Choosing a boiler manufacturer in Gujarat means matching a supplier's engineering capability to your specific application steam capacity, operating pressure, temperature, and fuel type. Beyond the equipment itself, evaluate whether IBR applies to your installation, what efficiency the design can realistically deliver, the manufacturer's material and welding quality control, and how installation, commissioning, and after-sales support are handled. Gujarat's industrial base spans textile, chemical, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing sectors, each with different steam and heating requirements. Spare parts availability and service response time matter as much as the initial quotation, since a boiler is typically a 15–25 year asset lifecycle cost, not purchase price alone, should guide the final decision.
A plant manager expanding capacity or replacing an aging boiler in Gujarat faces a familiar problem: too many suppliers offering similar-sounding claims, and not enough clarity on what actually separates a manufacturer worth evaluating from one that isn't. Steam capacity, pressure rating, and fuel type narrow the field quickly but engineering quality, IBR capability, and after-sales support are what determine whether the boiler performs for its full service life or becomes a recurring maintenance problem.
Gujarat's industrial base textile processing in Surat, chemicals and pharmaceuticals around Ahmedabad and Ankleshwar, petrochemicals in Dahej and Bharuch creates steady demand for boiler manufacturers in Gujarat that understand these specific process requirements. This guide covers the manufacturers operating in Gujarat and other major Indian industrial centers, and more importantly, how to evaluate any of them against the technical and commercial factors that actually determine a good long-term purchase.
Who are the top boiler manufacturers in Gujarat? Gujarat is home to several boiler manufacturers serving textile, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries, including Par Boilers (Ahmedabad), Aim Engineering, and Thermo Energy System (Ankleshwar). Buyers should verify each company's current product range, IBR capability, and reference installations directly before shortlisting.
Gujarat's boiler demand comes from the specific process heat requirements of its dominant industries, not from any single sector. Chemical and petrochemical plants around Ankleshwar, Bharuch, and Dahej need high-pressure steam for reactors and distillation columns. Pharmaceutical manufacturers require clean, precisely controlled steam for sterilization. Textile processing units across Surat and Ahmedabad rely on steam and thermic fluid heating for dyeing and finishing. Food processing, dairy, ceramic manufacturing in Morbi, and general engineering industries each add their own capacity and fuel requirements to the mix.
Because these applications differ so much in pressure, temperature, and fuel needs, a manufacturer that only builds one type of boiler well is a poor fit for a plant with different requirements. This is why evaluating application-specific engineering capability matters more than evaluating a manufacturer's size or age alone.
The companies below represent some of the manufacturers operating in Gujarat's boiler market. Company descriptions reflect publicly available information; buyers should independently verify current certifications, capacity ranges, and reference installations before finalizing a purchase decision.
Par Boilers is a manufacturer based in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, offering IBR-related boiler engineering capability alongside thermic fluid heaters and waste heat recovery systems. The company serves textile, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing industries with application-specific heating solutions. Buyers evaluating Par Boilers, as with any manufacturer, should confirm current IBR capability, request reference installations relevant to their industry, and review the specific after-sales service terms offered for their region.
Aim Engineering offers solid fuel boilers positioned around straightforward, user-friendly operation. Buyers should verify current product specifications and capacity range directly with the company, as with any manufacturer under consideration.
Thermo Energy System, based in Ankleshwar, provides boiler solutions positioned toward the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors common in that industrial belt. As with the manufacturers above, current product range and certifications should be confirmed directly.
Ahmedabad's industrial base textile processing, chemical manufacturing, pharmaceutical production, and general engineering creates consistent demand for both fire tube and water tube boiler systems, along with thermic fluid heaters for processes needing high-temperature, low-pressure heat. Par Boilers operates from Ahmedabad and is one of the manufacturers serving this market. Buyers in the city should evaluate any prospective supplier against the same criteria that apply everywhere: application experience with their specific industry, IBR capability where relevant, manufacturing quality control, and the strength of local installation and service support.
Vadodara's petrochemical and chemical manufacturing cluster generates demand for high-pressure steam and process heating systems. Buyers sourcing a boiler for a Vadodara facility should look for manufacturers with demonstrated experience in chemical process steam applications and confirm IBR registration capability for the pressure class required.
