Nobody is glad about all the ways supply chain drama is affecting how we plan and execute construction projects. Smart planning and creative thinking go a long way to minimizing the risk and impact of supply chain disruptions. You have options:
- Identify the long lead materials and equipment as early as possible during the design phase. This gives you options and information on what kind of lead times to expect so you can plan accordingly.
- Build some sequence and phasing flexibility into your construction project plan. If some materials get delayed, have options to change the build sequence so your project doesn’t have to shut down.
- Consider accepting some equipment for delivery, even if it’s not 100% complete. As an example, we had a PLC panel that needed one last component. The panel was shipped and installed before the last component was delivered. When it came in, the component was installed onsite and the commissioning was completed.
- Once you make an equipment or subcontractor decision, get those purchase orders and contracts out. Don’t contribute to longer lead times.
Also, look at your company’s decision-making process. A complex, multi-layer decision-making process is an oft-overlooked cause of delays. Our recent blog, “4 Supply Chain Pitfalls that Could Delay Your R&D Project,” gives you a deeper look into more hidden causes of supply chain woes that could affect your project if you don’t address them during budgeting and planning phases.
ASK THE EXPERT
Q: When should we start thinking about lead times on our test facility project?
A: “By the time you get through 60% of the design phase you’ve established the design criteria and the design is mature enough to lock in the test tolerances and demands, so equipment decisions can be made. In most of our projects, our confidence level at 60% design is high and we’re able to identify the long lead equipment needed and we share that with our customer. The risk is if you make design changes after the 60% design point that are substantial enough to influence equipment needs, you might have some equipment already under contract or purchased that you don’t need and have extended lead times for new equipment orders.”
PROJECT HIGHLIGHT
Cardinal IG Facility Expansion Project
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Cardinal Glass Industries, a management-owned S-Corporation leading the industry in the development of residential glass for windows and doors needed facility renovations to accommodate equipment and processes for new product line as well as an addition to the facility to account for planned increase in production lines.
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Cardinal Glass Industries, a management-owned S-Corporation leading the industry in the development of residential glass for windows and doors needed facility renovations to accommodate equipment and processes for new product line as well as an addition to the facility to account for planned increase in production lines.
Meet Randy Rozema at SAE-NVH and Noise Con 2023
Randy Rozema will be in attendance to participate, network, and bring back the latest and greatest in the NVH world to ACS, as well as contribute to the success of the conferences through his committee involvement and board membership.
The Importance of Safely, Effectively, and Efficiently Testing Battery Systems
Battery testing safety is just one topic Chris Arnold, Managing Director, ACS Michigan and Principal at ACS, shared with listeners as a guest podcaster on The Percussive Maintenance Podcast at Engineered Systems.
