st material used, the design basis is chosen.Design Basis     The design basis is simply the name given for a310.09    specific coating material, such as Sherwin William&#39;s     Promar&#34; 400 latex Eg-Shel Enamel, B20 W 400 Series     which is the &#34;basis&#34; of the design of this particular     system.Number of Determine the number of coats of this material thatCoats 310.10     will be applied for this coating system and enter the     number in the software.Application     Select the appropriate application method for thisMethod 310.11     coating system from those previously entered.     See 310.05Enter Cost Data     Enter Surface Preparation cost, coating material cost320       (i.e. can of paint), and coating application cost (labor,     equipment to apply paint) into software. Surface     preparation cost includes Cost of material (i.e. sand for     sand blower), labor cost to install, and equipment costCalculate Cost     Calculate the cost per square foot applied and enter theper Sq Ft 330     data into the computer.______________________________________ 
    
     Referring FIGS. 1A-1B, the Work Management Step 400 includes: Work Management Assessment By Sub Component 410, Accept or Alter Recommendations 420, Schedule Work By Sub Component 430, Calculate Costs 440, Data Operations 450, Management Reports 460, Report Historical Data 470 and Report Cost &amp; Schedule Data 480. Table 4 gives a detailed description of each of the substeps 410-450 and reports 460-480. 
     Step 400-Work Management 
     
                       TABLE 4______________________________________Sub StepDescription     Implementation Process______________________________________Work      Each sub component&#39;s condition and recommendedManagement     work task is reviewed by either the administratorAssessment By     or an engineering user.Sub Component410Accept or Alter     Based on the expertise, experience and knowledge ofRecommend the facility&#39;s budgetary requirements, the administrator420       or engineering user either accepts or alters the     inspector/surveyor&#39;s recommendations relating to each     sub component.Schedule Work     Based on the expertise, experience and knowledge ofby Sub    the facility&#39;s budgetary requirements and operationalComponent requirements, the administrator or engineering user430       schedules work on each of the sub components.Calulate Costs     After the review and assessment process is complete,440       the program automatically updates all calculated costs     (substep 320, 330) based on the recent inputted     information.Data Operations     The administrator or engineering user performs450       reporting, data analyzing and archiving operations     depending on the requirements of the facility. Data     operations include: management reports 460 and     prepare work packages 465, report historical data 470     analyze data 472 and project future trends 474, report     cost and schedule data 480, update projections 482 and     archive data 484______________________________________ 
    
