Challenges Faced by Design Engineers Due to Incompetent Reviewers & How to Address Them

As an Engineering Design and Power System Consultancy, Many Time We Fall in to the Situations where Reviewers Lack adequate Technical Expertise in Design and Power Systems. Despite their limited knowledge, their Attitude towards Experienced and Competent Engineers is often Unprofessional.

To hide their Lack of Competency, they adopt certain Tactics that Design Consultants, Freelancers, and Professional Engineers should be aware of and avoid falling prey to.

Below are some common strategies used by such reviewers

1. "Your Design Has Many Mistakes; Arrange a Site Visit Immediately"

?? Reality:

• Many reviewers are unable to Interpret Design Standards and Documents correctly.
• They Avoid Online Meetings because they fear their lack of expertise will be Exposed if the Session is Recorded.
• To Divert attention, they insist on Physical site visits instead of discussing the issues logically.

?? How to Handle It:

• Insist on a Documented Review Process through emails or Online Meetings with recorded discussions.
• If a site visit is truly necessary, Define the Specific Purpose and Expected Outcome before agreeing.

2. "You Have Never Visited the Site; Without Seeing It, You Cannot Design"

?? Reality:

• Competent Designers can develop systems and equipment without a Site Visit if provided with the right inputs by Owners, EPCs, or Developers.
• Many Time, Stakeholders fail to provide necessary Inputs due to various reasons (lack of proper data, unclear processes, or internal miscommunication).
• Some engineers Do not understand the Difference between: Design Documents vs. As-Built Documents Site Visit vs. Site Survey Technical Specifications vs. Data Sheets

?? How to Handle It:

• Clearly Define Input Requirements at the project’s outset.
• Educate Stakeholders on the Importance of Accurate Data in the design process.
• If a site visit is requested, confirm what specific data needs to be collected and why it wasn’t provided earlier.

3. "We Cannot Share Process Parameters; As a Designer, You Should Already Know the Requirements"

?? Reality:

• Designers need Defined Requirements to create efficient systems.
• 90% of the time, users cannot properly Document their own Requirements.
• Some users believe that sharing Process Data Compromises Confidentiality, fearing that designers will steal their Technology.
• In today’s digital age (2024), information is widely accessible, and such concerns are outdated.

?? How to Handle It:

• Push for clear Requirement Documentation at the start of the project.
• If confidentiality is a concern, propose NDAs (Non-Disclosure Agreements) instead of withholding critical data.
• Emphasize that proper Input leads to a Better Design outcome, reducing rework and inefficiencies.

Final Advice for Designers & Professional Engineers        

• Always design based on fundamental engineering principles, standards, regulations, and experience.
• Evaluate the competency of the person reviewing your work.
• Do not let unqualified reviewers dictate your professional decisions.
• Adapt your approach to avoid being controlled by incompetence.
• The industry has evolved; it's time to work smart and professionally