By: Anton Beyl - Sales Manager of WEG EC&I Construction

Construction is time-sensitive and tightly managed. No project is perfect. Delays or other problems are inevitable, so construction managers and their teams must be flexible and inventive. They cannot afford serious mistakes due to inexperience and failing to keep pace with their timelines.

This caution applies to EC&I (Electrical, Control & Instrumentation) construction teams that handle the last stretch, designing, installing, and testing the electrical systems that provide power across the site. A lack of diligence can create life-threatening hazards such as faulty electrical equipment and wiring. Limited experience can cause damage to installed equipment. Lacking appreciation for specific client requirements can instigate unnecessary costs and delays.

"EC&I construction covers everything from the overhead lines to the plug where you insert your phone charger. We're responsible for electricity reaching where it's needed, and because we handle the last mile, it's really important we provide reliable service based on experience. An EC&I company that can't deliver sufficiently will cause delays quite late into a project, when there is much less space and time to make adjustments," says Anton Beyl, Sales Manager of WEG EC&I Construction.

When EC&I construction can go wrong

Construction sites require a delicate balance between affordable costs and professional delivery. While it's prudent to select affordable EC&I construction services, the lowest price mustn't be the only criterion. There is too much at stake.

Selecting the wrong EC&I contractor can negatively impact construction in several ways. These include misunderstanding material and technical requirements specific to the site's purpose and budget, neglecting quality management, or failing to coordinate with different construction managers and team leaders.

One example is an inability to work with products sourced from multiple vendors. Another is site crews lacking appropriate technical qualifications or sufficient site safety training. Among the most crucial is to align with the project's objectives and timelines—EC&I contractors often can't get site access until other contractors have reached their goals. Yet, 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, it 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 not to bring the entire EC&I team in too soon: "Never bring the EC&I contractor on site too early, only when there's sufficient access for them to start work. It varies from project to project, and a competent EC&I team can work amongst the civil and mechanical contractors. But if you start slow, it's very hard to pick up the pace. Effective EC&I construction is about timing and collaboration."

Criteria to select EC&I contractors

• 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 with similar projects and industries, including strong client testimonials and repeat business.
• Require certifications, as well as industry-specific accreditations, not to mention skilled, qualified, and responsible technical staff.
• 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.
• Demonstrating commitment to safety and compliance, and 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.

Yet, no matter how experienced they are, the best EC&I construction company always has one important characteristic, says Beyl. 

"They must treat every job like it's their first and last. You want to see a startup attitude that shows 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 like their most important, and they pay attention to keep things moving and close that last mile of the construction project."

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