A good project management software is far better than managing projects with spreadsheets. It will save you time and stress and our project should run more smoothly, cost less money, and meet schedule more reliably.
Meeting attendance and project document approval records are important. Ensure you get the full name (not just initials) on project records. This will help you identify those people later and will save time when trying to get further information from them.
At the start of your project, ensure you ask the client what kind of reports they want. Automate or standardise your client reports if possible. Ask the right questions to get the best results for you and for the client.
Restricted access to project information, documents and data can cause a significant increase in project cost and schedule. Ensure all your project team has access to the information and data they need.
Multiple timesheets waste project staff time and project management time. Automate the transfer of timesheet data wherever possible, to save time, costs and increase staff satisfaction.
Project controls are important. They help you keep track of project costs and schedule. A good project controls system will help the project manage its costs and schedule, preferably part of a project management tool. It should be easy to use and automate as much of project controls as possible.
Manage with contracts to improve your project success. Define scope and roles clearly. Putting a lot of the project work out to contract is one way, with the benefit of being able to control the schedule and cost by applying contract terms. Or contract internally.
Projects often fail because the project team members are not clear on their roles and responsibilities. Make sure your project team members know what they are supposed to do with defined roles, clear role descriptions and briefs of what they should be doing.
Design Management is complicated. Make sure you have a reliable system in place to ensure nothing is missed. It will help your team complete the designs accurately and on time.
Good, clear, easy to follow procedures should be put in place for all aspects of your project. Make these easy to find. Make a summary page for the team to save time and cost.