Construction is time-sensitive and needs to be tightly managed. No project is perfect. Delays or other problems arise – and construction managers and their teams need to be flexible and inventive. They cannot afford serious mistakes due to inexperience, nor fail to keep pace with their timelines.
According to Anton Beyl, Sales Manager of WEG EC&I Construction, this caution applies equally to EC&I (Electrical, Control & Instrumentation) construction teams that handle the last stretch of a project: designing, installing, and testing the electrical systems that provide power across the site. If they work without diligent attention, they can create life-threatening hazards such as faulty electrical equipment and incorrect wiring. If the teams have limited experience they can cause damage to installed equipment. And if they lack an appreciation for specific client requirements, they can instigate unnecessary costs and delays.
Beyl makes the point that this is why an established reputation matters in EC&I.
"EC&I construction extends from the overhead lines to the plug where you insert your phone charger. We are responsible for electricity reaching where it is needed on site; and because we handle the last mile, it's especially important that we provide reliable service based on experience. This means we can deliver efficiently, without causing delays quite late into a project, when there is much less space and time to make adjustments," he says.
Balancing priorities – the value of experience
EC&I construction projects call for a balance between affordable costs and professional delivery. Although it may seem preferable to select the most readily affordable EC&I construction services, the lowest price should not be the only criterion. There is too much at stake, Beyl saya.
Selecting the wrong EC&I contractor can impact construction negatively in various ways: if there is a misunderstanding of material and technical requirements specific to the site's purpose and budget, if quality management is neglected, or if the appointed contactor fails to coordinate timelines with different construction managers and team leaders.
Other shortfalls may be in the inability to work with products sourced from multiple vendors, or deploying site crews without the appropriate technical qualifications or sufficient site safety training. One of the key considerations in EC&I construction projects is to align with the project's objectives and timelines. EC&I contractors often cannot access a site until other contractors have reached their goals. But they shouldn't just wait until they are summoned, says Beyl.
"If we waited for the site to call us before we started procuring materials and readying our teams, that would lead to big delays. The EC&I project managers must be present and involved from early on and communicate with other contractors and stakeholders to look for the EC&I windows."
However, he warns that there is inappropriate to bring the entire EC&I team onto site too soon. "It is best to bring the EC&I contractor on site only when there is sufficient access for them to start work. This varies from project to project, and a competent EC&I team can work among the civil and mechanical contractors. But if you start slow, it's hard to pick up the pace. Effective EC&I construction is about timing and collaboration."
Selecting EC&I contractors
Beyl offers some pointers for selecting the right EC&I contractor for a project. He suggests that procurement or project managers should judge an EC&I contractor by their reputation. An established and widely regarded EC&I company will meet the following criteria.
- Look for a proven track record, work done on similar projects and in relevant industries, plus strong client testimonials and repeat business.
- Ask for certifications as well as industry-specific accreditations, and ensure that the technical staff are skilled, qualified, and responsible.
- Pay attention to the EC&I construction contractor that asks questions to grasp any specific project and site requirements, such as appropriate materials and different vendor components.
- Look for a contractor that demonstrates commitment to safety and compliance, their experience with those requirements is crucial.
- Expect transparency, reliable communication, and excellent project management, including early involvement from key managers to understand timelines and choreograph the timely deployments of their teams.
Nonetheless, no matter how experienced they are, the best EC&I construction company holds a key attribute: “They always treat every job like it is their first and last,” says Beyl. "The best contractors know that they are only as good as their last job. No matter how big and experienced they are, the best EC&I teams treat their current project as their most important project, and they pay attention to keep things moving, and to close that last mile, supplying the power to where it is needed on site, safely."
For more information visit: www.weg.net
