I saw this email I wanted to share with the Project track community on hot cutovers.
I put together some high-level considerations for hot cutover in a couple of posts on the Emerson blog:
http://www.emersonprocessxperts.com/2008/07/automation_syst/
http://www.emersonprocessxperts.com/2008/08/more_thoughts_o/
As we discussed, it would be a great idea to start the survey of your control valves, critical loops, and interlock logic in advance. That will give you a scope for what you will need to do during your turnaround in preparation for your hot cutover.
What guidance would you offer?