     FIG. 2 illustrates a preferred computer equipment set-up 900 for using the novel four step implementation process 100, 200, 300 and 400 of FIGS. 1A-1B. A keyboard 910 can be used to input the facility breakdown data of step 100 and the condition survey data of step 200 onto a computer 930 such as but not limited to an IBM compatible 386SX processor, an IBM compatible 586, Macintosh Power PC and the like, with at least 4 megabytes minimum RAM, (8 recommended), a hard disk with 30 megabytes of available space with a color VGA monitor or high resolution monitor 920. The program running the computer 930 can be written in C++ Windows™, and the like. A preferred software algorithm flow chart for the computer program is described in reference to FIGS. 3A-3H. Computer 930 can perform calculations needed from steps 200, and the coating system standards 300. Final work management output step 400 can be displayed on conventional display screens 920 and output in hardcopy form at laser printer 400 such as but not limited a Hewlet Packard Printer 5M, 5ML, an ink jet or the like(dot matrix not recommended). 
     FIG. 3A is a flow chart representation of Step 100 and part of step 200 of FIGS. 1A-1B. From start 10, defines and enters asset group data 110, defines and enters master component data 120, 140, defines and enters sub component data 130, 150. After which the program can prompt back whether any more asset groups are to be listed 190. If yes, box 110 is repeated, if no the program begins to conduct a condition survey by Sub component 210. Next the user selects the exposure type 210.01 from a menu which includes: atmospheric, ultraviolet, acidic, alkaline, immersion, splash zone, salt spray and high temperature. 
     FIG. 3B is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 200 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The user next selects the operating environment 210.02 from the choices: mild, moderate or aggressive. The user then rates the substrate condition 210.03 from the choices: intact, superficial damage, structural damage and structurally failed. Next the existing coating integrity is rated 210.04 from the choices: excellent, good, fair and poor. The sub component visual view 210.05 is now selected such as hidden, visible and high profile. The user can then rate the visual appearance 210.06 from the choices: excellent, good, fair and poor. The adhesion of the current coating 210.07 can be measured using an ASTM D3359 X cut knife Adhesion Test where the user selects one of the choices: excellent, good, fair, and poor. 
     FIG. 3C is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 200 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The user next selects the observed defects 210.08 from the choices: chalking, fading, mildew, dirt, blushing, discoloration, checking, alligatoring, delamination-intercoat, blistering-intercoat, pinholing, pinpoint rusting, general rusting, cracking, blistering to subsrate, flaking and peeling. The user inputs the measured dry film thickness value 210.09 measured by an Elcometer Model 211 Thickness Gauge. Next any observed hazardous conditions 210.10 such as lead or asbestos are input. The user next makes an inspection frequency recommendation 210.11 from the choices: monthly, semi annual, and annual. Next the surveyor/inspector can input comments 210.12 where the comments are regarding the sub component&#39;s condition such as exposure, etc. that are not part of the observed attributes. Next, a digitized photograph can be assigned 210.13 where the photograph can be scanned to produce a digital representation as part of the sub component record. 
     FIG. 3D is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 200 and a portion of step 300 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The next input is where the user recommends the work task 220.10 from the choices: touchup, re-coat, replace, and new construction. Next, the application cost multipliers are recorded 220.20. These are specific problems that will increase the cost of maintenance such as barricades, scaffolding, rigging and confined space. The program prompts the user whether any more sub components are to be listed 290. If yes, substep 210 is repeated, if no, the coating systems step 300 begins where the program starts to develop coating systems 310. Next, a coating system ID is assigned 310.01 where a name or number is assigned that is descriptive of the systems used at this facility such as acrylic exterior touchup. Next a system description is entered 310.02 where a brief description is entered to assist in identification. For example: this is a single coat system based on Sherwin Williams® DTM(Direct-to-Metal) Acrylic coatings for use on steel, aluminum, galvanized and masonry. 
     FIG. 3E is a flow chart representation of another portion of step 300 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The next step is for the user to select the surface preparation method 310.03 from hand tool cleaning, power tool cleaning, white metal blast cleaning, commercial blast cleaning, brush off blast cleaning, near white metal blast cleaning, and power tool cleaning to bare metal. Next the coating material information is entered 310.04. A unique material identification is entered such as name/number, manufacturers name, product name, generic type, percent solids by volume, cost per gallon, recommended dry film thickness range, and the volotile organic compounds. A prompt asks if another coating material exists 310.049. If yes substep 310.04 is repeated, if no then the user is asked to enter application method information 310.05. Here, a unique application method name is entered including the estimated material transfer efficiency percent, the estimated labor cost per square foot, and the estimated equipment cost per square foot. A prompt asks if there is another application method 310.059. If yes, then substep 310.05 is repeated, if no the next substep 310.07 occurs. 
     FIG. 3F is a flow chart representation of the remaining portions of step 300 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The coating system purpose is entered 310.07 from choices such as architectural, lining, protective coating, sacrificial, and decorative. Next, the coating system type is entered 310.06 such as touchup, recoat, replace, and new construction. Next the material design basis is selected 310.08-310.09 from the choices: selected coating material (name/number) such as SW DTM acrylic primer/finish. Next the number of coats of material that are to be used such as one substep 310.10, as previously described in TABLE 3 shown above. Next, the desired application method is selected 310.11 for example: brush, roll and the like. The user is prompted whether there is another coating material 310.90. If yes then substep 310.08-310.09 is repeated, if no the cost data is entered 320 followed by the calculated cost per square foot 330. 
     FIG. 3G is a flow chart representation of a portion of step 400 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The next step is for work management assessment by sub component 410. Next the user is asked whether to accept the work task recommendation 420. If no, the user is asked to select new work task recommendation 422 from: inspect, touchup, recoat and replace, and then passes to 424. If yes is the answer to box 420, then the program selects the coating system from those available 424. Next, the work status is selected 430 from the choices: forecast, planned, completed, and recommended. Next, the user is asked whether they accept the application cost multipliers 440 previously inputted. If no, then the user selects new application cost multipliers 442 from: barricades, scaffolding, rigging, and confined space, and then to box 444. If yes is the answer to box 440, then the estimated cost is reviewed 444. 
     FIG. 3H is a flow chart representation of the remaining portion of step 400 of FIGS. 1A-1B. The next step is to enter the actual cost, if known 446. Comments of the user can be entered at substep 448. The user is prompted whether any more subcomponents are to be evaluated 449. If yes then substep 410 is repeated, if no then data operations 450 begins where management reports 460, historical data 470, cost and schedule data 480 can be output on screen or printed out, before the program ends at step 490. 
     FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary facility 600 having major components and subcomponents that can benefit from the subject invention. Referring to FIG. 4, a petroleum transportation facility includes major components such as a tank farm, control building, ship unloading dock and pumping yard. Each of the major components has subcomponents such as tank 1, tank 2 and the like. Tables 5 and 6 represents the data input for the FIG. 4 example of the asset group determination 110, and the master component 120, 140. Each of the defined asset groups, master components and sub components are entered into their respective forms. Tables 5 and 6 refer to the first step 100 of FIGS. 1A-1B. 
     
