The MTO unit is set to begin operation

Could the original poster be more specific about what will be said at the meeting? There might be differences in understanding. When we talk about starting a project here, it generally means that after reviewing the process specifications, the main process flow is finalized; once that is done, the project enters the preliminary design phase. At this stage, as the owner, if procurement is to be carried out in-house, it is time to start with the procurement process. For the process, catalysts can be selected easily; for the equipment, it is necessary to find suppliers and reach an agreement first. In terms of human resources, efforts should be made to build up a pool of staff, and technicians should be sent to similar facilities to gain experience. At this stage in the equipment management process, it is generally possible to determine the number of devices required. On one hand, efforts are made to urge the design agency to set a deadline for releasing the equipment specifications; on the other hand, it is possible to start seeking suppliers. For each type of device, several suppliers are contacted (through phone conversations) to determine whether they are interested in cooperating, which facilitates the creation of a shortlist for subsequent bidding processes. Otherwise, having too few suppliers later on will make it difficult to control prices.

Perhaps I didn’t explain things in enough detail. We are now near the completion stage of the preliminary design phase. We belong to the MTO project team; I’m in charge of equipment-related matters, and I’ve never attended a meeting like this before, so I’d like to learn more about it

May I ask which project the original poster is working on? Is it convenient to communicate?

With the basic design completed, the equipment model and specification drawings are ready; you just need to decide on the supplier, right? ! For on-site manufacturing equipment, make sure to buy the materials with enough extra quantity in mind; it’s for the construction team to pick up when they arrive: lol

We are the EPC general contractor; the design institute is responsible for the procurement

Provide a list of suppliers; generally, this is done to accommodate the client’s needs. There is also technical exchange, and once recommendations are made and detailed technical agreements are finalized, bidding begins

You need to communicate with the equipment manufacturers to finalize a shortlist of devices. Then have EPC make purchases from this list; otherwise, the quality of the items purchased could be uncertain. And all of these should be specified in the EPC contract.