The Complexity of Industrial Capex Projects
For industries like pulp and paper, mining, and oil & gas, capital expenditure (capex) projects represent a significant investment, often involving multi-million-dollar budgets, intricate timelines, and a wide range of stakeholders. Successfully executing these projects requires precise coordination of multiple vendors, careful tracking of costs, and adherence to strict safety and quality standards. When managed improperly, even minor missteps can lead to budget overruns, schedule delays, and costly operational disruptions.
With so much at stake, having a robust project controls and scheduling strategy in place is not just an operational necessity—it is a financial imperative. The question then arises: should project controls and scheduling be managed internally, or should they be entrusted to a specialized firm?
Why Project Controls & Scheduling Are Essential
Project controls and scheduling are the backbone of large-scale CAPEX projects, ensuring timely completion, budget adherence, and compliance with quality and safety standards. Without them, companies face delays, cost overruns, and operational disruptions.
The Project Lifecycle: Why Each Phase Matters
- Feasibility & Study – Establishes realistic budgets, timelines, and risk assessments to prevent costly missteps.
- Engineering – Keeps scope, cost, and timelines aligned to avoid overruns and inefficiencies.
- Planning & Procurement – Ensures seamless vendor coordination, resource allocation, and contract alignment.
- Construction – Tracks progress, mitigates delays, and keeps all teams synchronized.
- Commissioning – Manages testing and startup to ensure smooth operational handover.
- Closeout – Captures insights, finalizes contracts, and optimizes future processes.
The Risks of Poor Project Controls
Without structured oversight, companies risk:
- Budget Overruns – Uncontrolled spending and inaccurate cost tracking.
- Schedule Delays – Poor coordination leads to missed deadlines.
- Operational Risks – Unmanaged changes disrupt execution.
- Lack of Transparency – Stakeholders struggle to track progress.
- Key Benefits of Strong Project Controls
- Predictable Outcomes – Clear timelines and cost projections prevent surprises.
- Data-Driven Decisions – Real-time tracking enables proactive adjustments.
- Risk Mitigation – Identifies potential issues before they escalate.
- Seamless Vendor Coordination – Keeps suppliers and teams aligned.
- Regulatory & Safety Compliance – Ensures adherence to industry standards.
Why Outsourcing Project Controls is the Smarter Choice
Many in-house teams lack the specialized expertise, tools, and scalability required for complex projects. Outsourcing to an experienced partner like Timenow provides:
- Industry-leading expertise in large-scale project controls.
- Seamless integration across vendors and stakeholders.
- Advanced tracking & forecasting tools for efficiency.
- Scalability to manage multiple projects with precision.
By prioritizing strong project controls and scheduling, companies minimize risks, control costs, and drive long-term success in capital-intensive projects.
Case Studies: Real-World Impact of Professional Project Controls
Successfully managing large-scale industrial projects requires a strategic approach that integrates real-time tracking, precise cost management, and seamless vendor coordination. Across diverse industries, Timenow’s project controls expertise has played a pivotal role in ensuring projects are completed efficiently, on budget, and within schedule.
$4-5 Billion Greenfield Paper Project in Brazil: A Masterclass in Project Controls
Managing a multi-billion-dollar greenfield paper mill project is no small feat, yet Timenow successfully delivered it using Time Connect from start to finish. From feasibility through closeout, the software provided:
- ✔ Real-time tracking & cost management to keep the project within budget.
- ✔ Seamless vendor coordination to ensure materials and equipment arrived on time.
- ✔ Schedule optimization to prevent costly delays.
By leveraging fully integrated project controls, the team delivered a large-scale industrial success—reinforcing Timenow’s ability to manage projects of similar scope across industries.
Optimizing Upgrades: Machine Drives & Quality Control Systems
A leading pulp and paper mill faced the challenge of upgrading machine drives and quality control systems while ensuring minimal operational disruption. Timenow’s specialized scheduling and project management ensured:
- ✔ A structured roadmap with clear milestones.
- ✔ Proactive resource allocation to keep the workforce and materials aligned.
- ✔ Efficient progress tracking to identify and resolve potential bottlenecks early.
- ✔ Comprehensive project close-out for long-term operational success.
Precision in Cost and Schedule Management
For complex industrial projects, maintaining financial discipline is essential. Timenow’s approach includes:
- ✔ Real-time cost tracking & variance analysis to prevent overruns.
