FAQ: Project Management for Pulp & Paper

If you have experience in any kind of heavy manufacturing industry, you understand that major projects carry unique challenges, from high costs of materials and equipment, to demanding schedules and delivery dates. Choosing the right project management partner is critical. To help you make the right choice, we’ve put together this FAQ to give you clear, high-level answers on how Timenow addresses project management challenges specific to heavy industry, like yours. From managing STOs and improving reliability, to embedding safety, sustainability, and helpful digital tools into every phase of delivery. These FAQs will give you useful insight into how Timenow ensures your projects are delivered on time, safely, and with measurable results. 

Question 1: What project challenges are specific to pulp and paper plants—and how does Timenow address them?

In the pulp and paper industry, mills deal with a range of challenges, from special project runs, to maintenance schedules, as well as equipment upgrades and integration, automating systems, tight deadlines (especially during STOs), environmental and safety regulations, and managing multiple contractors, suppliers and customers. In particular cost overruns and schedule delays can lead to significant losses. 

Timenow helps you mitigate these challenges through advanced digital tools and applying a structured methodology. We offer a broad range of services, and the ones most applicable to Pulp and Paper are Agile implementation and Advanced Work Packaging (AWP) to boost efficiency and increase productivity. We also recommend EAM/CMMS integration for automation and reliability.  STO planning is supported by our proprietary TimeConnect platform, which offers real-time visibility across all critical activities. 

Safety, compliance, and workforce management are maintained through due diligence checks and risk management aligned with global standards. 

Question 2: How does Timenow manage projects at any lifecycle stage?

Timenow is designed to manage projects across your entire lifecycle, from initial planning and feasibility checks, through execution, commissioning, and continued optimization. 

Starting with front-end planning and helping you determine strategy, we move to full project management in the execution phase, where we recommend implementing EAM/CMMS supported by Agile methodologies. To have a real-time view of the processes, Timenow offers a proprietary platform, TimeConnect, which allows you to keep track of complex activities, have information to make decisions, and see ways to reduce delays. 

At commissioning the system offers you structured testing, verification, and operational readiness best-practices to ensure assets meet design requirements and plants operate efficiently from day one. Throughout and after commissioning, Timenow provides training and optimization support, ensuring long term performance across the lifecycle.

Question 3: How does Timenow integrate safety, sustainability, and digital tools into project delivery?

To ensure safety and sustainability standards are met at all times, Timenow embeds safety protocols and adherence to global standards, such as ISO 55000, API 580, and OSHA/NFPA into every aspect of the project management. Our goal is to ensure compliance with rigorous operational and environmental standards while optimizing planning, coordination, and execution. 

Our approach covers permits to work, lock-out/tag-out procedures, hazard control, and competence training for staff and contractors, reinforced by analytical tools such as FMEA and FTA. We believe in building a strong safety culture that protects people, assets, and operations.

Our AssetIn model and Strategic Asset Management Plans (SAMP) embed long-term sustainability objectives into operations. Solutions such as EAM/CMMS systems, the TimeConnect platform, and iRoutes enable real-time tracking, predictive maintenance, optimized inspection routes, and connected worker technologies. Together, these capabilities provide you with enterprise-wide visibility into process. These tools can also reduce downtime and improve compliance, which allows you to achieve reliable and cost-effective project outcomes, within sustainable and safe guidelines. 

We have the tools to tailor a solution to meet your project needs. 

Question 4: How does Timenow collaborate with internal project teams or contractors on site?

Timenow emphasizes a highly collaborative approach to project delivery. We work closely with internal project teams, owner teams, contractors, and other stakeholders involved in the project to ensure alignment of project goals with business objectives. We prioritize transparent communication to achieve seamless execution and hand-offs. Our collaborative model ensures Timenow does not operate as an external silo but rather as an integral part of your operational environment. 

By integrating digital tools in our collaboration, such as the TimeConnect platform, EAM/CMMS solutions, iRoutes, and connected worker technologies, we provide real-time visibility and insights for a more coordinated project execution.

Question 5: What does a typical project management engagement look like—from start to finish?

A typical engagement with Timenow is defined by a collaborative and transparent partnership, guiding our clients in asset-heavy industries like pulp and paper through every project phase, from initial strategy to system go-live and continuous optimization. Each project begins with a deep understanding of your operational maturity, critical equipment, and business objectives. From there we develop tailored solutions, whether for EAM/CMMS implementation, RAM analysis, or STO planning. Timenow aligns recommendations and technologies with your Strategic Asset Management Plan (SAMP). Detailed planning, scheduling, and risk assessments ensure every activity is meticulously prepared, budgets are controlled, and stakeholders are fully aligned. 

During execution, we leverage our proprietary TimeConnect platform to provide real-time visibility into project activities, risks, and critical paths, thereby enhancing decision-making and communication. Safety, quality, and resource optimization are embedded throughout, with teams trained, supported, and managed to deliver within scope and schedule. 

At close-out, we make sure to capture lessons learned, provide user training, and support continuous improvement, ensuring sustainable adoption and measurable long-term returns. Timenow combines an end-to-end approach with AGILE methodologies and extensive industry expertise, enabling us to consistently deliver projects on time, on budget, and with lasting impact.

Question 6: How is the pricing determined for project management services in pulp and paper plants?

Timenow determines pricing for project management in pulp and paper plants through a bespoke, value-driven approach that reflects each project’s scale, complexity, and objectives. Costs are determined by project size, scope, duration, and resource requirements. We take into account that shutdowns and outages demanding extensive planning, coordination, and skilled labor. Pricing also accounts for client collaboration levels and the proactive risk management strategies needed to minimize disruptions and ensure compliance with industry standards.

Proposals are crafted to be risk-aware and outcome-focused, aligned with your business goals to optimize efficiency, reduce downtime, and maximize ROI. Tailored solutions, such as EAM/CMMS implementation, STO management, and digital platforms like TimeConnect, are adapted to your specific operational maturity and needs. By linking pricing to tangible value delivery, including measurable cost savings and performance improvements, we ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with lasting operational impact.

If you’re seeking a partner who can structure project delivery around your goals while minimizing risks and maximizing returns, connect with Timenow to discuss a tailored proposal for your next project.