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.
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.
Electrical infrastructure is the backbone of every data center—especially in mission-critical environments where uptime is everything.
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
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
Even though data centers are power-heavy, water infrastructure can be just as critical depending on the site’s design and cooling approach.
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
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
Supports and strut assemblies may seem like “standard materials,” but they can create major slowdowns when quantities are underestimated or key accessories are missing.
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
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
Fire protection is non-negotiable in data center construction—and it’s also one of the most inspection-driven areas of the job.
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
Build out complete fitting lists early
Confirm compliance requirements before ordering
Keep commonly used fittings and accessories staged for rapid deployment
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.
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
Identify specialty items early during pre-construction
Confirm lead times before finalizing schedules
Create a contingency plan for alternates when appropriate
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.
At PUPCO, we help customers reduce delays by supporting projects with:
We help teams secure critical materials and reduce downtime caused by waiting on standard components.
Materials can be organized and staged so deliveries align with build phases and jobsite readiness.
We help reduce jobsite confusion by grouping parts and assemblies together—so crews have what they need, when they need it.
Data center projects move fast. Coordinated deliveries help keep materials flowing from warehouse to jobsite without bottlenecks.
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.
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.
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.