Collaborative Problem-Solving in Complex Industrial Environments
Here’s a hard truth: industrial projects rarely go exactly as planned – especially when they’re complex. Whether it’s unexpected structural challenges, space constraints, or tight deadlines, technical expertise and problem-solving are of course essential, but one thing that’s often overlooked is the power of collaboration.
In complex industrial environments, teams must work together seamlessly – from the pre-construction phase through completion – to ensure projects are successful and stay on track.
But not all collaboration is created equal. When multiple industrial contractors and subcontractors are involved, miscommunication, delays, and inefficiencies can cause delays and overcomplicate issues. That’s why working with an integrated, self-performing industrial contracting team – one that can tackle every phase of a project in-house – can make a world of difference.
The Power of True Collaboration
Effective problem-solving in industrial environments depends on several factors:
Cross-Disciplinary Expertise
Complex projects need input from multiple disciplines, such as rigging, electrical, mechanical, fabrication, and more. In traditional setups, each contractor focuses only on their piece of the puzzle, which often leads to coordination gaps with other industrial contractors and the facility.
A fully in-house, integrated team works together from start to finish and makes sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Adaptability Amid Challenges
When it comes to complex industrial projects, unexpected hurdles like structural issues, equipment failures, or shifts in timeline demand quick attention and adjustment. When everything is handled by a self-performing team, problems can be solved in real time without waiting on outside vendors.
Collaboration That Drives Success
While custom industrial projects require a high level of technical know-how, a problem-solving mindset and a collaborative approach are must-haves as well.
When engineers, tradespeople, and project managers communicate well and goals are aligned, projects and budgets stay on track. When industrial contractors bring a collaborative approach, businesses feel more confident knowing they have a reliable partner to help them navigate any obstacles.
A Case Study of Collaborative Problem-Solving
When Wico Metal Products needed to install new 26-foot stamping presses in their facility, they ran into a major obstacle: the building’s roof wasn’t high enough. The only way to make the presses fit was to raise the roof – by 12 feet. On top of that, winter was approaching, and they had less than five months to complete the job.
From the start, Lee Industrial Contracting worked closely with Wico, ensuring they fully understood the process and how each step would impact their operations. Lee explained the structural requirements, timeline, and necessary modifications, while Wico provided their expectations, concerns, and operational constraints.
This back-and-forth collaboration allowed both teams to refine the approach and agree on the best path forward.
Together, we developed a plan that addressed multiple project needs at once:
- Structural modifications: Raising the roof while maintaining the building’s structural integrity.
- Space optimization: Demolishing outdated office space and enclosing a courtyard to maximize manufacturing space.
- Seamless project management: Handling electrical, plumbing, and mechanical adjustments in parallel with construction.
With everything under one roof, we were able to streamline collaboration directly with the client and accelerate execution, avoiding the communication and scheduling delays that typically come from juggling multiple contractors.
By keeping Wico informed at every stage and adjusting plans as needed, Lee ensured the project stayed on track, met the tight deadline, and delivered a better-optimized facility.
Read the full case study here >
Collaboration Starts During Pre-Construction
One of the most effective ways to ensure collaboration is to bring in industrial contractors early in the process during pre-construction. Involving contractors at this stage allows for value engineering, where we can identify innovative solutions to save costs and streamline execution.
Plus, contractors can fast-track schedules when delays arise due to sector volatility or unexpected challenges. Early involvement helps identify potential obstacles and creates a smoother path to project completion.
Lee Industrial Contracting embraces and adopts a truly collaborative approach in every project. If you’re thinking about starting an industrial project, contact us today to begin the collaboration process and ensure a smoother project – at the lowest cost possible.
