Avoiding the need to rework any project positively effects productivity. Since reworking a project usually incurs many additional expenses – sometimes more than double the initial cost – and much extra work and lost time, it should be avoided, if possible. First, it often requires the assembly of a new team or set of experts – a painful and time consuming step. Second, it requires a new assessment of the project design and plan, implementation, percentage of completion including what still needs to be done, and what needs to be fixed. Frequently, it is often cheaper and easier to start over than to attempt to fix a major problem. Having to rework a project may also result in additional complications and complexities particularly if it is subject to outside influences. Furthermore, if there is a problem with the initial design, subsequent changes or additions may not be possible without massive revisions.
One often overlooked but important aspect is the amount of time lost by the people who were supposed to use or tried to use this project. This loss in energy and money can be substantial and will never be recovered. It may also severely hurt morale. While consultants are usually readily available, outstanding consultants may be difficult to find. Determining which consultants are outstanding can be even more difficult. This finding and discerning is an arduous, time consuming task that usually requires going to many sources, evaluating many resumes, project successes, and meetings – and still not knowing how good the selected consultant actually is. Sometimes the consultant will truly be excellent, but sometimes not. What is essential is that a company be prepared to fully evaluate all consultants. Time spent in this initial evaluation process is time well spent, particularly if it avoids rework. There are numerous steps in the evaluation process a company can take to help ensure it finds outstanding consultants. Foremost, is having a solid plan that is comprehensive, clearly communicates all project goals and steps, and is agreed upon by all stakeholders – prior to interviewing any consultants. This will enable the formulation of specific project and experience-related questions when interviewing all consultants. It will also form the basis for communication during the project development. Outstanding consultants can often greatly enhance a project’s scope since they possess specific expertise in their area of specialty, substantial experience and significant general knowledge. This combined expertise helps ensure that the design and implementation is solid and meets all project goals and specifications. This is particularly important when projects are asked to perform under much greater stress (i.e. throughput) or with many additional functions than what was originally envisioned. I sometimes equate this to a building; if the foundation is solid, many floors and features can be built upon it. However, if the foundation is flawed, additional floors and features can cause collapse – and the need for rework at a tremendous cost of time and money. Rework should be avoided, if possible. It can have many negative effects on a company’s bottom line, potentially reducing value and morale. Conversely, by carefully planning and finding outstanding consultants, much rework and unnecessary tribulations can be avoided while creating a foundation for excellent prodinst and enhanced value.