In the complex and capital-intensive world of oil and gas and refining, EPCs are tasked with delivering technically robust, cost-effective, and timely projects, whilst operating in a space where margins are tight, risk is high, and expectations - from clients and regulators alike - continue to rise.
Today’s EPC firms are navigating several converging challenges. The pain points are familiar but increasingly urgent:
Project timelines are compressing as clients push for faster, cheaper project delivery, yet the systems used for design are more technically sophisticated than ever. A thorough and precise FEED process is critical to avoid costly rework later.
Manual handoffs, disconnected modeling tools, and siloed data create friction in project delivery. EPCs are under pressure to automate repetitive tasks and streamline engineering workflows to avoid inefficiencies and errors and to stay competitive and profitable.
EPCs generate and receive a vast amount of data during feasibility studies, FEED, and detailed design. But without the right tools to interpret the data, engineering teams can struggle to make timely, well-informed decisions. That leads to design revisions, delays, and missed opportunities.
From hydrogen production and carbon capture to digital twins and advanced process simulation, new technologies are redefining what's possible in oil & gas and refining. But for many EPCs, incorporating these into project execution presents a steep learning curve. Teams often lack the time or resources to deeply understand unfamiliar technologies while still meeting aggressive delivery schedules. The right engineering software can help bridge that gap, offering pre-configured models that support rapid understanding and informed design choices.
In today’s distributed project environments, collaboration tools that support shared models, and cross-discipline transparency are essential for eliminating rework, aligning teams, and accelerating delivery. With experienced engineers retiring and digital-native talent expecting modern tools, EPCs must manage both knowledge retention and transformation.
In this environment, EPCs need more than powerful process simulation tools - they need software that supports how they work. That means:
Modular, scalable access that adjusts to project requirements, giving instant access to engineering design tools when needed.
Interoperability with other platforms and data sources, reducing the time spent juggling formats or re-entering data.
Collaborative environments that allow engineering disciplines to work in sync, even across geographies.
Ease of onboarding so new engineers can get productive quickly, without steep learning curves.
At KBC, we’ve taken these challenges seriously. That’s why our engineering software package is built to offer EPCs the flexibility they need to move fast and deliver value - without locking them into rigid licensing or workflows.
Whether you’re designing grassroots facilities, performing feasibility studies, or optimizing existing sites, KBC’s solution allows your teams to:
This approach empowers EPCs to respond dynamically to project demands to support better outcomes for clients and stronger margins for the firm.
EPCs are at the heart of some of the most critical transitions in energy and refining. But to lead, they need tools that help them move faster, work smarter, and adapt in real time.
Flexibility in engineering isn’t just about software access - it’s about enabling a more agile, intelligent, and collaborative way of working. One that’s built for change and built to deliver. Find out more about the KBC Engineering Package.