Top 5 Components That Delay Data Center Builds (and How to Avoid Them)

Data center construction schedules are tight—and the margin for error is small. Even the most organized projects can experience setbacks, but in many cases, delays come down to a few critical components that are either long-lead, mis-specified, or missing at the exact moment crews need them.

The good news: with the right planning (and the right supply partner), these delays are completely avoidable.

Below are the top 5 delay-causing materials we see across data center builds, plus practical ways to keep your project moving.

Quick Answer: What causes data center build delays most often?

The most common material-related causes of data center build delays include:

• Electrical distribution equipment

• Large-diameter waterworks components

• Mechanical supports & strut assemblies

• Fire protection fittings

• Specialty or long-lead infrastructure items

Avoid delays by planning early, confirming specs, and working with a supplier that can support stock availability, staging, kitting, and coordinated logistics.

1) Electrical Distribution Equipment

Electrical infrastructure is the backbone of every data center—especially in mission-critical environments where uptime is everything.

Why it causes delays

Electrical distribution equipment often becomes a schedule risk due to:

• Long manufacturer lead times

• Spec changes mid-project

• Coordination issues between electrical contractors and procurement teams

How to avoid it

• Confirm requirements early and lock specs as soon as possible

• Build procurement timelines into your project schedule (not after the fact)

• Coordinate delivery sequencing so equipment arrives when crews are ready—not too early or too late

2) Large-Diameter Waterworks Components

Even though data centers are power-heavy, water infrastructure can be just as critical depending on the site’s design and cooling approach.

Why it causes delays

Large-diameter components are often delayed because:

• They aren’t always stocked locally

• Submittals and approvals can slow ordering

• Delivery logistics can be more complex due to size and handling requirements

How to avoid it

• Identify long-lead waterworks needs during early planning

• Confirm compatibility across the system (materials, sizing, connections)

• Coordinate freight and delivery windows ahead of install dates

3) Mechanical Supports & Strut Assemblies

Supports and strut assemblies may seem like “standard materials,” but they can create major slowdowns when quantities are underestimated or key accessories are missing.

Why it causes delays

This category often delays projects due to:

• Incomplete BOMs (missing spring nuts, brackets, hardware, clamps, etc.)

• Incorrect finishes for the environment

• Last-minute changes that require additional material quickly

How to avoid it

• Verify loads, spacing, and installation environment early

• Standardize strut and hardware packages across crews

• Use kitted support packages to prevent “missing small parts” problems onsite

4) Fire Protection Fittings

Fire protection is non-negotiable in data center construction—and it’s also one of the most inspection-driven areas of the job.

Why it causes delays

Fire protection fittings can slow schedules when:

• Specific fittings aren’t readily available

• Crews are waiting on a single missing part to complete a section

• Substitutions aren’t approved in time

How to avoid it

• Build out complete fitting lists early

• Confirm compliance requirements before ordering

• Keep commonly used fittings and accessories staged for rapid deployment

5) Specialty or Long-Lead Infrastructure Items

This is the “catch-all” category that causes the most surprise delays—because it often includes items teams don’t realize are long-lead until it’s too late.

Why it causes delays

Specialty items can include:

• Unique project-specific components

• Non-standard sizes or finishes

• Items with limited sourcing options

• Materials affected by shifting supply chain conditions

How to avoid it

• Identify specialty items early during pre-construction

• Confirm lead times before finalizing schedules

• Create a contingency plan for alternates when appropriate

The Real Problem: It’s Not Always the Big Stuff

A data center build doesn’t usually stop because of one massive failure—it slows down because of small gaps:

• A missing fitting

• A wrong hardware size

• A delayed delivery window

• An incomplete assembly list

When crews are ready to install, every missing component matters.

How PUPCO Helps Keep Data Center Projects on Schedule

At PUPCO, we help customers reduce delays by supporting projects with:

✅ Stock Availability

We help teams secure critical materials and reduce downtime caused by waiting on standard components.

✅ Project Staging

Materials can be organized and staged so deliveries align with build phases and jobsite readiness.

✅ Kitting

We help reduce jobsite confusion by grouping parts and assemblies together—so crews have what they need, when they need it.

✅ Coordinated Logistics

Data center projects move fast. Coordinated deliveries help keep materials flowing from warehouse to jobsite without bottlenecks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the biggest material delays in data center construction?

The most common delay-causing materials include electrical distribution equipment, large-diameter waterworks components, mechanical supports/strut assemblies, fire protection fittings, and specialty long-lead infrastructure items.

How do you prevent delays in data center builds?

Prevent delays by confirming specs early, planning procurement timelines, staging materials by project phase, kitting critical assemblies, and coordinating deliveries with a supply partner experienced in mission-critical construction.

Why do “small parts” cause major delays?

Because installation crews can’t complete assemblies without every component. A missing nut, bracket, fitting, or hardware item can stop progress and create rework or additional delivery trips.