The concept of design audits for large items of capital plant

A design audit consists of a check by an independent designer of all or part of the design for a machine or item of equipment. Ideally this is carried out following initial design and prior to manufacture. However, there are circumstances where an audit may be of value at any stage in the life of plant, even after considerable service. The aim is to identify and to eliminate potential problems which would result in excessive downtime and maintenance, or even failure. In most practical situations there are major time constraints. The best that can be achieved is an audit process proceeding partly in parallel with design and manufacture, but meshed with these other activities to provide the maximum possible benefit, consistent with causing the least possible delay to the project.