An article by Mr. Mohammad Saleem. Deputy Senior Vice President – UAE. Gerab National Enterprises.
Introduction
Whether in oil & gas, power & desalination, infrastructure and civil works, or manufacturing, pipe system suppliers are relied on to deliver the right product, at the right time, in very demanding circumstances.
The function of supply on these projects is not limited to just delivery of product. It must encompass a wide range of functions, value added services, and logistical efficiencies to deliver, mitigate risks, and address emergencies. This often requires the strength of a local supplier with global reach in order to deliver uncompromising solutions where they are needed the most.
Using Gerab’s decades of experience, we have identified the four major areas that a complex supply chain needs to account for to deliver reliable piping solutions where they are most needed.
Material Expertise
Today’s piping systems are incredibly complex and use a wide range of products and materials sourced from all over the world including pipes, fittings, flanges, valves, and other accessories. The primary role of a pipe system supplier is to provide the right product at the right time, meeting the relevant international standards, and of course, with a keen eye on costs. This requires product expertise, strong relationships with local, regional, and international qualified manufacturers, and experience in handling supply for critical infrastructure installations. Having this in place allows for the integration of customized solutions for circumstances requiring special products or engineered solutions that ensure that pipe system materials are compatible and meet temperature, pressure, and operational considerations that may require special handling, installation support, coating, or reinforcements.
Quality Control
International standards across ASTM, API, and ISO play a key role in ensuring that products from different manufacturers are compatible and fit for purpose. They also govern how equipment is stored, handled, and installed to ensure that the quality of the pipe or fitting is not compromised anywhere along the supply chain. Compliance and certification are other aspects of quality control that need special attention, including custom packing, engraving, and color coding to facilitate handling, testing, and storage. This requires close collaboration between manufacturers and suppliers capable of safeguarding quality and being able to comply with different types of testing at every stage of the supply path. In each regional location there will be distinct variation in the standards and regulations that equipment suppliers and manufacturers need to be aware of and comply with. This is where having a local presence is helpful. A deep knowledge of local conditions helps speed up and smooth out what can otherwise be a time-consuming network of regulation and processes.
Location, Location, Location
Logistics networks in global supply chains have become increasingly complex, and add layers of cost, time, and equipment that can derail a project. A local supplier tends to have an advantage here in that they can respond quickly to client requirements and can reduce costs by holding inventories close to where they are needed the most. As a 100% locally owned company, Gerab, for example, has invested in a comprehensive infrastructure for conducting its operations in the region. State-of-the-art warehousing and logistics facilities are supported by innovative and best-in-class ERP and internal workflow, documentation, and compliance protocols. Our facilities are located in the UAE, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar and Iraq to serve the oil & gas, petrochemical, power and energy, industrial, and municipal sectors more efficiently.
Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG)
ESG is becoming an integral part of pipe system supply, and having a local presence, engagement with the local community, and practicing sound sustainability protocols are integral to operations. At Gerab, we are proud of our community engagement projects that have expanded from a comprehensive corporate social responsibility program to include environmental stewardship and compliance with governance protocols that meet the standards and expectations of our stakeholders.
Conclusion
As a leader in the supply of pipe system solutions to oil, power & renewable energy, civil, and process industries, Gerab does not compromise on quality in pursuit of its commitment to clients. We have proven over more than 45 years since our inception in 1977, that to thrive in this market, a local supplier must employ all these attributes combined with a global outlook to be an efficient pipe system supplier and work successfully with their clients.
Mr. Mohammad Saleem. Deputy Senior Vice President – UAE. Gerab National Enterprises.
Contact us to discuss how Gerab can help with your next project.