Project
Engineering
Many companies require Project
Engineering services when they have new facilities built, or upgrade
existing facilities. In most cases, they might simply contract the project out
to a contracting company. This can cause concern as the contractor might not
necessarily provide the services the company wants or needs. The company may not
have the need to have a full-time Professional Engineer, however it is
important that the services of an independent Professional Engineer are
used to ensure that their interests are fully met. Too many times, companies
have been significantly disadvantaged by contractors who want to get the project
completed and maximise their return. This is almost always at the expense of the
company.
If you were buying property,
you would never consider using the services of the solicitor the vendor uses, so
when undertaking a project, it is best to use the services of an independent
Professional Engineer to act as your Project Engineer. This will ensure
that you get the best outcome.
WAI Engineering has extensive experience in
Project Engineering that covers over 30 years. This has shown how
companies can be disadvantaged when they hand over total control to a contractor
who is out to maximise their profit. It is not just the purchase price of a
project that needs to be considered, but the on-going cost of owning and
operating the facility that results.
Some examples of instances
where companies have been significantly disadvantaged are:
 |
No proper layouts done
that result in equipment being delivered and having to be modified to get it
to fit; |
|
Electrical and control
cabling that are not identified making maintenance a nightmare; |
|
Piping and ducting not
identified to indicate flow direction or contents; |
|
Electrical and piping
drawings using symbols that are not to the Australian Standards; |
|
Inadequate electrical
drawings that do not show cable identification; |
|
Process flow drawings
either missing, or when done do not have flow rate information shown; |
|
Valves and devices not
identified on drawings or in the field making it a significant safety
hazard; |
All these can be readily
addressed and avoided by using Project Engineering services. It is
important that you use Project Engineering services early in the life of
a project. The earlier such services are used, the better the outcome will be.
Above all, do not subscribe
to the principle of "Never enough time to do it properly; always enough
time to do it again". It simply costs too much to do things this way.
Project Engineering is
done on an hourly rate basis. Use the appropriate table for Ongoing
Rates for the appropriate hourly rate.
Work is generally carried out on
client's premises where adequate facilities are provided. Time is invoiced
on a minimum fixed time basis as there is downtime and setup time involved. Typically
this is per half working day, with a minimum charge for 3 hours.
Where site visits are
required, these are charged at the standard hourly rate plus kilometerage, and
it is conditional that free on-site parking is made available for a vehicle with
a height clearance requirement of 1.96 m. All tolls and other charges are to be
reimbursed.
If work has to be carried out
at a remote site then all accommodation, meal, laundry, internet access and
telephone costs will also have to be fully reimbursed.
Payment Schedule
Invoices are provided weekly
and payment is to be made paid as per standard
payment terms of 14 days from presentation of the invoice.
Contact WAI Engineering to discuss your
Project Engineering requirements.
e-mail: Support
