Treating the unexpected as normal

In project plans have you noticed the constant state of change? But of course you have!

Made me wonder about that – the chip that is advertised at one speed and actually when tested runs either faster or slower – enough for a data sheet change. The product that has to be rapidly re-engineered due to a design issue….and I am sure you can fill in the blank…

That is why it is necessary to have regular review points in the project plan. Unless these are done you may find yourself in a fire-fighting mode as the designer that has been quietly trying to fix the issue suddenly shares the information about the problem and neatly lops 8 – 12 weeks of your already critical project timeline.

I learned the usefulness of project checklists from a couple of Japanese friends of mine as I worked with them for a period of 6 months at Hitachi. Yamaki-san would ask a question – if he got the right answer it was checked off. If he didn’t like the answer he put forward a question. If the question was answered to his satisfaction it was checked off – if not it was tabled for further discussion and negotiation. If the answer was “we’ll get back to you on that” the next question was “when” and he would duly note a reply required date on his checklist.

One thing about this approach – you will be able to formulate plans and corrective actions on the fly and minimize project delays. The unexpected can easily be incorporated into the plan providing a detailed enough checklist and time line are in place from the project outset.

Short blog today – I have as I said earlier in the week to go into hospital – on Tuesday actually, and so apologize for any lateness or missed blog deadlines – I have been trying to clear things up…… and since it will be by the time you read this Friday morning, I would put to you that the best plan for the rest of the day is to book it as PTO and take off for the beach – have a great labor day weekend!!

John Burke

john@RoHSUSA.com