Modular construction has emerged as a powerful tool to mitigate project risks and accomplish project goals effectively. However, as a strategic tool that impacts engineering, procurement and construction, modularization expertise needs to be integrated at every step of the project’s execution.
S&B approaches modularization as a core competency that is integrated within our broader EPC capabilities and process. By assembling a dedicated team of subject matter experts across various disciplines, S&B ensures that modularization is employed as part of a strategic toolkit—and that it is tailored to enhance each project's unique objectives.
Building a Core Competency in Modularization
Modularization involves constructing elements of a project off-site in controlled environments and then installing them on the main jobsite. While this approach provides numerous advantages, including faster project timelines and heightened quality control, it requires adjustments at every stage of a project.
To be successful and efficient, this means that modularization cannot be executed by a single department or a standalone aspect of an EPC project. Within S&B’s operations, we engrain it throughout the process, ensuring that everyone from project managers to design engineers understands the benefits and limitations of modularization on the front-end.
A Team of Experts
S&B strategically built a team of modularization specialists within its organization to spearhead the integration of modular expertise across its projects. These specialists span various fields, from project management to fabrication, to enhance our modular capabilities and our overall EPC proficiency.
Project Management Expertise: Modular project managers bring the necessary knowledge to coordinate complex modular projects, ensuring that scope, schedule and budget align with customer goals. This helps streamline processes and reduce lead times, creating a seamless transition from off-site fabrication to on-site installation.
Design and Engineering Insight: Modular design experts focus on the specific nuances required for off-site construction. Their knowledge ensures that designs are optimized for transportation, assembly and eventual operation. These experts understand the subtleties of modular-specific design, such as additional structural requirements and efficient space utilization.
Fabrication Collaboration: The modularization team's fabrication experts partner with our seasoned fabricators to equip them for success. By maintaining strong relationships with these partners early in the project lifecycle, S&B’s modular experts provide detailed drawings and material guidance to ensure that project goals are met. Their input helps solve or prevent complications early in the process, resulting in fewer project disruptions.
Cultivating Expertise Across the Organization
Integrating modular expertise across S&B means that every department has a hand in its execution. Modularization is considered throughout the project – from the engineering and design phases to procurement planning and project management. By integrating it throughout the EPC process, we can leverage comprehensive insights, industry best practices and past project experience to make the most informed modular decisions based on the project’s specific requirements. This also drives continuous learning and process improvements that allow us to deliver projects that exceed expectations.
Collaboration at the Core
To drive efficiency and success, fabricators, design engineers and field construction teams are engaged early and consistently. By establishing strong collaboration with our customers and fabricators from day one, we ensure the best possible outcomes for the project.
This early engagement with fabricators means potential design alterations and transportation constraints are considered in advance to help minimize any impact on project timelines, costs or results. It will also maintain consistent lines of communication during the procurement process, allowing for strategic and agile supply chain decisions.
Integrating Excellence
S&B applies an integrated approach to modularization expertise, transforming it from a specialized area into a core competency across the full EPC operation. With this methodology, we can identify when modular construction is the ideal solution, providing considerable value and catering to our customer's unique needs.
With our expert-led strategic approach, customers trust S&B to deliver project outcomes that are timely, cost-effective and aligned with their long-term objectives. Contact S&B to discuss your project requirements and learn how our modular expertise can help you achieve your project goals.