Surat's textile processing industry dyeing, printing, and finishing is one of the largest consumers of industrial steam and thermic fluid heat in Gujarat. Buyers here should prioritize manufacturers experienced with textile-specific steam quality and temperature control requirements, and confirm fuel flexibility given the mix of gas, biomass, and solid fuel used across the sector.
This industrial belt is dominated by chemical and pharmaceutical manufacturing, both of which demand precise steam quality, consistent pressure control, and often stringent documentation for regulatory compliance. Thermo Energy System operates in this region; buyers should also evaluate manufacturers' experience with corrosive process environments common to chemical plants.
Vapi's dense concentration of chemical and pharmaceutical units creates similar requirements to Bharuch and Ankleshwar reliable steam quality, fuel flexibility, and manufacturers who understand the compliance documentation these industries require.
Rajkot's diverse engineering and manufacturing base, including automotive components and general engineering, typically needs moderate-capacity steam and process heating systems rather than the very large installations seen in petrochemical hubs.
Jamnagar's refining and petrochemical industry involves large-scale, high-pressure steam requirements. Buyers here should focus on manufacturers with genuine large-capacity water tube boiler engineering experience rather than general-purpose suppliers.
Morbi's ceramic tile manufacturing cluster has process heat requirements distinct from chemical or textile industries, often involving specific temperature profiles for kilns and drying operations. Buyers should evaluate manufacturers' experience with ceramic industry heating requirements specifically.
Chennai's engineering manufacturing base supports several established boiler suppliers. Southern Boilers & Equipments Pvt. Ltd. offers custom boiler designs; Thermodyne Engineering Systems (TES) covers steam boilers, biomass boilers, and boiler accessories; Industrial Boilers Ltd. (IBL) has a Chennai branch supplying industrial-grade steam boilers. As with any location, buyers should verify current specifications and certifications directly with each company.
Pune's boiler manufacturing sector includes some well-established names. Forbes Marshall has a long-standing presence in steam engineering and boiler systems. Ross Boilers offers portable steam boilers and compact turnkey units. Thermax Ltd., headquartered in Pune, manufactures industrial boilers and broader energy systems. Buyers evaluating Pune-based suppliers should still apply the same verification standard confirm current product range and reference installations rather than relying on brand recognition alone.
Mumbai's boiler suppliers serve a broad mix of industries from textiles to hospitality. Indtex Boiler Pvt. Ltd. is known for industrial water tube boilers and custom systems. Hi-Therm Boilers Pvt. Ltd. offers gas-fired boilers and thermal fluid heaters. Uni-Therm Boilers supplies oil-fired and dual-fuel boilers aimed at mid-size industrial buyers.
Delhi NCR's industrial base spans small-scale and large-scale manufacturing. Urjex Boilers Pvt. Ltd. offers biomass and coal-fired boilers. Thermodyne Engineering Systems (TES) also has a presence here, supplying high-pressure boilers and energy recovery equipment. Energy Pack Boilers Pvt. Ltd. is positioned around fuel-flexible, cost-conscious boiler designs.
Beyond Pune and Mumbai, Maharashtra's wider industrial base chemicals, sugar mills, and large factories is served by manufacturers including Thermax Ltd., Maharashtra Boilers & Pressure Vessels Pvt. Ltd. (positioned around pressure vessels and heat exchangers), and Multitech Boilers Pvt. Ltd. in Nashik, which offers oil, gas, and solid fuel-fired steam boilers.
Bangalore's boiler suppliers include Sitson India Pvt. Ltd., known for biomass-fired boilers and customized steam generation systems; Heatex Boilers India Pvt. Ltd., focused on packaged steam and hot water boiler systems; and Bright Engineering, which offers turnkey boiler installation services.
