How Industrial Capital Projects Stay Ahead of the Curve
Today’s definition of successful capital project planning is entirely different from what it meant even five years ago. Schedules are tighter, finding labor is harder and technology is advancing more quickly than many teams can realistically absorb. Owners are under more pressure than ever to safely deliver cost‑effective projects with minimal downtime.
During our recent webinar, 5 Ways Capital Project Success Is Changing, JEPCO subject matter experts Kevin McKee, Jay Sorensen, Ben Rand and Mark Rawlings discussed the biggest shifts they’re seeing in capital project execution—and what owners and operators need to do to stay ahead.
Here are the five key questions our subject matter experts addressed in their discussion.
#1: Why Is Modular Design Becoming the New Standard for Capital Project Execution?
The success of industrial capital projects is increasingly tied to modular design because it reduces field labor, shortens schedules, improves safety and enhances quality.
Rather than building structures piece by piece in the field, more industrial capital projects are being designed with modular components, such as pipe racks, steel structures and skid-mounted equipment. These pieces can be fabricated in a controlled shop environment and installed as complete units.
Other benefits of modular design within capital project planning include:
- Shorter on-site construction windows
- Reduced exposure to weather delays
- Improved fabrication quality and consistency
- Increased safety due to fewer field man-hours
Modularization also allows owners to prioritize schedule certainty over minor increases in fabrication or transportation costs. In many cases, this can reduce the project schedule by weeks, or even months, and create significant downstream value.
#2: How Is Automation Becoming More Accessible for Small and Mid-Sized Capital Projects?
Automation is no longer limited to large, high-budget capital projects thanks to flexible platforms, web-based interfaces and scalable hardware.
Modern automation systems now allow operators to monitor and control equipment using tablets, phones or web browsers, reducing the need for expensive physical hardware in the field. Many solutions leverage existing infrastructure, which makes upgrades more cost-effective.
From a safety and reliability standpoint, automation within capital projects also enables:
- Remote troubleshooting during severe weather or hazardous conditions
- Reduced downtime through faster diagnostics
- Greater operational visibility without added field exposure
For owners, this means automation can be implemented incrementally and aligned with operational needs rather than requiring a massive capital investment up front.
#3: What Role Will AI Play in the Future of Capital Project and Facility Performance?
AI is changing capital project success by enabling predictive maintenance, early failure detection and data-driven operational insights.
Artificial intelligence is already being used to analyze massive volumes of sensor and equipment data to identify trends that would otherwise go unnoticed. These systems can flag potential failures, recommend maintenance actions and help teams address issues before they lead to downtime.
However, AI does not replace human judgment. Successful implementation requires:
- Careful validation of AI outputs against real-world conditions
- Experienced teams to interpret and apply insights
- Trust built over time through consistent performance
When paired with engineering expertise and field experience, AI becomes a powerful tool for improving reliability, efficiency and asset life.
#4: Why Is Early Constructability Review Critical to Capital Project Success?
Projects are more successful when constructability is evaluated early—before drawings ever reach the field.
One of the most common challenges in capital projects is the disconnect between engineering design and field execution. Early constructability reviews help identify missing information, coordination issues and design risks before they cause RFIs or delays.
Effective constructability practices include:
- Early collaboration between engineering and construction teams
- Reviewing 3D models and drawings from a field-first perspective
- Incorporating lessons learned from past projects
When constructability is addressed from the start, projects benefit from smoother execution, improved safety and more predictable schedules.
#5: Why Does Involving Operations and Stakeholders Early Lead to Better Outcomes?
Capital projects succeed more often when operators and end users are involved early in decision-making.
One recurring issue within capital projects is bringing operations teams into the project too late—often during final turnover. This can lead to costly changes, mismatched equipment selections and unnecessary retraining.
Early stakeholder involvement helps:
- Align equipment choices with existing standards
- Reduce operational learning curves
- Minimize costly late-stage modifications
Including the right voices early ensures the finished facility is not only buildable, but operable, maintainable and aligned with long-term business goals.
The way capital projects are planned and executed is evolving rapidly, and your approach should, too. Modular design, accessible automation, AI-driven insights, early constructability and early stakeholder collaboration are no longer “nice-to-haves”—they’re quickly becoming essential.
At JEPCO, we continue to help owners navigate these changes by integrating our engineering, procurement, construction and automation expertise during the earliest stages of their projects. Reach out to our team to see how we can keep your capital projects ahead of the curve. Interested in watching the full webinar? See the full recording here.
Featured Speakers
Kevin McKee, Director of Construction Services
Kevin McKee brings more than 20 years of diverse project experience to his role with JEPCO. Having spent years as a JEPCO customer, Kevin offers a unique perspective shaped by both owner and engineering viewpoints. His deep field construction knowledge allows him to bridge the gap between design intent and real-world execution, delivering practical, client-focused solutions.
Jay Sorensen, Automation Engineer
Jay Sorensen is one of the industry’s top automation experts and leads our research and development efforts at JEPCO. His work on innovative projects such as Horizon Flow demonstrates his ability to turn advanced automation concepts into real-world results.
Ben Rand, Director of Information Technology
Ben Rand has been with JEPCO for more than 12 years, leading the company’s information technology department and driving continuous improvements across systems and workflows. Ben has served as a presenter at Autodesk University, sharing insights and best practices with industry peers.
Mark Rawlings, Civil/Structural Engineering Manager
Mark Rawlings leads JEPCO’s civil/structural team and is known for defying the traditional engineer stereotype. Mark is frequently praised by clients for his approachability, friendliness and exceptional customer service, making complex engineering concepts easy to understand.
