How can construction timelines be trimmed when building a critical facility?
Building a critical facility on a fast track while staying within budget can be a win-win situation for everyone involved in the project. To do so requires avoiding delays in three areas: proven engineering practices, equipment capability and effective project management.
To start, building owners and managers can encourage the general contractor and consulting engineer to involve equipment manufacturers early in the engineering/specification process.
For example, instead of specifying generator-paralleling switchgear and controls that require long lead times, manufacturers could provide pre-engineered configurations that can be built, delivered and commissioned quickly. This shortcut takes advantage of manufacturing expertise and could not only trim weeks — or even months — from a construction timeline, but also help ensure the facility infrastructure performs as expected.
Once purchase orders are signed, manufacturers should attend meetings and answer questions to further the equipment build, factory test and delivery processes.
As for adhering to project specifications, building owners and management should clarify expectations and intentions early on, taking care to identify what they want so as to avoid disappointment and delays. Computer simulations of equipment operations are sometimes available via webcast to show how programs for equipment will function. A visit to the manufacturer’s factory can help streamline installation and start-up after the equipment arrives on-site.
Many manufacturers offer complete solutions that may help expedite construction. However, it is important to look for packages that feature consistency across a range of equipment. When equipment is not compatible, performance can be compromised. Manufacturers can advise a project management team about compatibility with other manufacturers’ equipment.
Finally, to meet fast-track construction timelines, ensure early co-ordination among vendors and effective communication among project team members.
Bhavesh S. Patel is the director of marketing and customer support at ASCO Power Technologies, a business of Emerson Network Power. For more information, email [email protected] or call 800-800-ASCO.