| Manufacturer | Location | Product / Focus | Industries | Buyer Verification |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Par Boilers | Ahmedabad, Gujarat | IBR-related boilers, thermic fluid heaters, WHR | Multi-sector | Confirm current IBR capability & references |
| Aim Engineering | Gujarat | Solid fuel boilers | Multi-sector | Verify current specifications |
| Thermo Energy System | Ankleshwar, Gujarat | Chemical/pharma-oriented boilers | Chemical, pharma | Verify certifications and capacity range |
| Southern Boilers & Equipments | Chennai | Custom boiler designs | Multi-sector | Verify thermal efficiency claims |
| Thermodyne Engineering Systems (TES) | Chennai, Delhi | Steam, biomass boilers, accessories | Multi-sector | Confirm capacity and fuel range |
| Industrial Boilers Ltd. (IBL) | Chennai | Industrial-grade steam boilers | Multi-sector | Verify current product line |
| Forbes Marshall | Pune | Steam and boiler engineering | Process industries | Confirm scope for your capacity range |
| Thermax Ltd. | Pune / Maharashtra | Industrial boilers, energy systems | Multi-sector | Verify project scope fit |
| Indtex Boiler Pvt. Ltd. | Mumbai | Water tube boilers, custom systems | Multi-sector | Confirm capacity and pressure range |
| Sitson India Pvt. Ltd. | Bangalore | Biomass-fired boilers | Agro-processing, textile | Verify fuel compatibility for your site |
Note: Details above are compiled from publicly available company information and are not independently verified rankings. Confirm current certifications, capacity ranges, and pricing directly with each manufacturer.
A structured evaluation looks beyond the sales pitch to the factors that determine whether a boiler performs reliably for its full service life.
Choosing the right manufacturer starts with knowing which boiler type actually fits your process. For a full technical breakdown, see our guide on industrial boiler types, working, and applications.
Hot gases pass through tubes surrounded by water in a large shell.
Fuel: gas, oil, coal, biomass.
Advantage: simple, compact, lower cost.
Limitation: pressure and capacity capped around 18–21 kg/cm² and 25 TPH. Our detailed water tube vs fire tube boiler comparison covers the full selection framework.
Water flows inside tubes surrounded by hot gas, enabling much higher pressure and capacity.
Fuel: gas, oil, coal, biomass.
Advantage: scales to very large capacity and pressure.
Limitation: higher capital cost and more complex maintenance.
A factory-assembled, skid-mounted unit that cuts site erection time.
Advantage: fast commissioning.
Limitation: typically limited to small-medium capacity.
The general category covering any boiler generating steam for process, heating, or power applications, built as either fire tube or water tube designs.
Burns rice husk, bagasse, wood chips, or agro-waste.
Advantage: lower fuel cost near biomass sources.
Limitation: requires fuel storage and handling infrastructure. Our biomass boiler working and fuel types guide covers this in depth.
Suited to large, continuous steam demand where coal remains cost-competitive, subject to increasing emission compliance requirements.
Runs on natural gas or LPG, offering clean combustion and lower maintenance. See our industrial gas boiler guide for working principle and pricing detail.
Uses furnace oil or diesel, useful where gas isn't available or as backup fuel capability.
Generates steam from hot exhaust gases rather than burning fresh fuel, common in cement, steel, and glass plants. Our roundup of top waste heat recovery boiler manufacturers in India covers this category fully.
| Boiler Type | Typical Fuel | Typical Application | Main Advantage | Main Consideration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fire Tube | Gas, oil, coal, biomass | Small-medium process heating | Lower cost, simpler maintenance | Pressure and capacity ceiling |
| Water Tube | Gas, oil, coal, biomass | High pressure, high capacity | Scales to large capacity | Higher capital and maintenance cost |
| Package Boiler | Gas, oil | Fast-commissioning small-medium installations | Minimal site erection time | Limited capacity range |
| Biomass Boiler | Rice husk, bagasse, wood chips | Cost-sensitive process heating | Lower fuel cost near source | Fuel storage and handling needed |
| Coal Fired | Coal | Large continuous loads | Fuel cost stability at scale | Emission compliance requirements |
| Gas Fired | Natural gas, LPG | Food, pharma, urban plants | Clean combustion, low maintenance | Requires pipeline or LPG supply |
| Oil Fired | Furnace oil, diesel | Backup or remote-location duty | Available where gas isn't | Higher running cost than gas |
| Waste Heat Recovery | Existing exhaust heat | Cement, steel, glass plants | No fresh fuel for recovered heat | Depends on host process operation |
| Industry | Typical Requirement | Common Fuel | Key Selection Factor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Textile | Process steam for dyeing, finishing | Gas, biomass | Consistent steam quality |
