FieldNews
Subscribe

Daily oil & gas and construction news for subcontractors

Cash FlowGlossary Term

Consignment Inventory

Materials or equipment stored at your job site but owned by the supplier until you use them. You only pay when items are consumed, reducing upfront capital tied up on remote projects. Common for frequently used consumables like fittings, gaskets, and PPE on long-duration field contracts.

Related Terms

Unit Rate

Cash Flow

A pricing model where work is billed per unit completed (per meter drilled, per cubic meter hauled, per joint welded, etc.).

Direct Connector

Cash Flow

A company that hires subcontractors directly, without a staffing agency or broker in between. This typically means faster payments and clearer communication on scope and rates. Subcontractors often secure better margins by working with direct connectors.

Construction Inflation

Cash Flow

The rate at which labour, materials, and equipment costs rise over time on construction projects. For subcontractors, it can erode fixed-price contract margins if bids don't account for escalating costs. Escalation clauses in contracts help protect against unexpected cost increases during long-duration scopes.

Lump-Sum Turnkey

Cash Flow

A fixed-price contract where the subcontractor delivers a completed scope of work for one agreed total. All cost overruns come out of your margin, not the client's pocket. Scope creep and unforeseen site conditions are your financial risk to manage.

ITC (Investment Tax Credit)

Cash Flow

A federal tax incentive that reduces the taxes a subcontractor owes based on eligible capital investments, such as purchasing equipment or machinery. Field service companies can apply ITCs to offset costs on qualifying assets used in operations. This can improve cash flow by lowering overall tax liability at year-end.

Firm Customers

Cash Flow

Clients committed to regular, ongoing work under standing agreements or master service contracts. For subcontractors, firm customers provide predictable scheduling and steady revenue. They reduce reliance on spot work and help justify keeping crews and equipment mobilised.

Stay sharp on field operations

Industry news and insights, delivered to your inbox.

Subscribe to FieldNews
A community project byAimsio