Industrial projects succeed when expertise, alignment, and execution come together at the right time. Yet in complex environments true progress depends on more than schedules and deliverables. It requires partnership.
At Timenow, our approach is grounded in being present where the work happens, understanding the realities on-site, and collaborating closely with clients to define the “why” behind every initiative.
In this article, senior experts Leandro Escobar and Joacir da Costa share perspectives from the field on how strong customer alignment, structured methodology, and emerging technologies like AI are shaping the future of industrial project delivery.
Understanding starts on-site
The benefits of visiting a client site are multiple; it offers the chance to listen and really understand the client’s situation and point of view. And to see the facility in operation reveals, for example, critical constraints such as maintenance access during shutdowns, legacy interlocks, or undocumented tie-ins, as well as bringing to the discussion:
- Real day-to-day bottlenecks
- Safety and logistical considerations
- Cross-departmental dynamics
- Opportunities for efficiency gains
Both Leandro and Jaocir explained that a site visit will help them start the conversation by asking the “why” behind the project. Even before going over a project brief, they want to determine the “why”. It’s not unheard of that the answer will lead to some changes in the project scope, in essence refining it.
AI as a tool to greater efficiency
When the conversation turned to artificial intelligence (AI), Leandro explained that he sees the shift AI brings to the workplace. Both Leandro and Joacir feel AI is going to bring about a lot of change. Timenow’s proprietary LLM KYNO, is an AI tool that is already helping to:
- Accelerate data consolidation
- Improve risk and cost analysis
- Automate administrative tasks that used to take hours
- Support new talent entering industrial roles
They also agreed that, even without replacing the engineer’s role, AI has the potential to fill the generational gap that’s formed across industries across the country: new graduates without field experience yet learning the right industrial skills, or not applying for industrial jobs, which leads to a measurable shortage of qualified staff. AI can support the training of new hires and, over time, provide step-by-step guidance for structured tasks, thereby improving processes across the board.
They also discussed the potential role of AI in supporting workforce development initiatives, particularly in light of generational shifts within industrial sectors. As new graduates often enter the workforce with limited practical experience, AI-based tools may be used to complement training and onboarding efforts. Over time, such tools could assist with standardized task guidance and process support.
Stakeholder alignment
Joacir said that one of the biggest challenges for any project is making sure there’s alignment with all the stakeholders. The biggest alignment discrepancies can often happen between engineering and procurement. Throughout his career he’s come to understand that procurement operates within strict governance, compliance, and commercial risk constraints, which can turn changes into more complex and demanding.
Timenow makes it a priority to help facilitate critical conversations between stakeholders by ensuring:
- Requirements are clearly defined
- Changes are communicated early
- Risks are surfaced and mitigated
- Approvals move with less friction
The Timenow difference
This brings us to the question of what is Timenow’s greatest asset? The answer was unanimous: our people.
Our experts bring:
- Decades of field experience
- A time-tested methodology
- A commitment to being present where the work happens
- The ability to connect engineering, procurement, operations, and leadership
- A partnership mindset focused on delivering outcomes, not just executing tasks
Supporting modernization and automation of aging facilities
Our conversation briefly dipped into the pulp & paper industry where Timenow has a large customer base.
Leandro explained that in the US the pulp & paper mills tend to be much older than in his native Brazil. Several mills in the US are around 50 years old. The challenges there are the slow shift toward technology and automation. It’s taken time, especially in brownfield projects.
These facilities require:
- Strong risk management
- Clear project pathways
- Precise planning around maintenance windows
- A methodology that respects legacy systems
By combining structured project management with hands-on presence and AI-powered efficiency tools, Timenow helps U.S. facilities accelerate modernization while minimizing operational disruption.
Ready to discuss your next project?
If you’re facing aging infrastructure, tight timelines, modernization initiatives, or stakeholder misalignment, our team is here to help.
Book a 20-minute diagnostic call and learn how Timenow can support your project with on-site readiness, structured methodology, and AI-enhanced execution.