- ✔ Stringent change control to evaluate financial implications before execution.
- ✔ Predictive scheduling & milestone tracking to avoid costly delays.
Project Controls for Large-Scale Infrastructure Upgrades
A landfill expansion project at a major industrial site required precise cost tracking and forecasting to prevent financial overruns. Timenow implemented:
- ✔ Advanced cost monitoring to control expenses in real time.
- ✔ Hybrid on-site & remote oversight for greater accuracy.
- ✔ Proactive change control procedures to manage financial risks.
Hybrid Project Monitoring for Greater Accuracy
Combining on-site oversight with remote tracking technologies enhances project visibility and accuracy. This hybrid model enables:
- ✔ Swift response to deviations through real-time monitoring.
- ✔ Better collaboration between project managers, vendors, and teams.
- ✔ Structured post-project evaluations for continuous improvement.
Delivering Success Across Industries
By prioritizing proactive planning, rigorous financial oversight, and integrated coordination, Timenow consistently delivers successful outcomes in complex industrial projects. From multi-billion-dollar greenfield developments to infrastructure upgrades, Timenow’s project controls expertise ensures efficiency, cost control, and timely delivery—demonstrating the transformative power of professional project controls.
Why Partnering with a Specialized Firm Makes a Difference
Entrusting project controls and scheduling to a firm that specializes in these areas ensures a higher level of accuracy, efficiency, and risk mitigation. By working with an established firm, companies gain access to:
- Dedicated expertise – Specialized knowledge in managing industrial capex projects.
- Advanced tools and methodologies – Integrating scheduling, budgeting, and forecasting seamlessly.
- Global experience with local adaptability – Proven success in large-scale projects worldwide, tailored to industry-specific needs.
- Optimized resource allocation and vendor coordination – Ensuring that projects move forward without bottlenecks.
This is where Timenow comes in. With years of experience in pulp and paper, mining, and oil & gas, Timenow provides end-to-end project controls and scheduling services tailored to the unique demands of industrial capex projects.
How Timenow Adds Value
Timenow has developed proprietary methodologies and tools to streamline project controls and scheduling, reducing inefficiencies and improving project success rates. With a track record of managing multi-million-dollar projects, Timenow offers:
- Time Connect, a project management platform that provides automated insights, real-time tracking, and proactive risk assessment.
- A team of industry experts who specialize in managing industrial project lifecycles from feasibility to close-out.
- A client-centric approach that prioritizes seamless collaboration and transparency.
- Investments in AI and digital transformation to drive greater project efficiency and automation.
By choosing Timenow as your project management partner, your company gains a competitive advantage, ensuring that capex projects are delivered on time, within budget, and with superior execution.
Timenow’s Commitment to AI & Digital Transformation
Timenow is investing in digital transformation and artificial intelligence to enhance its capabilities and deliver greater efficiency, automation, and employee empowerment. By integrating advanced technologies, the company is developing solutions that streamline processes, optimize decision-making, and drive innovation.
Kyno: AI-Powered Intelligence for Smarter Workflows
A key initiative in this transformation is Kyno, an AI-driven assistant that revolutionizes how employees access information and resolve queries. Acting as a smart co-pilot, Kyno:
- Optimizes workflows by delivering quick, accurate insights.
- Simplifies access to internal policies and documents for seamless decision-making.
- Empowers teams with autonomy, reducing bottlenecks and improving productivity.
Strategic AI Partnerships for the Future
Timenow is also forming strategic partnerships with leading technology companies and startups to integrate AI and automation into Project Controls & Scheduling. These collaborations will enable:
- More precise project tracking and real-time forecasting.
- Enhanced resource allocation for greater efficiency.
- Smarter, data-driven decision-making to minimize risks.
With these advancements set to unfold over the next two to three years, Timenow is positioning itself at the forefront of AI-driven project management, ensuring smarter, faster, and more reliable outcomes for its clients.
Take the Next Step in Project Management Success
For industrial firms looking to optimize project controls and scheduling, partnering with a firm that brings expertise, technology, and proven methodologies is the key to success. Timenow offers the experience, tools, and strategies necessary to manage complex industrial projects with precision.
Connect with Timenow today and ensure your next capex project is executed with efficiency, accuracy, and confidence.