Site Audits & Investigations

Site Audits & Investigations for Planning

Site audits are used to support decisions throughout the entirety of the project, starting in the planning phase.

Facility Assessments for Informed Expansion Planning

Site audits and investigations are used to evaluate infrastructure capacity and document existing conditions through site walks and 3D scanning so project decisions are based on current, verified conditions rather than assumptions.

Process Documentation & Drawing Review

We review existing drawings and system documentation to identify discrepancies between design intent and actual field conditions. Where needed, field verification or laser scanning can be used to confirm conditions.

Capabilities include:

  • Review of existing P&IDs and facility drawings
  • As-built verification of systems and utilities
  • Identification of outdated or incomplete documentation
  • Code compliance review and gap identification

Electrical, Instrumentation, and Controls Evaluation

Before expansion, we assess existing electrical equipment condition and control systems architecture to determine upgrade or replacement requirements.

Capabilities include:

  • Evaluation of aging or obsolete equipment
  • Review of control system architecture
  • Identification of modernization requirements
  • Review of electrical distribution including, transformers, MCC, panels and one-lines drawings to confirm electrical capacity
  • Assessment of integration readiness for new systems

Utility Capacity & Infrastructure Assessment

We evaluate whether existing systems can support future production goals, including reviewing electrical distribution, cooling water, compressed air, steam, gas and other core infrastructure to identify available capacity and potential limitations.

Capabilities include:

  • Electrical capacity and distribution review
  • Cooling water, chiller, evaporator, and process water assessment
  • Compressed air, CO2, N2, and other gas systems evaluation
  • Steam system capacity review
  • Identification of infrastructure bottlenecks

Civil & Structural Reviews

Existing conditions will be reviewed for foundations and mezzanine structures that support equipment or personnel.

Capabilities include:

  • Review if existing foundations and structures can support new equipment per current codes
  • Analysis of existing building drawings 
  • Onsite investigations of existing structures for potential degradation and corrosion
  • Provide Geotech assessment if not previously existing

Planning Support & Risk Identification

Site audit findings are used to identify risks, capacity limitations, and upgrade requirements before conceptual design or master planning advances.

Capabilities include:

  • Infrastructure constraint reporting
  • Identification of applicable code requirements to be followed for site upgrades
  • Identify potential worker hazards and improvements (equipment hazards, material handling, etc.)
  • Risk identification tied to capacity or compliance gaps
Industries

Who This Service Supports

Site audits & investigations support industrial facilities evaluating the Return-On-Investment of potential projects or preparing for already planned expansion or modernization.

Testimonials

Why Clients Choose Cortex

I have worked with Cortex for about 15 years. They have done lots of 3D design work, including for an $11MM HDPE reactor debottleneck and a $30MM waste treatment plant. They bring a great skill set to these projects and are agile and able to adjust to changing conditions."
Principal Project Manager
Their use of the latest technology in producing these packages across multiple disciplines provides exacting details to reduce scope changes and field busts thus reducing the total installed costs of projects. The long-term relationship that we have developed with Cortex provides an experienced background that is influential in bringing project to a successful conclusion."
Project Manager
They provide timely updates, openly discuss challenges and options, and make it easy for stakeholders to understand.They proactively identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising system performance or reliability."
Project Engineer
Most recently, I had Cortex develop FEL2/3 estimates for six Turnaround projects (three MCC replacements and three piping/ structural projects). All of these projects were well within the error band comparedto when we developed estimates after detailed engineering. I have been pleased with the work that Cortex has performed for me over the years."
Principal Project Manager
Working with Cortex has been exceptional across every phase of the project. Their dedication to transparency, thorough scope development, and clear communication builds confidence from day one.They take the time to understand every operational requirement, clearly define deliverables, and lay out realistic expectations to minimize risk, prevent scope creep, and ensures everyone starts the project aligned."
Project Engineer
Cortex has a long history of being instrumental in developing both turnaround and non turnaround capital projects. We have used Cortex to develop competent IFC drawing packages and estimates from scope descriptions."
Project Manager
They have a strong understanding of our internal engineering standards. They consistently uphold internal specifications, industry best practices, and quality expectations in every aspect of design, programming, documentation, and implementation."
Project Engineer