One of the biggest challenges we face with website jobs in particular is getting them finished on the agreed time. Realising this was a problem that should be resolved we looked for ways of improving things.
Our solution was to establish a simple, but consistent timeline process for all projects. It doesnt seem like a huge thing to do, but it made a big difference to the general management of work. We had tried in the past using various project management software, but the complexity seemed to take up too much time for something that didnt have to be so advanced.
Keeping to the usual 'less is more' philosophy, we went back to using an excel spreadsheet. It was a good exercise to try and create something that could be applied to any job we take on.
Timeline Solution
The left column had a list of all the stages in the project. The weeks then continue to the right with a column for each week. Filling in a cell with a name/colour shows when each stage needs to be completed by, and who is responsible.
And that was it...Nothing too clever, and nothing especially new, but the difference it has made already is remarkable.
This is now one of the first things we do for every project, however complicated. It means we know where we are, and so do our clients.
Sometimes it's just the small changes that can make a big difference.
