Shrivallabha RedijWhat I did first was to check if this is becoming a trend or had there been some more cases of the same nature.
This discussion looks at some of the points you discussed.
http://www.pipingdesign.com/archive/0805/15668.html
In my company, we always do the way its always been done i.e. at field.
However, if the company is willing to venture out on an unbeaten path, it means (in a way) that they will be willing to absorb the “extra” costs they might incur if the scheme of things doesn’t work out as it was imagined / intended. In that case, there will be some lessons learned which will determine the future course of action that the company will take in this regard.
On the other hand, at this point of time, when the actual work has not been started, it would be pertinent to check the basis for comparing cost / time
[list][*] Cost of activity [Shop Vs Field] [/*]
[*] Time impact [Does it save time over the traditional technique?] [If yes, how much?][/*]
[*] Known Pitfalls of Field fab Vs Expected / Possible issues with Shop Fab.[/*][/list]
I guess it will be a combination of these items which will decide approach. So if you could perhaps tabulate the information and then verify if the people (I think managers that be) have ticked every item in your list that you think is important or will have bearing on the final outcome.
I don’t have a lot of experience to weigh in from any of the sides. I hope, I have posted something that helps some way.