Industrial projects are becoming more complex: expertise and foresight are taking centre stage in project management

Industrial project delivery is undergoing a transformation. Operating environments are changing rapidly, and projects are becoming increasingly complex. At the same time, artificial intelligence is making routine tasks more efficient, skills shortages are increasing the importance of effective resource management, and sustainability requirements are becoming more stringent. Comatec is responding to these changes by providing project management services that combine strong technical expertise, modern tools, and flexible ways of working tailored to each client’s needs.

“At Comatec, we have been developing our project management services with a long-term and growth-oriented approach for many years. We are proactively responding to the transformation of project delivery by continuously testing and adopting new project management tools as well as expanding our international network of experts. Our broad range of expertise under one roof, flexibility, and transparent way of working have made us a sought-after partner for projects across a wide range of industrial sectors,” says Kimmo Kerttula, Director of Project Management at Comatec.

Artificial intelligence is changing ways of working, but it will not replace people

Successful project delivery requires clear objectives, active risk management, continuous monitoring, and open communication. Digitalisation and artificial intelligence are improving planning, information management, and decision-making, but they are not replacing people.

“Artificial intelligence helps process large volumes of data, prepare draft content, and identify risks. In the future, it will also be used for applications such as simulating different scenarios throughout the project lifecycle. However, projects still require active leadership. Identifying root causes and understanding cause-and-effect relationships ultimately remain human responsibilities. AI also cannot replace interaction and collaboration between teams,” Kerttula points out.

An international resource network helps address skills shortages

Access to highly skilled technical professionals is a challenge across many industries. Comatec addresses this through a nearshoring model, with offices not only in Finland but also in Sweden, Estonia, Poland, and Romania.

“Nearshoring improves flexibility, delivery reliability, and access to resources. We can draw on expertise from multiple locations within the same time zone, allowing us to build project teams according to our clients’ requirements and ensure that the right specialists are available at the right time, without compromising cost efficiency or quality,” Kerttula explains.

“In recent years, we have been involved in numerous projects related to conveyor systems, boiler plants, and the design of mobile machinery, as well as projects within the marine and shipbuilding industries, both in Finland and internationally. Thanks to our nearshoring model, we have been able to provide high-quality project management services at a competitive cost while continuously refining collaboration between our different units to make it even more seamless,” he continues.

Changing operating environment requires active risk management

Advances in technology, geopolitical developments, and economic uncertainty are rapidly reshaping the business environment. For project organisations, this means a greater need for flexibility, foresight, and the ability to respond quickly to change.

“Risk management is one of the core areas of expertise in project management, and its importance has grown even further in recent years. The earlier a risk is identified, the more options are available for managing it,” says Kerttula.

In practice, this means systematic risk assessment at the start of a project, continuous updating of risk registers throughout the project lifecycle, clear allocation of responsibilities, and regular project reviews and status meetings.

Multidisciplinary services under one roof

Companies are increasingly looking for partners that can take overall responsibility for their investment projects. A project may include engineering design, project management, procurement services, site supervision, commissioning, and lifecycle support, to name o few. For effective control of schedules and costs, it often makes sense to procure these services from a single partner.

Clients also expect far more than technical competence and high-quality work. Schedule management, cost efficiency, sustainability, transparency, and the ability to respond to changing circumstances have become equally important selection criteria.

“A good partner is not merely a resource provider. It is an active contributor that is genuinely committed to the client’s objectives and to achieving them safely and efficiently. These are exactly the kinds of partnerships we strive to build at Comatec,” Kerttula says.

“We operate responsibly and provide flexible service without compromising quality. We are committed to jointly agreed objectives, and as an agile organisation we are able to respond quickly both to changes within projects and to developments in the wider operating environment. We want to earn our clients’ trust and create genuine added value through everything we do,” Kerttula concludes.

The article was published in Tekniikka & Talous magazine on 18.9.2026.