                       TABLE 5______________________________________Attribute    Data Input Example______________________________________Asset Group    Each selected Asset Group is entered in the Asset GroupDetermination    Creator with certain information-Example: Pumping110      Yard, This asset group consists of the various tanks,    pumps and piping used to pump the oil from the tankers    to the Tank Farm. Created January 5, 1996Master   Each selected Master Component is entered in the MasterComponent ID    Component Manager with certain information-Example:120, 140 S. Pump Station, This master component consists of the    main pump, surge tank and transfer piping that pumps the    oil from the South Tanker Unloading Arm to the Tank    Farm.______________________________________ 
    
     
                       TABLE 6______________________________________Attribute Data Input Example______________________________________Component Select from those displayed-Example: OperationalType 120, 140Date Master     Select from those displayed-Example: January 5, 1996ComponentCreated 120,140Criticality 120,     Select from those displayed-Example: Critical140Total Surface     None-calculated by the program based on the summa-Area      tion of sub component areas120, 140Location 120,     Enter a descriptive phrase to help identify location140       or enter plant coordinatesSub Component     Each sub component of the master component isEntry     entered with certain information-Example: Transfer130, 150  Pipe, the transfer pipe for the south pump station,     steel substrate, critical, surface area of 1,268 square     feet, a picture call TRPIPE,PCX is contained on a     floppy disk in drive A.______________________________________ 
    
     Tables 7 and 8 represent step 200 of FIGS. 1A-1B using the FIG. 4 facility example. Each sub component is inspected and all sub component attributes and coating defects are noted in the appropriate locations on the Sub Component Evaluation Form. 
     
                       TABLE 7______________________________________Attribute Data Input Example______________________________________Asset Group     None-select from those listed-Example Pumping Yard210Master    None-select from those listed-Example N. PumpComponent ID     Station:210Sub Component     None-select from those listed-Example Transfer PipeID 210Date Inspected     Enter the date the sub component was inspected210Exposure Type     Select all that apply from those listed-Example:210.01    weather, ultraviolet and salt sprayOperating Select from those listed-Example: mildenvironment210.02Substrate Select from those listed-Example: superficial damagecondition210.03______________________________________ 
    
     
                       TABLE 8______________________________________Attribute    Data Input Example______________________________________Coating  Select from those listed-Example: goodintegrity210.04View 210.05    Select from those listed-Example: visibleAppearance    Select from those listed-Example: good210.06Adhesion Select from those listed-Example: good210.07Defect Ratings    Select from those listed and rate each defect-Example:210.08   chalking, minor, aesthetic &amp; 60% and checking,    minor, operational &amp; 20%DFT (Dry Film    Input the measured dry film thickness into the DFTThickness)    calculator, the internal calculator will input the average210.09   dry film thickness to the program-Example: readings of    5.5, 4.9, 6.1, &amp; 5.6 are made and input into the DFT    Calculator, a value of 5.5 is entered into the program.Hazardous    Select from those listed-Example: none chosenOperations210.10Inspection    Select from those listed-Example: annualFrequency210.11Comments Enter any comments that may be relevant to further210.12   evaluation of this sub component-Example: Repair of    miscellaneous coating damage needed now to prevent    further degradation.Assign Picture    Identify the name and location of the picture for210.13   assignment-Example: A:\TRPIPE.PCXRecommended    Select from those listed-Example: TouchupWork Task220.10Recommended    Select from those listed-Example: Acrylic ExteriorCoating System    Touchup220.15Application    Select from those listed-Example: NoneCostMultipliers220.20______________________________________ 
    
     Table 9 represents step 300 of FIGS. 1A-1B using the FIG. 4 facility example. Coating systems are built for each asset groups use by entry of data into the Coating System Builder Form. 
     
