Top 5 Fabrication Challenges — and How ProCore Engineers Solve Them

In engineering, the gap between a design and its successful fabrication is often where the real battle is won — or lost. A well-drawn model that doesn’t account for fabrication reality can quickly lead to delays, rework, and costly site variations.

At ProCore, we don’t just design — we design for buildability. That means working closely with fabricators to make sure our engineering works in the real world, not just on paper. Here are five common challenges we see in fabrication — and how we prevent them.

1. Unclear or Overcomplicated Drawings

Drawings that are too busy, missing dimensions, or poorly annotated cause confusion in the workshop. Misinterpretations lead to delays or incorrect fabrication — especially when multiple teams or shifts are involved.

Solution - We produce clean, clearly annotated fabrication drawings with minimal clutter and high clarity. Our drawings include fully dimensioned views, standard-compliant welding symbols, material callouts, and detailed BOMs. We add section cuts, simplified fabrication views, or separate assembly sheets when it makes communication clearer. The end goal is the same — make the drawings easy to read for the people actually using them.

2. Missing or Mismatched Tolerances

Even the most accurate fabrication can fail if tolerances aren’t accounted for — especially across mating components or site interfaces. Too often, assumptions are made about fit-up, leading to painful rework during install.

Solution - We explicitly define tolerances on all critical dimensions. Whether it's anchor bolt layouts, laser-cut plates, pipe penetrations, or bolted interfaces, we make sure tolerances are clearly stated and appropriate for the method of fabrication. We also engage early with fabricators to understand what tolerances are achievable for their equipment — and balance that with what’s required by the standard or application.

3. No Allowance for Practical Assembly or Lifting

It might look great in CAD, but if it can’t be safely lifted, rotated, transported, or assembled in the real world, it’s a problem. Fabricators and riggers often have to improvise workarounds that weren’t planned — increasing cost and safety risk.

Solution - We actively design with real-world handling in mind. That means adding properly rated and balanced lifting lugs, considering modular construction where it makes sense, and double-checking overall size and weight for transportability. Bolt-up connections are used where field welding isn’t practical, and we review rigging angles or site constraints early in the process. When required, we can also provide lifting studies or certified lift points.

4. Late Design Changes That Cause Rework

Late changes — whether due to site conditions, client updates, or coordination misses — can throw a project off-track, especially if fabrication has already begun.

Solution - We aim to prevent late changes by being thorough early on, engaging with clients, site reps, and suppliers before drawings are finalized. But when changes do happen, we respond quickly. That includes turning around revised drawings promptly, clearly highlighting the revisions, updating BOMs, and re-issuing RPEQ certification if needed. We act quickly so fabricators don’t lose time waiting for decisions.

5. No Support After Drawings Are Issued

Once drawings are out the door, fabricators are often left to figure things out alone. When a detail is unclear or something unexpected comes up on the floor, delays follow while waiting for an answer — or worse, assumptions are made.

Solution - Our support doesn’t stop with drawing delivery. We remain available to clarify details, respond to markups, review substitutions, and provide technical guidance during fabrication and install. Whether it’s a phone call, email markup, or even a site visit, we stay engaged to keep things moving. If something unexpected comes up — a material issue, a deviation, or an NCR — we’re ready to assist.

ProCore Is More Than Just a Design Partner

We know that what gets drawn needs to get built. That’s why we work hand-in-hand with fabricators to reduce errors, prevent rework, and keep delivery smooth.

Whether it’s structural steel, mechanical frames, piping supports or bespoke assemblies — our focus is on buildability, clarity, and real-world results. If your team is spending more time solving drawing problems than building off them, it might be time to bring ProCore on board.