| Chemical | High-pressure reactor/distillation steam | Gas, oil, biomass | Pressure rating and material compatibility |
| Pharmaceutical | Clean steam for sterilization | Gas, oil | Steam purity and control precision |
| Food Processing | Cooking, sterilization, drying steam | Gas, biomass | Hygiene and consistent supply |
| Dairy | Pasteurization, CIP steam | Gas, oil | Reliable smaller-capacity supply |
| Sugar | Co-generation, process steam | Bagasse | High-pressure water tube capability |
| Paper | High continuous steam demand | Biomass, coal | Continuous large-capacity reliability |
| Petrochemical | Process heaters, utility steam | Gas, oil | High-pressure engineering depth |
| Ceramic | Kiln and drying process heat | Gas | Specific temperature profile matching |
| Engineering | Process heat, curing | Gas, oil, biomass | Fuel flexibility |
| Steel | Process steam, waste heat integration | Coal, waste heat | Water tube and WHR capability |
| Power | Turbine steam generation | Coal, gas, biomass | High-pressure water tube engineering |
Twenty factors determine whether a manufacturer is genuinely the right fit: application experience, boiler type, steam capacity, operating pressure, steam temperature, fuel type, fuel availability, efficiency, IBR applicability, emission requirements, material quality, manufacturing quality, automation level, installation support, commissioning scope, operator training, spare parts availability, AMC options, service network coverage, and total cost of ownership. No single factor should override the others a manufacturer strong on price but weak on after-sales support can cost more over the boiler's life than one with a higher initial quotation.
For a broader 10-point evaluation framework, our boiler manufacturer selection checklist covers this in more depth.
The Indian Boiler Regulations (IBR) govern the design, material certification, fabrication inspection, and statutory registration of boilers above a defined pressure and capacity threshold. IBR applicability depends on the specific equipment, pressure, temperature, and capacity involved it does not apply identically to every boiler, so buyers should confirm applicability for their exact specification rather than assuming a blanket rule.
Where IBR applies, the manufacturer is responsible for design approval, certified material traceability, and inspection at defined fabrication stages. The buyer is responsible for ensuring the installation, commissioning, and ongoing operation comply with the registration conditions, and for arranging periodic statutory inspection once the boiler is in service. Our boiler safety guidelines for industries cover this compliance framework in full.
Where applicable to the specific manufacturer and product, buyers may look for IBR registration, ISO 9001 quality management certification, ISO 14001 environmental management certification, ISO 45001 occupational health and safety certification, ASME compliance for export-grade equipment, and CE marking for European-standard compliance. Certification scope varies by manufacturer and should be verified directly rather than assumed from general reputation.
Manufacturing quality is verified through documentation, not marketing claims. Ask for material certificates traceable to the specific plate or tube used, qualified welding procedure specifications and welder qualification records, non-destructive testing (NDT) reports on critical welds, hydrostatic and pressure testing records before dispatch, dimensional inspection documentation, and an Inspection and Test Plan (ITP) covering the full fabrication sequence. A manufacturer that readily provides this documentation is generally a stronger signal than one that offers only general assurances.
Fuel choice drives running cost, storage infrastructure, combustion system design, and emissions profile. Coal and biomass (rice husk, bagasse, briquettes, agro-waste) generally cost less per unit of heat but require fuel storage, handling systems, and ash management. Natural gas and LPG offer cleaner combustion and lower maintenance but depend on pipeline or cylinder supply availability. Furnace oil and diesel provide flexibility where gas isn't available, typically at higher running cost. Hybrid or multi-fuel boiler designs let a plant switch fuels as prices or availability shift, at some added design complexity.
Boiler efficiency depends on combustion efficiency, excess air control, flue gas heat loss, radiation loss, and blowdown loss not a single fixed number that applies across all designs and operating conditions. Economizers, air preheaters, and waste heat recovery accessories reduce flue gas losses; good insulation limits radiation loss; and combustion optimization keeps excess air within an efficient range. Buyers should ask manufacturers to explain the specific efficiency measures built into their design rather than accepting a headline efficiency figure without context. Our guide on how to improve boiler efficiency covers these measures in detail, and our industrial boiler accessories guide explains the specific equipment involved.
