What is the role of a Client’s Engineer in an industrial project?

Who is a Client’s Engineer?

The Client’s engineer is a person or a team of professionals who act as an intermediary between the Client and the project team. They are also called Owner’s Engineers or Owner’s representatives. Furthermore, their role depends on the complexity of the project. They have a direct impact on the success of the project.

The Client appoints an engineer in Built-to-Suit projects or EPC contracts. In these projects, the client’s engineer will create the specifications and vet the developer’s or the EPC’s design and drawings. Additionally, the engineer’s assessment report is a part of the close-out report. However, in some industrial projects, the Client may also decide to have an engineer in spite of having design consultants and PMC.

What is their role in an industrial project?

Review of the design: The Client’s engineer meticulously checks the designs, drawings and specifications to ensure that the design meets the codes, standards, and project requirements.
Quality Assurance: They monitor the quality of construction, materials, and equipment to meet project requirements.
Risk Assessment: The engineers also identify the potential technical challenges in the early stages of the project and suggest steps to mitigate risks and avoid costly delays.
Contract Negotiation: Contract negotiations are also part of the Client’s Engineers scope.
Dispute Resolution: The Client’s engineers also act as mediators when there are conflicts and ensure minimal disruptions in the project.
Change Order Management: They also review and approve change order requests to avoid scope creep.
Cost Estimation: They provide accurate cost estimates for the project, helping the Client to make informed decisions regarding budgeting and resource allocation.
Cost Tracking: The Engineer also monitors the project closely for any budget overruns.
Value Engineering: They actively seek opportunities to optimise costs without compromising quality.
Timeline Development: The engineers help prepare realistic project timelines.
Progress Tracking: They track and monitor the progress of the project.
Coordination: The Client’s Engineers coordinate the efforts of various stakeholders involved in the project, ensuring that everyone is aligned and working towards common goals.
Client Representation: The Client’s engineers serve as the point of contact between the Client and the project team.
Stakeholder Coordination: They effectively communicate with various stakeholders, including contractors, suppliers, subcontractors, and regulatory authorities.

Benefits of having a Client’s Engineer

A client’s engineer represents the Client in the project and provides them with day-to-day updates. Moreover, they free the Client from the daily construction hassles. They use their expertise and knowledge to add value to the project. Also, they filter the communication and forward the mails based on priority.