4 Tips for Avoiding IT Project Waste

3. Who’s in charge? Both the client and vendor need a project manager. Too many times the client leaves that up to the vendor, and that’s a bad idea for two reasons: First, the vendor doesn’t know your business or organization. Second, it’s expensive. The client needs to be in control of the process and implementation.

4. How often do you talk? As we all know, systems projects involve a lot of oral and written communication, with documents constantly passing back and forth. On the surface, it seems as though you’re talking multiple times each day. But that’s really not the issue. Hold weekly meetings between the two parties, conducted by the two project managers, to review the total project and schedule. And, if necessary, reset objectives. Other critical parties can and should join in.

At the close of each meeting, the two project managers should circulate the updated schedule and meeting notes. Once you’re inside 30 days to 45 days, have a brief conversion meeting daily. This is an excellent way for all parties to stay committed to each other and get the implementation done.

If you commit to following these basics religiously, everything else should fall in line. As a result, you’ll have a much better chance of finishing your IT project on time and within budget.

Curt Barry is president of F. Curtis Barry & Co., a multichannel operations and fulfillment consulting firm with expertise in multichannel systems, warehouse, call center, inventory and benchmarking. Learn more online at http://www.fcbco.com.