The challenge of any project is to achieve all of its objectives within a tight timeframe, stay within budget and meet or exceed your expectations! Today’s retail environment is riddled with challenges, particularly in the aftermath of the Pandemic and the havoc it’s had on IT staffing, support, and feet on the street. Retailers who are challenged with rolling out large complex projects in a matter of weeks sometimes need support. This post will outline the important elements of choosing the right partner and making you a hero to your organization.
The Importance of Excellent Retail Project Management Strategy
Projects can be difficult to navigate. First, you start with a problem to be solved, which may involve complexity and multiple technologies that all have to work together seamlessly. Worrying about hardware lead times, device imaging, POS configurations, accessories, technician coordination, and any number of installation issues in multiple locations is challenging for anyone.
Having a partner that can manage these complex solutions AND meet the deadlines established are mission-critical for low stress levels and a timely completion. Taking every element into account is important to the preparation and pre-project planning that will make you successful.
What to Expect of the Experts
No two projects are identical, even if they look similar on paper. That’s because every project has unique characteristics, challenges, requirements, and objectives. A canned approach to project management strategy can never offer the same success as a customized plan.
By clearly understanding your success criteria, “the experts” can tailor a detailed plan designed to capture your business requirements that make it clear they can be achieved as promised. You want to select qualified, experienced experts in your business and guide the project to a grand conclusion.
How Success is Ensured
Successful projects start with the people managing them. PMP certification from the Project Management Institute is a key indicator. Make sure your partner has these credentials and more. In addition, a partner with experience in the technology you are implementing is paramount.
The PM will develop a project review, including scope, expectations, and goals that clearly align with their client’s requirements. They will also create communication charters that ensure every member of the project provides timely feedback in a format that is seen by the entire team. You will never have to wonder if your project is on track because the information will be at your fingertips!
Measurements of Project Management Strategy Success
Having the right tools to make a project run properly is critical. Look for a team that employs some or all of the following tools to track and measure the project. Technology and implementation of lean production methods to ensure the scope, schedule, quality, and cost stay in line with the plan.
Tools include:
- Project Dashboard, which summarizes all project activities
- Project Plan that identifies each phase of the project, including milestones, critical paths, risks, and dependencies
- First Article Document, which details project requirements in order to establish a baseline
- Change Log, which documents all changes — approved or not — and their impact
- Open Issues and Items Log, which details all open tasks and issues, including responsibility, timing, and status
- Communication Charter is a collaborative agreement on how, when, and who should receive project updates
Is Your Next Project on the Horizon? We Can Help.
At DecisionPoint, Project Management extends beyond executing the scope of work. As a trusted advisor, we see ourselves as an extension of your internal operations team. As experienced Project Managers with expertise in mobility, we act as your navigator to drive results and help you meet your strategic and tactical objectives.
Whether you are rolling out new technology, decommissioning stores, or implementing a new wireless system, we have the answers.
To learn more about how we can help you navigate your next major mobility implementation to successful completion, contact our Project Management experts today and tell us about your needs!
About DecisionPoint:
DecisionPoint is a leading provider and integrator of enterprise mobility and wireless applications solutions that delivers improved productivity and operational advantages to its clients by helping them move their business decision points closer to their customers. We do this by making enterprise software applications accessible to the front-line worker anytime, anywhere. DecisionPoint utilizes all the latest wireless, mobility, and RFID technologies. DecisionPoint is headquartered in Irvine, California. For more information about DecisionPoint Systems, Inc. Learn more about how DecisionPoint and Wavelink can improve efficiency and profits. Visit www.decisionpt.com.
