The Importance of Snagging in Engineering Projects
Every engineering project management program reaches a stage where the production line or facility being installed needs tidying up. While most of the work is complete, several minor (and sometimes major) issues still need addressing.
At this point, the installation company often loses interest; they see it as a thorn in their side and prefer to move on to the next project. This is when the project manager must take charge to ensure all snags are properly addressed.
Managing Snagging in Engineering Projects
Some of these issues may be the OEM’s (Original Equipment Manufacturer) contractual responsibility to fix, and sometimes they need to be reminded of this! Fortunately, many OEMs understand their duty to leave the customer satisfied by finishing the job properly.
However, some companies can be difficult when it comes to resolving the final issues. They assume that if they delay long enough, the customer will either forget or find workarounds for the problems. This is unacceptable. A strong and organised project manager must ensure all outstanding tasks are completed before sign-off.
Much of our recent work has revolved around snagging and finalising these last details, which has proven to be quite eventful. However, this phase is critical—it determines the long-term efficiency and success of a production line. Small inefficiencies left unresolved at this stage could lead to significant financial losses over the lifecycle of the equipment.
Common Snagging Issues in Engineering Projects
Powder Hoppers That Don’t Dose Correctly
In the newly installed process kitchen, there was a minor powder hopper designed for operators to dose small powdered ingredients not economical to dispense from the bulk powder system.
Operators were meant to add the required amount manually, but due to dosing inaccuracies, they started adding powders directly into the main batch tank instead. This issue, while minor at first glance, disrupted the entire workflow and required a solution.
The Fix:
A straightforward fix was implemented—vibratory hammers were added to the hopper’s sides. While this wasn’t a complex task, it involved multiple steps:
- Installation of air-operated vibratory hammers
- Adding valve and pipework for air supply
- Electrical wiring for solenoid operation
- Integration into the PLC program and all relevant recipe automation systems
Although these were relatively minor engineering works, getting the OEM to complete them was a challenge, as they dragged their heels at every step.
Flow Meter Accuracy Issues
Several flow meters on site exhibited accuracy problems, leading to dosing issues. One persistent issue involved Hot Brake Tomato, where incorrect ingredient measurements resulted in defective recipes and costly batch wastage.
The Root Cause:
The primary issue stemmed from back pressure variations affecting flow meter readings. After consulting Endress+Hauser (a leading flow meter manufacturer), we determined that increasing back pressure was necessary.
The Solution:
To improve accuracy, the flow meter was moved closer to the supply pump. This adjustment ensured that the back pressure remained stable, allowing for more precise ingredient dosing.
The Importance of a Dedicated Engineering Project Management Team
Snagging is often overlooked, yet it is crucial for long-term success. A strong engineering solutions provider ensures that even minor inefficiencies are eliminated before final project handover. Investing time and effort into this phase prevents costly issues down the line and enhances operational efficiency.
At Engineering Support 24/7, we specialise in handling engineering snagging projects, ensuring that every detail is perfected before completion. Whether it’s electrical panel building, flow meter calibration, or PLC programming, we ensure your production facility operates smoothly and efficiently.