What to Look for When Comparing Pump Skid System Quotes

When sourcing a custom skid system, it's easy to focus on price. But many of the most expensive problems do not show up until after installation. Gaps in engineering, materials, or support often reveal themselves only when the system is live.

At Crane Engineering’s OptiFlow® division, we know that the difference between a solid investment and a costly mistake often comes down to what is included in the quote and what is not. Read below to learn more or download our checklist to make sure you're covering all your bases. 

Engineering and Design Capabilities

Start with Business Objectives, Not Just Equipment Specs

Before comparing quotes or reviewing technical details, it’s critical to define why the skid system is being purchased in the first place. Are you trying to increase throughput, reduce waste, improve safety, lower energy consumption, or hit a specific ROI target? Too many projects focus solely on replacing equipment without aligning the system design to measurable business outcomes. When true partners understand the operational and financial goals driving the project, they can make smarter engineering decisions, recommend the right level of automation, and prioritize features that deliver real value. A skid system designed around clear business objectives is far more likely to justify capital spend and perform long after installation.

After you've established this, a reliable skid system quote will start with engineering that understands your process. Suppliers with in-house engineering teams can identify risks early and design a system that fits your facility and operating conditions.

Look for suppliers who offer:

• In-house Mechanical and Process Engineers
• Automation and Electrical Engineers
• Early access to CAD drawings and 3D models
• Support with layout, piping, and utility planning

These capabilities help prevent installation conflicts and late-stage design changes.

Automation and Controls Integration

Controls should be fully integrated into the system design, not added at the end. Poorly integrated automation often leads to delays, limited functionality, and ongoing troubleshooting challenges.

Strong suppliers can provide:

• UL-listed control panels built in-house
• Custom HMI programming tailored to operators
• Remote diagnostics for faster issue resolution
• Field support if necessary

Integrated controls improve uptime and make systems easier to operate and maintain.

Materials and Build Quality

Material selection directly affects reliability and system life. Quotes should clearly list materials and explain why they were selected for your specific process conditions.

Be sure to ask:

•  Are they compatible with chemicals other than the main process fluid (i.e. cleaning chemicals)?
• Are specifications clearly defined in the quote?
• Can the supplier justify their material selections?

Unclear or downgraded materials often lead to corrosion, premature failure, and unplanned downtime.

Scope Clarity and Project Management

Many low-cost quotes appear competitive because critical elements are missing. Documentation, testing, training, and startup support should all be clearly defined. A dedicated project manager is also essential for keeping the project on track.

Confirm that the quote includes:

• Clear documentation and testing requirements
• Startup and commissioning support
• A single point of contact throughout the project

Clear scope and strong project management reduce surprises and change orders.

Experience, Support, and Transparency

Proven experience in your industry matters. So does access to support after installation. Reputable suppliers are transparent about their processes and willing to share timelines, references, and progress updates.

At OptiFlow®, full-system ownership and lifecycle support are central to how we design and deliver custom skid systems.

Pro tip: The lowest quote often leaves out the most important details. Asking the right questions upfront helps you uncover hidden gaps before they turn into costly problems.

If you want a structured way to evaluate skid system suppliers, download the Smart Skid Buyer Checklist to make sure your next project is built for performance, longevity, and long-term value.

Or, reach out today to get the conversation started! Click below to get in touch with a member of our team.