The Value of Project Assessments
By Mark Inge
Understanding the needs of a new client is paramount in building a business case for a project. Normally this is done over a series of phone calls and possibly a one-day onsite visit. While this provides valuable information, it does not provide the clarity necessary to make both parties comfortable with forging ahead.
Projects are often times pain-based for the client and bringing in outside assistance to help expedite a solution is paramount. To completely understand a clients’ needs, and ensure that OperationsRx can help, we recommend performing a 1-2-week assessment at the client. There are multiple benefits for both parties in this option.
We get a better understanding of the needs of the client and how their challenges impact the business network.
Conducting one-on-one interviews provides a forum to address needs and obtain supporting data that will assist later with building a business case.
We get a chance to meet the client’s team and they get a chance to meet us. A projects success is based on the ability of the client and the consulting team’s ability to work together. Both parties must make sure there is a good fit before entering into an extensive project.
It provides a better understanding of the level of effort to execute deliverables without having to guess at the needs of the project.
The assessment will help us determine if there is an opportunity to continue a full-scale project that is beneficial for both sides. This short pause will allow both sides to digest what has been learned and determine the next steps.
There is no waste in an assessment as the information and data collected would be obtained at the onset of a project startup.
Consider an assessment a trial period without entering a longer-term contract. Being able to have a “test drive” with the consulting group will help make the team secure with their abilities to provide a solution and deliver it within the project estimate. This will give comfort to the client team and ensure a successful project and relationship for years to come.