The 5 steps of a crane project and your role its success!

By Marc-André Martineau
Manager and partner at Premium Industrial Group

An overhead crane project is a major investment. Once you’ve determined a budget, selected a supplier, negotiated and made a decision, you certainly want to avoid unnecessary delays and additional costs. In fact, some companies have already experienced disappointment with their overhead crane project. And understandably so: so much work has already been invested. It’s only natural that you want to know how your project will go, and what you can do to avoid obstacles to your success!

Premium Industrial Group has been supporting its customers in this type of project for 15 years. This experience has taught us the importance of communication and collaboration between manufacturer and customer. In this article, you’ll find out about the stages of an overhead crane project and your involvement at each stage. You’ll learn how you can keep track of your project and help ensure that the installation is completed on schedule!

The 5 main stages, some of which combine several elements, are as follows :

1.  Start
2.  Validation and approval
3.  Manufacturing
4.  Installation
5.  Documentation
   
   
   

Step 1: Start, measure and prepare your project with your project manager

There’s no better way to get started than with people! Usually, a project manager is assigned to take care of your project. He or she will be your point of contact and will coordinate all subsequent phases. His first task is to prepare the administrative file. Then, he’ll make sure that the project data are verified. For example, even if someone has already taken measurements on your side for an initial estimate, it’s important to double-check everything after the order to avoid any nasty surprises. Here is how to proceed :

Your role for success : Good communication with your project manager is essential. So let him/her know your expectations, and don’t hesitate to ask questions! As for taking measurements, a specialist will contact you for an appointment to access the site and gather information. All you have to do is cooperate with him/her and guarantee access to the necessary spaces. This visit may interfere with your production. Good planning will therefore avoid any inconvenience.

Step 2 : Plan, validate and approve the project

Only after all measurements have been verified can the technical drawings be prepared. Then, once you’ve approved these drawings, we can order the components.

1. Technical drawings : The engineering team creates detailed plans, taking into account the information gathered on site, so that everything is clear. These are then sent to you for approval.
   
   
2. Ordering components: Once you’ve approved the plans, we order the necessary components such as hoists, motors, electrical equipment, etc. If these parts are already in stock when the contract is signed, we can reserve them and confirm everything when the drawings are approved.

Your role for success : The faster you validate the technical plans, the faster the project will progress.

Step 3 : Manufacturing at the right time to meet your deadline

With technical drawings, materials and components in hand, it’s time to move on to manufacturing. This phase includes the following 3 steps :

Step 4 : Start-up for your satisfaction and safety

While the project is being manufactured, a team plans the installation work. They will then be ready for action on the day of delivery. The overhead crane components are already inspected at the factory, but many aspects can only be checked once installed on the construction site. A full inspection on your site ensures that everything is functional and safe. That’s why these items are included in Step 4 :

1. Installation : Technicians install the overhead crane on the rails and complete the electrical connections to the equipment. The electrical wiring, which includes routing a cable to the conductor bars and checking the power supply isolator, must be carried out by a master electrician.
2. Commissioning : All systems are checked for proper operation by means of a start-up inspection. All the overhead crane’s functions are then tested.
3. Load test : The maximum weight is lifted (100% of capacity), and a test is carried out at 125% of capacity. These load tests confirm that the lifting equipment can be used safely, in accordance with current standards.

 

Your role for success : This is the critical phase for you. Everything must be ready to receive the overhead crane and the technical team. The space must be clear of any obstacles, and the equipment to be used for this stage must already be in place. Power must also be available for testing. Good communication with your project manager is the key to success. Don’t hesitate to ask what needs to be prepared for the big day!

Step 5 : Receive and keep your technical documents for future reference

Once everything has been installed and tested, your supplier will provide you with a set of documents in digital form. These documents include :

Your role for success : This information should be kept in your logbook for reference and is part of the evidence that your equipment is compliant. For more information on this subject, please consult our article Compliance of Lifting and Handling Equipment

Roles summary by stage

Where to start?

Installing an overhead crane is an important project for your company. To make it a success, everything needs to be planned by your overhead crane manufacturer, but also from your side. Do you currently have a project on the table? Please contact us if you’d like us to guide you through the process. You can fill in the form at the bottom of the page, or read the article Need an overhead crane: Where to start?

But what if you’re on a tight schedule? Is it possible to speed up the process? See our article Overhead crane delivery times: What influences them? How can you speed up the process?