1. Determine the purpose of the steel plate storage; by purpose, we mean whether it's for circulation or for storage. The choice differs between cement factories and power plants, thus affecting the storage capacity. Steel plate warehouses in the north, excluding ports, tend to focus on storage, while those in the south prioritize circulation. Storage warehouses generally have larger capacities, whereas circulation warehouses have smaller ones. Storage warehouses are emptied less frequently, about two or three times a year, whereas circulation warehouses may be emptied daily. Therefore, determining the purpose is crucial.
2. Calculate the life cycle cost; some owners opt for low initial investment solutions during selection, compounded by the chaotic nature of the steel plate storage market and severe price competition, which provides a niche for small companies to survive. Different philosophies among practitioners lead to significant price disparities; some practitioners come solely for the project's construction, showing no concern for structural or operational issues, merely catering to the owner's psychology and winning bids at low prices, leading to irreversible situations; however, some practitioners consider the owner's perspective, ensuring operational safety while factoring in all costs throughout the life cycle, naturally resulting in higher costs, which are often not well-accepted.
3. Compete on the same level; by "the same level," it is meant that competition is based on identical design drawings in terms of technology, structure, and electrical aspects. Many bidding projects involve the bidding companies designing their own schemes, resulting in significant differences in technology and structure, which naturally leads to varying budget estimates. However, owners typically opt for the lowest bid method, lacking clarity on the differences and similarities, causing substantial price discrepancies. Since 2003, the country has promoted the use of itemized bills of quantities for pricing, but the steel plate storage industry has yet to implement this. It is suggested that comprehensive competition on the same level is the correct approach.
