As infrastructure projects become larger, more complex and increasingly focused on long-term performance, the industry is placing greater emphasis on integrated solutions rather than individual products. Whether delivering AMP8 investment, major transport schemes or energy infrastructure, stakeholders are looking for greater confidence in compliance, buildability and whole-life performance.

Downstream risk

Specifying at a product level is the tried and tested methodology. It makes the design phase relatively speedy, as designers and specifiers can specify solutions that are familiar and safe. However, component specification only increases the risk downstream – and this grows at every phase of the project, from on-time delivery to on-site construction. It even extends into lifecycle risk for system performance and longevity.

Components purchased from different suppliers are often delivered at different times, increasing the chances of a delay while contractors wait for a part to arrive. There is also a risk that the pieces of the puzzle don’t perfectly fit together, which can create a whole host of challenges around system compliance and performance. And in both cases, the outcome is costly delays, rework, and project overrun.

Assuming the components do all align to create a viable, compliant system, this method still places much more of a burden on the site contractors to construct it. Not only is this more time-consuming than installing a ready-made system, but it also introduces more risk during the assembly stage – already often the riskiest phase of the project. Furthermore, there is the potential for poor on-site construction to create performance issues, or cause hidden lifecycle impacts that only surface post-project.

When these factors are combined, it’s easy to see why decisions to specify components during the design phase can lead to an erosion of confidence - from design to delivery, through to system durability.

By considering how above and below ground assets interact, stakeholders can reduce project risk while improving the long-term performance, resilience and maintainability of infrastructure networks.

System-based solutions

Research conducted in September 2025 with 120 industry professionals from across the water infrastructure supply chain by Marshalls Civils & Drainage, demonstrates the industry’s desire for a shift towards system-based design and specification. 

More than two-thirds of respondents (68%) said they would see value in a single manufacturer able to provide both surface-water and underground drainage products. The main reasons were compatibility of products, cited by 40%, convenience or a quicker single point of contact at 38%, easier ordering and procurement at 16%, and broader system coverage at 15%.

In addition, the research reveals that compatibility, continuity and reduced coordination risk are gaining greater value with industry professionals. This is because system-led specification creates higher confidence that performance will be designed and validated before installation rather than being open to interpretation on site.

The benefits of switching to systems over components are clear: Not only does it mitigate project risk, but it removes the need to manage risk throughout each project phase. 

Fundamentally, this approach validates the system much earlier in the project’s lifecycle, addressing several of the challenges before they can become time-sapping problems. Knowing that there are big ticks in the boxes for compliance, performance and longevity before installation gives everyone involved more confidence in the project’s success.

Beyond validation, systems ensure better ‘buildability’. Once the system arrives on site, it is often a ‘one and done’ installation rather than a complex mini construction project. 

Alongside this are the sustainability benefits that come with a more durable, longer-lasting solution. A systems-led approach can support carbon reduction objectives by minimising rework, reducing waste, improving construction efficiency and promoting longer asset life.

As the industry responds to increasing pressure to reduce embodied carbon and optimise whole-life performance, integrated systems will play a growing role in supporting more sustainable infrastructure delivery.

From supplier to partner

Transitioning to specifying systems rather than components might look like it simply shifts all the risk to the design stage. However, designers and specifiers don’t have to go it alone. Look for a partner with the expertise and capabilities to share that burden. A good partner will fully engage upstream to help de-risk the design and specification phases. They can influence decision-making to ensure designers and specifiers design out risk before it reaches the job site, by ensuring that solutions are buildable, compliant, and right first time. The very best will also offer bespoke solutions where required.

A partner who integrates design, specification and manufacturing can minimise that gap between design intent and real-world performance. Put simply, good design and engineering expertise means buildable solutions that are validated early, supporting confident specification and reducing reliance on late-stage correction.

This approach combines engineering support, product expertise and manufacturing capability to help customers make informed decisions with greater confidence.

Achieving the outcomes that matter most

Confidence does not come from specifying products. It is earned by delivering systems that are viable, buildable, and durable. This is why systems, integration and early engineering support is becoming more important in critical infrastructure. The most effective organisations are increasingly moving away from a narrow question of which product to choose and towards a broader one: how can we align design, specification, manufacture and delivery to ensure this asset will perform confidently over its entire lifespan.

Ultimately, systems thinking is not simply about product compatibility. It is about delivering infrastructure that performs reliably, remains resilient under increasing demand and provides long-term value for asset owners and operators.

Thinking in systems rather than products enables infrastructure stakeholders to focus on the outcomes that matter most. By bringing together engineering expertise, integrated solutions and whole-life thinking, projects can be delivered with greater confidence in performance, resilience and constructability while also supporting carbon reduction and long-term value objectives.

Written By

Euan Mackinnon

With 20 years at Marshalls and a background in consulting engineering, Euan Mackinnon, brings a strong blend of technical expertise and commercial focus to his role as National Sales Director (Utilities and Infrastructure).

Read Euan's full profile here.