Here are a list of tips to help make your next IT deployment a success
Communicate, communicate, communicate
Understand the complete scope of work and the realities of working in a given environment
Limit the number of "cooks in the kitchen" because too many people calling shots can actually slow and complicate a deployment
Empower your deployment team to make decisions using best judgement to navigate over the hurdles you will undoubtedly face.
Be as flexible as possible on the project schedule without comprimising your deadline.
Let the "schedule master" communicate arrival and duration on site to the job site contacts.
If it is a multi-site project that spans multiple days, weeks or months, always do at least one pilot site even if time is critical, a good pilot program can save money and maybe even your job.
Set realistic expectations on return of project deliverables such as audit forms, checklists and especially photographs. When technicians are in the field, it is not always possible to stay on schedule and compile deliverables on an immediate basis.
Remember, when a schedule accelerates or decelerates there may be critical impact on material logistics
Insist that all critical information be delivered in writing and be willing to put your direction in writing to avoid issues of communication later in the project
Document everything especially authorization to deviate from the primary scope of work on a time and materials basis. Complete and accurate change order documentation is hard but an absolute necessity to keep track of unplanned circumstances. Demand the same dilligence from your deployment vendors, change is inevitable.
Expect surprises. No complex IT deployment ever comes off without a "hitch". Any one that says they can prevent all surprises is not being honest. The key to success is to plan for surprises by building a realistic budget and a schedule with a reasonable level of flexibility. Some schools of thought say that a complex multi-site IT deployment may average as much as 33% more than estimates. Do your best to mitigate these additional costs through proper planning and always prepare the stakeholders for worst case scenarios.
Project Tips
