Here are a few things that should be considered when choosing an engineering consultant or design service.
Try to find:
An experienced consultant who can make valuable recommendations based on past experiences
This added insight saves money and time during the construction of your project, and will likely improve the performance of your system.
A consultant who understands the financial goals and engineering requirements of the client
Make sure that the design firm asks the right questions.
A design firm that is willing to work on the client’s schedule
Confirm that they understand your schedule. Many times, project work can only be performed during outages and scheduled downtime.
A consulting group who respects the authority of the client and approaches the client’s requests with honesty and humility
After all, who is working for whom?
A consultant who responds to questions and communication requests expeditiously
You have deadlines and your time is valuable. That should be respected.
A consultant who is cognizant of project costs
If the consultant is attentive to financial considerations, they will probably be able to save you some money.
A team that can see the project through from conception to start up
Find someone who can finish the job.
A consultant who has the ability to quickly grasp how you do business, and is willing and able to understand your overall methods and processes
The faster they can understand your business, the better it is for you.
A consultant who takes the client’s future needs into consideration
Your needs will change in time. Can your consultant help you predict those changes?
A design group that is able to get information that the client may not have or be able to provide
For example, what is the MTBF for the pump they have chosen? They should be willing and able to tell you.
A team that will unerringly work to the safety standards established by your company.
No one wants to see anyone get hurt.
A design firm that has existing relationships with critical vendors and suppliers
A consultant who has been around the block a couple of times will have these relationships in place.
A consultant who can establish a good working relationship with the labor force
Good relationships equate to an efficient working environment
A group who provides flexibility
Things change, and you need someone who will accommodate those changes