Key points at a glance
A new plant is an investment that will last for many years – ideally without the need for unplanned adjustments. To ensure this is the case, potential challenges and critical milestones should be taken into account as early as the planning phase.
But what is particularly important, and how can pitfalls be avoided?
Our step-by-step guide explains which steps are crucial and which obstacles you should be aware of.
If a paint shop is being planned, the fundamental technical issues must first be clarified. In the case of other surface treatment facilities, this decision has usually already been made.
The first step in planning a paint shop is to choose future-proof process and technical solutions. The quality of the coating depends largely on the pre-treatment process, the coating process and the drying of the paint. An initial cost-benefit analysis, combined with coating and specification tests, provides a solid basis for further planning.
What data is required for a range of components?
The initial plant layout is then drawn up based on the range of components identified and a capacity assessment.
Challenge: Don’t underestimate the time required to achieve the necessary level of detail across the range of components!
Plant designers and operators can use this opportunity to clarify key issues.
Checklist for reviewing the initial plant layout:
Challenge: Think outside the box – this helps to avoid interface issues at an early stage.
An efficient energy strategy is also being developed in collaboration with the building designer.
We assess material flow, buildings and utility interfaces before the specifications are finalised.
The next step is to incorporate the information gathered into the specifications. Experience shows that, in order to obtain technically and commercially comparable tenders, several coordination meetings are required between the plant operator, the designer and the supplier. Consequently, depending on the complexity of the plant, the tendering phase can last several months.
Challenge: Allow enough time in the schedule for coordination to avoid delays and additional costs!
In order to obtain any necessary permits, various documents must be submitted to the local authority. Most of the necessary documents are prepared by the plant suppliers during the design phase (once the contract has been awarded). The approval process by the authorities is often protracted. To reduce the time required, it is advisable to make contact with the authorities as early as the planning phase and present the planned project to them.
Challenge: Knowing early on which documents are required – this saves time and increases legal certainty.
Every project comes with its own set of hurdles – but if you are aware of the typical challenges, you can take targeted action to overcome them. Forward-planning saves time, money and resources.
Frank Schüle
Graduate Engineer (FH) Head of the Environment, Health and Safety / Fire Safety Department