FEATURE
CLIENT REPRESENTATION Ensuring Value and the Best Outcomes for the Client BY HECTOR HERNANDEZ AND GLENN HOVERMALE OVERVIEW
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n our industry one of the most important phases for the implementation of a Submarine Cable System, is the installation of the system. Ensuring the installation is conducted professionally, safely and in accordance with the Purchaser’s technical specifications are the most critical aspects to consider as a purchaser/system operator. To this point, it is vital for system purchasers to provide Client Representation to observe, report and document the installation process. Client Representation is not simply a few personnel on the vessels, it is a team the includes infield Client Representatives paired with in-office Marine Coordinator, Technical Experts and travel logistics and accounting administration support. WFN has provided these services for more than 20 years, which continue to be a primary focus for our business. We go to great lengths to ensure our team has deep technical knowledge, experienced and highly motivated to pursue quality work with a great attitude, which we believe is key to ensure our clients enjoy the best experience and value for this effort. This article is intended to provide some insight to the
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process of Client Representation and its complexity, while illustrating the value. The following describes daily reporting, the role of the Marine Coordinator and other various associated activities.
CLIENT REPRESENTATIVE DAILY PROGRESS REPORTING
The System Supplier provides daily progress reports (DPR) during the marine survey and installation operations. The Client Representative reviews any such Daily Reports related to marine activities and provides feedback to the supplier, if necessary, or accepts the report. The Client Representative notifies the Client’s Project Manager on a real time basis of any issues or disputes arising from the Daily Reports, along with an assessment of the situation. The Client Representative also produces a DPR exclusively for the Client, for the purpose of keeping its own record of any weather down time, transit during route survey, issues and document any activity that veers from the agreed commercial baseline for judgement against Supplier’s claim for any marine activities related contract variation. The Client Representative summarizes the daily reports and prepares a weekly report for the Client.