Implementing construction digital transformation projects within a company can be a complex endeavor with various challenges and considerations. Whether it’s a software implementation, infrastructure upgrade, or other initiative, the success of these projects is crucial for driving efficiency, productivity, and innovation. However, without proper planning and execution, technology projects can encounter delays, budget overruns, and suboptimal outcomes.
In this article, we will explore how to run digital transformation projects within your company, providing valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate the intricacies. By following these tips, you can increase the likelihood of successful technology project delivery and maximize the value derived from your investments.
Define Roles, Stakeholders and Communications at the Outset
Everyone on the team should know their role and responsibilities. It is also important to use the project management skills you already use in your daily work. Define the scope and set milestones and deadlines, sign-off points, budgets and communication schedules.
Assign a Project Champion
Technology projects seem daunting when there are not enough hours in the day and your head is swimming with details. A great idea for owners is to assign a project champion who is not themselves. This person is responsible for seeing the project, as defined below, from inception to completion.
Know your Business Case
Is your goal to increase revenues or increase efficiencies? Or both? You need to be clear. If you don’t set a SMART goal you won’t be able to measure the success of your project. It is always a good idea to make a vision statement for your project that you can check decisions against.
Example project vision statement:
“Implement technologies to increase back-office efficiencies that result in measurable time saved, better client experiences, and a more organized workforce.”
If you are constantly measuring back against your vision statement, projects have a much greater chance of achieving your goals.
Define Construction Digital Transformation Project Requirements
Mapping out your business systems is fundamental. It is easy to use free tools like MIRO or FIGMA to quickly build mind maps, brainstorms, and workflows. Mapping helps you identify gaps.
For example, if you create an invoice in one system and must duplicate it in your accounting software you can detect and correct this inefficiency. Once you have outlined all your processes and found and prioritised your weaknesses, you can create a list of requirements to help you meet your goal. This level of specificity it key and will save you a ton of squirreling around later.
Identify Necessary Supporting Business Processes
If you want your project to succeed, you need to think long and hard about things like business intelligence, risk, change management and others. Make a list of your questions like:
- What data do I need to get out of this to measure success?
- How will I get this data and how will I use it?
- What could go wrong and how do I mitigate that risk?
- How will I train my staff to use new technologies to ensure adoption?
How many project dollars have been lost due to untrained staff who failed to adopt the new technology because they couldn’t figure it out? Tons. And that is a huge financial risk.
Seek Technology Solutions
Once you have a clear understanding of the items you must address to achieve your business cases and how you will support them, you can seek appropriate solutions. Avoid adopting software and new processes simply on the recommendation of a colleague. Every business evolves its own unique processes and should be evaluated as described above.
A simple and effective way to evaluate software is using a spreadsheet. Put your requirements in one column and the software you are evaluating in the next. Put an x if the requirement is met and do this for several solutions. Then you have a clear idea of what can work for you.
The next best step is to talk to a representative of the company and develop an idea of how they might support you and meet any unaddressed needs.
Define Complete
Many workplaces are dynamic, moving at an incredible pace and this increases the risk that a project is not properly closed out as people are pulled away to other priorities. This is a big risk to project success and so defining what complete means in advance helps everyone stay on task until your systems are implemented as you have outlined.
In conclusion, the key to how to run digital transformation projects involves careful planning, clear communication, and a focus on the desired outcomes. By following the best practices outlined in this article, you can navigate the complexities of technology projects and increase the chances of achieving your goals. Defining roles, assigning a project champion, and establishing a clear business case are crucial for aligning everyone involved and measuring success. Additionally, mapping out project requirements, identifying supporting business processes, and seeking appropriate technology solutions ensure that your project addresses specific needs and maximizes efficiency.
Lastly, defining what constitutes project completion helps maintain focus and ensures that the implemented systems align with your outlined objectives. By implementing these best practices, you can enhance the success of your technology projects and drive positive outcomes for your company.
Need some help? Talk to us about how we can help with your construction digital transformation projects.