Installation covers site preparation, boiler erection, piping, electrical connections, and instrumentation. Commissioning covers testing, trial operation, and performance verification before handover, ideally including operator training so plant staff understand normal operation and basic troubleshooting from day one. Manufacturer support through this phase matters because installation errors and inadequate commissioning are common sources of early operational problems that have nothing to do with the boiler's design quality.
A boiler is typically a 15–25 year asset, which makes after-sales service as important as the initial purchase decision. This includes preventive maintenance support, breakdown response, spare parts availability, AMC options, periodic inspection, combustion tuning, troubleshooting support, and ongoing operator training. Our industrial boiler maintenance checklist covers the specific tasks a good service program should include.
PLC and SCADA-based automation, IoT-enabled remote monitoring, sensor-based alarm systems, and data logging are increasingly standard on new boiler installations. These systems support combustion control and can enable predictive maintenance by flagging abnormal trends before they cause a failure. That said, IoT-level monitoring isn't necessary for every boiler the right automation level depends on plant size, criticality of continuous operation, and the operating team's monitoring capability without it.
Particulate emissions, SOx, and NOx from boiler flue gas are subject to limits set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and enforced at the state level by the respective State Pollution Control Board (SPCB), as part of each facility's consent-to-operate conditions. Fuel selection and combustion optimization affect emission levels directly, and solid fuel boilers typically require particulate control equipment such as a bag filter, an electrostatic precipitator, or a wet scrubber to stay within applicable limits. Exact requirements depend on the plant, fuel, equipment, and regulations in force for that specific installation, and should be confirmed with the relevant regulatory authority rather than assumed from general industry practice.
Biomass firing, waste heat recovery, fuel optimization, efficient combustion design, and automation all contribute to reduced fuel consumption and lower emissions per unit of steam generated. These technologies support a plant's sustainability goals, but the actual environmental benefit depends on correct design, sizing, and operation for the specific application rather than being automatic from adopting the technology alone.
CAPEX includes the boiler itself, mountings and accessories, installation, civil work, piping, electrical systems, automation, and any required pollution-control equipment. OPEX includes fuel, electricity, water, water treatment chemicals, maintenance labor, spare parts, and the cost of downtime during repairs or scheduled service. The lowest purchase price does not necessarily mean the lowest lifecycle cost a design with better efficiency, quality construction, and stronger service support can cost less over 15–25 years even with a higher initial quotation.
A boiler manufacturer designs, fabricates, and tests the equipment in its own works, providing full technical documentation and design responsibility. A boiler supplier may source, distribute, and supply equipment manufactured elsewhere without owning the design or fabrication process. An EPC contractor or system integrator handles broader project execution, integrating the boiler with other plant systems. Buyers should understand which of these roles a given company actually plays a supplier reselling another company's boiler carries different engineering accountability than the original manufacturer.
A Gujarat-based manufacturer offers the practical advantage of regional proximity easier site visits during commissioning, generally faster access to installation support, and a supplier who understands the specific industries and compliance environment common to Gujarat's industrial belt. This doesn't mean every local manufacturer automatically provides faster service than a national supplier with a strong regional service network buyers should still verify actual service response commitments rather than assuming proximity guarantees better support.
| Parameter | Information Buyer Should Provide |
|---|---|
| Boiler Type | Project-specific |
| Steam Capacity | Project-specific |
| Operating Pressure | Project-specific |
| Steam Temperature | Project-specific |
| Fuel Type | Project-specific |
| Fuel Availability | Project-specific |
| Feedwater Temperature | Project-specific |
| Efficiency Requirement | Project-specific |
| Emission Requirement | Applicable regulatory requirement |
| IBR Applicability | To be confirmed with manufacturer |
| Automation Requirement | Manual / PLC / SCADA |
| Installation Scope | To be agreed with manufacturer |
| Commissioning | To be agreed with manufacturer |
| Warranty | To be confirmed with manufacturer |
| Spare Parts | To be confirmed with manufacturer |
| AMC | To be confirmed with manufacturer |
Gujarat is home to manufacturers including Par Boilers (Ahmedabad), Aim Engineering, and Thermo Energy System (Ankleshwar), each serving different industry segments. Verify current specifications and certifications directly before shortlisting.
