How to battle the minefield of Intralogistics installation

Integrators and Intralogistics companies delivering large warehouse automation projects rely on sub-contractors to provide engineering teams for the decommissioning, installation and commissioning of materials handling equipment. Common pitfalls significantly impact these large warehouse automation projects, resulting in delays, budget overspend and performance levels for customers. Here we explain how to avoid these mistakes:

Sub-contracted Installation Teams

When it comes to the installation of warehouse machinery for warehouse automation, most manufacturers subcontract the work. Project managers are therefore liaising between manufacturers and sub-contracted engineering teams transferring vital information and relying heavily on the engineering firms' skill set, experience and service levels to ensure a smooth implementation.

Temporary & Self-Employed Engineers

All too often sub-contracted engineering teams are made up of temporary workers as firms flex their workforce to meet the ups and downs of the warehouse installation projects they’ve secured.

This results in:

• Lack of engineer availability, delays turning up on site
• Unqualified engineers as skill-sets & experience aren’t matched to jobs
• Failure to produce full RAMS in advance of project start
• Failure to produce bespoke RAMS to meet specific project needs
• Inadequate tools and equipment, which delays jobs and can lead to subpar workmanship
• Lack of consistency across project delivery as engineers change throughout the programme
• Programme delays
• Knock-on effects on other works and contractors on site
• Potential for errors causing earlier failure rates and increased maintenance/repair costs
• Delays in project timelines impact productivity and can incur financial penalties

Each of these factors raises concerns for Project Managers and causes headaches and extra work for Site Managers, as the Intralogistics team need to get involved and try to remedy issues whilst adapting plans. 

Cost vs Quality; Estimating the Total Cost of Completion

Many of these problems can be resolved by choosing the right installation company as there’s a clear distinction between the cheapest option and the best option. One too many integrators fall into the trap of going for the cheapest option to save a few quid but not quite understanding the implications until it’s too late.

Look for Suppliers with Employed Engineers

Using suppliers with in-house directly employed engineers, like Herts Mechanical Handling Services (hmhs), means they can confirm team qualifications and experience and ensure a dedicated Supervisor oversees all the team's work for the duration of the project.

Simon Howell, Managing Director of hmhs recently explained “When selecting engineering teams for your decommissioning work or large installations and commissioning projects it’s important to focus on a range of criteria not just initial cost as it’s common for work to be underestimated and minimal information be considered beforehand. Whereas assessing factors including the following makes a massive difference.

Factors to consider before selecting installation engineers:

• Number of engineers directly employed length of service and qualifications.
• Level of detail provided for each quote / phase of work.
• Past projects completed & delivery performance.
• Bespoke RAMS and documentation provided in advance.  

Reviewing the above as a minimum provides decision makers with useful information to understand the quality level they can expect to receive during the implementation.

The Difference with a Proven Supplier

At hmhs, we're not content with simply meeting industry standards as we hold ourselves to the highest quality standards. Unlike traditional contractors who rely on transient engineers, we invest in our team and infrastructure, ensuring that every engineer is directly employed and dedicated to the success of each project.

We assign supervisors and chargehands to oversee every aspect of the project, from start to finish. With consistent management and clear communication across multiple contractors, we ensure that every project stays on track and within budget.”

Don’t compromise on quality, ensure your project stays on track and within budget. Contact us today and discover the difference a proven supplier can make.