                       TABLE 9______________________________________Attribute    Data Input Example______________________________________Coating System    Enter a unique name/number combination to identify theID 310.01    coating system for easy recognition in future    use-Example: Acrylic Exterior TouchupSystem   Enter a brief description to assist in identifica-Description    tion-Example: This is a single coat system based on310.02   Sherwin William&#39;s DTM (Direct-To-Metal) Acrylic    coatings for use on steel, aluminum, galvanized and    masonrySurface  Enter the surface preparation method name, along withPreparation    the labor, material and equipment cost per square foot toMethod 310.03    perform this particular method of surface prepara-    tion.-Example: SP2 Hand Tool Cleaning, $0.25, $0.05,    $0.05.Coating  Enter the coating material (s) unique name, along withMaterial Entry    other attributes of that coating, such as manufacturer&#39;s310.04   name, product name, generic type (alkyd, latex, epoxy    and polyurethane for example), percent solids by volume,    cost per gallon, recommended dry film thickness range    per coat of material and VOC&#39;s (volatile organic    compounds) in pounds per gallon-Example: SW DTM    Acrylic Primer/Finish, Sherwin-Williams, DTM Acrylic    Primer/Finish B66W1, acrylic, 46%, $23.75, 3.0 &amp; 2.083Application    Enter the application method (s) unique name, along withMethod   other attributes of that method, such as transfer efficiency310.05   percentage, labor and equipment costs per square foot for    each application method-Example: Brush, 90%, $0.35,    $0.05Coating System    Enter the type (s) of uses that the coating systemType 310.06    will have at this facility, enter all types that apply    to each system from those names in use at that    facility-Example: touchup, recoat, replace and new    constructionCoating System    Enter the primary system purpose from those names inPurpose 310.07    use at this facility-Example: architecturalSurface  Enter the required level of surface preparation forPreparation    this system, only one method per coating system is310.08   allowed-Example: SP2 Hand Tool CleaningMaterial 1-    Select from those listed, the name of the coatingDesign Basis    material that is the basis of the design for this310.09   particular coating system name-Example: SW DTM    Acrylic Primer/FinishNumber of    Determine the number of coats of this material thatCoats 310.10    will be included in this particular coating system    name-Example: 1Application    Select from those application methods listed, theMethod 310.11    method to be used to apply the coat (s) chosen for    Material 1-Example: Brush______________________________________ 
    
     Table 10 represent step 400 of FIGS. 1A-1B using the FIG. 4 facility example. Each sub component&#39;s condition and recommended work task and coating system is reviewed and assessed by either the administrative or engineering user to verify that the recommendation conforms with the facility&#39;s asset maintenance plan. 
     
                       TABLE 10______________________________________Attribute Data Input Example______________________________________Accept or Review each sub component&#39;s condition and work taskChange    recommendation and either accept or change the workRecommend task and coating system-Example: The sub component410, 420  Transfer Pipe has a recommended work task of     touchup, using the coating system named Acrylic     Exterior. Based on the administrative or engineering     users knowledge and expertise, the recommendation is     changed from touchup to recoat, the coating system is     accepted.Schedule Work     The schedule for the work task assigned to this subby Sub    component is entered by the administrative orComponent engineering user-Example: The recoat of the Transfer430       Pipe is scheduled for June 1996.Calculate Costs     Based on the changed information input during the440       Work Management Assessment Step, the computer     automatically updates the estimated cost to perform     the specified work task-Example: the cost data     associated with recoating the Transfer Pipe is now     used to calculate the estimated cost of this work.Data Operations     The administrative or engineering user performs450       various data manipulation operations to support the     strategic planning process-Example: an Executive     Summary report is printed which contains the Master     Component S. Pump Station, which in turn contains     the Sub Component Transfer Pipe. The Work Status of     this Sub Component is shown as recoat, the schedule     date is June 1996 and the estimated cost is $1,087.______________________________________ 
    
     FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary executive summary-work managment output of Step 400. 
     Although, the data operations substep 450 of FIG. 1B describes various types of outputs, the invention is not limited to these outputs. The invention can be used generate various types of reports such as but not limited to: Master Asset Lists, Master Asset Condition Summary, Work Management Report, Master Asset Planned Work &amp; Summary, Master Asset or Subcomponent Priority Lists, Maintenance Activity by Master Asset List, Asset and Subcomponent Cost Data List, Maintenance Cost Data &amp; Annual Summary List, Maintenance History List, Defect &amp;Defect Cost Analysis List, Coating Use and Performance List, Maintenance &amp; Safety Flags List, Condition Survey History List, and User Defined Lists. 
     While the invention has been described, disclosed, illustrated and shown in various terms of certain embodiments or modifications which it has presumed in practice, the scope of the invention is not intended to be, nor should it be deemed to be, limited thereby and such other modifications or embodiments as may be suggested by the teachings herein are particularly reserved especially as they fall within the breadth and scope of the claims here appended.