There's no single objectively "best" manufacturer the right choice depends on your specific capacity, pressure, fuel, and industry requirement. Evaluate candidates against your technical specification and service needs rather than general reputation alone.
Par Boilers operates from Ahmedabad and is one of the manufacturers serving the city's textile, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing sectors. Confirm current product range and references directly.
Check engineering experience with your application, IBR capability where relevant, manufacturing quality documentation, fuel flexibility, efficiency claims, installation and commissioning support, spare parts availability, and after-sales service terms.
An industrial boiler is a closed pressure vessel that converts water into steam or hot water using fuel combustion or electricity, supplying heat for process, heating, or power generation applications.
An IBR boiler is a boiler that falls under the Indian Boiler Regulations, requiring design approval, material certification, fabrication inspection, and statutory registration for safe operation.
No. IBR applicability depends on the equipment's pressure, temperature, and capacity, and on the specific regulations in force. Confirm applicability for your exact specification with the manufacturer rather than assuming a blanket rule.
Textile processing typically uses fire tube boilers or thermic fluid heaters for dyeing and finishing steam, with the specific choice depending on required temperature, pressure, and existing steam distribution infrastructure.
Chemical plants often require water tube boilers capable of higher pressure for reactor and distillation steam, though smaller chemical operations may use fire tube designs depending on their specific pressure requirement.
Pharmaceutical facilities typically use fire tube or packaged gas-fired boilers designed for clean, precisely controlled steam suited to sterilization requirements.
Food processing generally uses fire tube or packaged boilers running on gas or biomass, selected for reliable, hygienic steam supply matched to cooking, sterilization, or drying needs.
There is no universal best fuel biomass and coal tend to cost less per unit of heat but need storage and handling infrastructure, while gas offers cleaner combustion with lower maintenance. The right choice depends on local fuel cost and availability.
In a fire tube boiler, hot gases pass through tubes surrounded by water. In a water tube boiler, water flows inside tubes surrounded by hot gas, allowing much higher pressure and capacity than a fire tube design.
Cost varies significantly with capacity, pressure, fuel type, and automation level. Request a site-specific quotation based on your actual steam load and process requirements rather than relying on a generic price range.
Boiler efficiency is typically calculated using either the direct method (comparing heat output to fuel energy input) or the indirect method (accounting for individual losses such as flue gas, radiation, and blowdown losses), and depends on the specific design and operating conditions.
With proper maintenance and water treatment, an industrial boiler typically operates reliably for 15–25 years, depending on construction quality, operating conditions, and maintenance discipline.
Relevant certifications may include IBR registration, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001, and ASME compliance for export-grade equipment, though not every manufacturer holds every certification. Verify directly with each company.
A manufacturer designs, fabricates, and tests the boiler in its own works with full technical responsibility. A supplier may source and distribute equipment manufactured elsewhere without owning the design or fabrication process.
Compare manufacturers on engineering experience with your application, IBR capability, manufacturing quality documentation, fuel flexibility, installation and after-sales support, and total cost of ownership rather than purchase price alone.
A meaningful quotation requires your required steam capacity, operating pressure, steam temperature, fuel type and availability, feedwater conditions, efficiency and emission requirements, automation preferences, and installation scope.
Choosing a boiler manufacturer in Gujarat, or anywhere in India, comes down to matching engineering capability to your specific application rather than defaulting to brand recognition or the lowest quoted price. Gujarat's industrial base chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, and food processing among others supports a range of manufacturers, each with different strengths. Confirming IBR applicability, evaluating fuel and efficiency fit, and weighing installation, service, and lifecycle cost together gives a far more reliable basis for the decision than any single factor alone.
If you're planning a new boiler installation, replacement, plant expansion, or modernization project in Gujarat, reach out to a manufacturer for a site evaluation, technical discussion of your requirement, and a proposal based on your actual steam load and process conditions.
Evaluating a boiler for a Gujarat facility? Par Boilers' engineering team can review your steam load, pressure requirement, and fuel availability as part of a technical consultation. Contact Par Boilers for a technical discussion.
Par Boilers works with textile, chemical, pharmaceutical, and food processing plants across Gujarat on boiler, thermic fluid heater, and waste heat recovery requirements.
A technical discussion covers your steam load, pressure requirement, and fuel type before any system is proposed.