Two Keys To A Successful Project That Is Streamlined And Repeatable.
Why do most projects fail? A project fails when it doesn’t produce the agreed-upon deliverables on time and within budget. Common causes of project failure include lack of resource planning, poor communication, scope creep, and unrealistic expectations.
The two keys to a successful project are using project management software services and optimizing the project workflow. The use of these two elements will produce a project process that is streamlined and repeatable.
A streamlined process is one in which unnecessary tasks have been removed, and difficult tasks have been simplified to make the process more efficient. Simply put, a process is repeatable when people can do it the same way every time.
What Is Project Management Software?
Project management software is designed to help you plan, organize, and manage your project. It can help with scheduling, budgeting, resource management, risk management, and communications. Some can even guide you through developing a project plan.
There are hundreds of project management software services out there. So if you’re new to project management, Project Assistant, an easy-to-use project management software for beginners, will help you develop and manage project workflow.
What Is Project Workflow?
Project workflow refers to a set of tasks done in a distinct order—it sounds like a checklist, right? A workflow differs from a checklist in that items on a checklist don’t have to relate to one another, such as a to-do list or grocery list. A workflow is logic-based since it uses an if-then scenario—all steps must connect to the step above it.
Why Should I Streamline Processes?
Besides making your project processes more efficient, streamlining has other benefits:
Increased cost-effectiveness. Streamlining can be achieved by using project management software services to reduce paper usage.
Increased productivity. When your employees know the process well, they can do their jobs faster and more effectively.
Reduced risk. Streamlined processes lead to more transparency. It can also help with regulatory compliance.
How Do I Streamline My Processes and Workflows?
Streamlining processes and workflows is time-consuming but worth the effort, all you need to do is work on one process at a time. Here’s how to do it:
Access existing processes. You should know how things are done currently before seeing what needs to be improved. Start by listing the processes and workflows. Then, write down what you think the benefits are of each one.
Rank the processes. List the processes from most to least important. This will help you decide which is to work on first.
Analyze outcomes or results of these processes and workflows. This will help you recognize what is wasteful and unnecessary. You can eliminate those so that you can concentrate on more useful methods.
Ask for feedback. Ask coworkers what they think since their perspective may be different from yours. Consider holding a meeting to discuss or send out surveys.
Automate processes. Research workflow and project management assistant software.
Adjust and refine. After the streamlining, you might find that things aren’t working out the way you’d hoped. Figure out what isn’t working and adjust it.
Why Do I Need Repeatable Processes?
Put simply; repeatable processes increase efficiency. Increased efficiency saves your company time and money by not reinventing the wheel for every project.
Communication is key to any project. One of the best ways to communicate effectively is by storytelling. Cultivate a repeatable process for storytelling, and you can get your point across to a client, team member, or stakeholder.
If you have repeatable processes in place, you won’t have to start over again for every project. Instead, you’ll know what you need to do and how to do it from the beginning.
Using repeatable processes will help you measure your project’s performance. Repeatable processes produce predictable project results that can be tracked. You can use these processes to determine if you're meeting your goals. If not, you can refine them until you are.
One Last Thing
There is a third key to a successful project–a project plan. A project plan documents the details of your project. It includes the project purpose, schedule, budget, team members and their responsibilities, solution deliverables, and any project tasks.
A small project can get away with using a project background, which is a shorter version of a project plan and includes the project's focus, a list of prerequisites and reasons for the project, how to perform the tasks in it, and an explanation of the desired outcome.
Project Assistant is dedicated to helping your company or organization manage your project and enjoy a successful project from start to finish. Their tool is perfect for experts and beginners alike; give it a try today and see what makes it stand out!