By Chance Anderson
Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms sit at the center of today’s energy expansion, tasked with building more, faster, and smarter. But as demand rises, so do the pressures: disrupted supply chains, evolving sustainability requirements, and increasingly lean timelines.
To overcome this, many EPCs turn to project service partners.
But not all partners are created equal. The best project service partners share three key traits that make all the difference. Let's break them down.
Dedicated, Scalable Team Resources
For a project services team to offer maximum value, it first needs the right players. Project managers (PMs) are essential, but they need the support of a larger team to deliver the greatest impact. Here are the skill sets a large, diverse team can bring to every project:
- Project managers to oversee project progress
- Estimators for technical knowledge
- Project coordinators to track materials and update reports
- Sales professionals with deep knowledge of customer operations
This combination enables tighter coordination, faster response times, and stronger project execution from start to finish.
Along this same vein, the team must have the resources to scale to project needs. The timeline from bid to award can stretch unexpectedly—with funding, approvals, or regulations causing delays—only to suddenly spring into action. This unpredictability requires a well-resourced partner, one who can quickly adjust to the project's pace without missing a beat.
On the opposite end, a larger team also has the bandwidth to supply day calls: low-volume jobs that require quick attention but might go unsupported without proper resources.
Tenured, Knowledgeable Staff
It's no secret that experience matters, but just how impactful is this to EPC projects?
Very. True project expertise extends far beyond product specifications. It may look like:
- Finding product alternatives to meet challenging deadlines
- Anticipating obstacles before they become problems
- Balancing strategic oversight with day-to-day details
Consider the difference in these approaches: A relatively new PM coordinates delivery to a jobsite. They check delivery timelines, keep stakeholders informed, and handle issues as they arise on-site.
Not bad, right?
Now imagine this: a tenured PM takes a much more involved approach, asking important but often overlooked questions like:
- “Who handles transfers?”
- “Is specialized unloading equipment needed?”
- “What is the outage schedule, and how does it impact our timeline?”
The experienced PM gets ahead of issues, which leads to faster delivery and less hassle for all parties involved.
This foresight becomes even more valuable in specialty projects. For example, certain facilities may require deliveries to be staged outside, material handlers to wear additional personal protective equipment, or drivers to have specific paperwork before delivery. If overlooked, any of these requirements could delay a project by days.
Of course, not every challenge can be anticipated—some only reveal themselves upon site arrival—but that's precisely when an experienced partner truly shines. They have both the best chances of initial success and the know-how to pivot when the unexpected happens.
Lastly, experienced teams bring strong relationships with manufacturers, which can mean the difference between staying on schedule and missing a critical deadline.
Consistent, Proactive Communication
Every project has its complexities, and when multiple groups pursue the same goal from different angles, coordination becomes critical. The best project services partner gets ahead of this, prioritizing communication in every stage of the job.
At Irby, that starts with a kickoff call to align on scope and expectations, followed by a weekly call to share progress reports, delivery updates, and to bring everyone up to speed on the group’s priorities. Projects are fluid, and with all proper stakeholders on the call, the team catches otherwise missed information and last-minute changes.
The industry is moving fast. Choose the right partner to run by your side.
Our industry is evolving, and as it does, EPCs need more than a materials vendor. They need a partner who understands their challenges, keeps up with shifting demands, and knows how to get things done.
That’s where Irby’s Project Services Team comes in.
With scalable support, experienced personnel, and a proactive communication approach, we help projects run smoothly, stay on schedule, and avoid unnecessary surprises.
Ready to simplify your next project?
Irby’s Project Services Group can support you from planning to closeout with less hassle, stronger coordination, and a team that’s with you every step of the way.
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About the Author:
As Sales Director for Irby Project Services Group (PSG), Chance Anderson leads sales strategy and manages key accounts. He serves as the primary contact for customers, sharing opportunities with the team, coordinating support, and organizing meetings and training with Irby and its represented manufacturers.