With the perpetual growth in data storage and computing needs, larger and more densely concentrated data centers are being constructed under increasingly aggressive schedules. Supply chain disruption has forced a shift away from Just-In-Time construction strategies, making offsite receipt, storage, and delivery of mission critical equipment to the job site a critical component in the construction value chain.
Rather than hiring multiple parties to manage the equipment receipt, storage, load, transport, and installation or rigging services, general contractors managing owner-furnished/contractor-installed (OFCI) equipment and the MEP contractors managing contractor-furnished/contractor-installed (CFCI) equipment can reduce risk and create efficiencies by engaging a full-service rigging company that specializes in end-to-end mission critical equipment handling.
Having a full-service rigging company maintain care, custody, and control of the mission critical equipment throughout the project life cycle:
- Reduces the number of times the equipment is handled, thereby minimizing the risk of damages
- Keeps the equipment covered under a single insurance program that provides the breadth and depth of coverage required to adequately protect high-value mission critical equipment
– Note: Warehousing insurance coverage types are commonly misunderstood resulting in meaningful exposure to losses – read more here: Is It Covered or Insured? Project Storage of Data Center Equipment
- Drives coordination efficiencies by creating a single point of contact responsible for delivery and installation
- Increases project scheduling efficiencies through more efficient resource utilization (particularly if operating in a multi-craft environment)
- Reduces project costs by reducing the number of bid solicitations, alleviating administrative burdens, and lowering contract risk
When evaluating potential rigging companies, contractors should inquire about their experience handling mission critical equipment, the size of their equipment warehousing footprint across the country, inventory management systems and reporting capabilities, insurance programs, inspection processes, and their ability to create scheduling efficiencies in a multi-craft project environment. Identifying the right partner can result in increased value, diminished risk, and reduced stresses to the overall project and key stakeholders.
