Engineering Time Line: Top Tips To Get Better Results
Engineering Time Line – The Clock Is Ticking – There is always a need to manage against a realistic preset Time Line and to have progressive measurable milestones
Regardless of it being a very complex project, a fairly simple/basic job or simply routine management tasks, one of the key elements to success is having an Engineering Time Line, with clear and measurable milestones and of course hitting those milestones.
Obviously the complexity of the project or task dictates the level of detail. However the basic principles and fundamentals are always the same.
Overview
- There are many Time Line tools available
- The Gantt Chart or a variation of the Gantt Chart is always popular for complex projects
- For simple tasks or smaller projects it may be that one of the simpler tools or a check list of tasks on a spread sheet with completion dates or other appropriate measures will do the job
- Be very aware that tools such as the Gantt Chart can be quite resource hungry to prepare and manage. For smaller projects it may be much more cost effective to adopt simpler methods
- Regardless of the task at hand – document and set realistic measurable milestones
- It is important to ensure that all parties who are involved, understand and commit to those milestones
- Ensure that the commitment is documented
- For routine work it may be by “Minutes of Meetings” which are “signed off” or email messages which are clear, unambiguous and recorded
- Ensure that the milestones can in fact be measured and recorded
- Make sure that outside contractors understand their responsibilities and that their progress can be and will be measured
- Be aware that contractors or internal departments may agree to terms and conditions in order to win an order or curry favor without fully analyzing or understanding the details which they have committed to
- Ensure that the commitments are well documented in the terms and conditions of Purchase Orders and Contracts and that there may be legally enforceable penalties if these conditions are not met
- You hope that you will never need to use them – however, it demonstrates that these terms are important and need to be taken seriously
- Always have a contingency plan – in the event that the Time Line or milestones are not being met for any number of reasons
- Depending on the project or job at hand, it may be worthwhile to use a Devil’s Advocate to critique the work – To ask the questions – Are those times realistic and to take an objective look at what could go wrong and how to compensate for any delays or similar issues
- In an ideal world – once the Scope of Work has been agreed and the Time Line agreed there should be no side issues
- However, in the Real World – Scope Creep will raise its ugly head and should be vigorously resisted unless there are critical issues to deal with
- Be very wary of Scope Creep.- Invariably there may be a number of “Nice to Have” modifications proposed. In the first instance any variations should be recorded and scheduled for review “On Completion” of the existing project. Proponents of Scope Creep issues will use arguments such as – it is a minor variation or it is a nice to have or there is virtually no extra cost or similar. But of course there can be a range of unknown ramifications which have not been thoroughly thought through or analyzed
- Unless overruled by senior managers – resist Scope Creep
- If overruled by senior managers – ensure that all variation are well documented so that any future issues will not come back to bite you
Not Only – But Also…..
When there is a need to take a deep breath and take a break
- Open List Of Pages – Engineering Nostalgia for pages of Old Engineer Memories from Engineering practice in the 1960’s/70’s/80’s – with a bit of armed forces and medieval trivia thrown in
- Regardless of your current status – always ask the question – Is there a Better Way and
visit the 3R web page for an overview of the 3R Philosophy Review – Refresh – Reset - Whenever possible – always follow the KISS Principle
- Challenge yourself and your colleagues with an Engineering Quiz
- Check out Engineering Odd Bits for odd subject matter – including humor and comment
Engineer & Communicate – Engineering Trivia Quiz – Engineering Nostalgia – Engineering Odd Bits