What to Expect from an Experienced ECM Project Manager

Sometimes it is tempting to tackle project management by committee in an attempt to save a few bucks. While it might seem like a good idea at the time, it may cost you missed deadlines, a blown budget, inferior products, and a lot of frustration in the long run.

Solid project management is an investment that just makes sense.

An experienced ECM project manager will work together with your company to learn about your requirements and understand the nuances of your product. They bridge manufacturing, design, and engineering services throughout the ECM process, and can mean the difference between a winning project and a big flop.

Keeps Project on Timeline

Many tasks take longer than anticipated. It happens. However, an experienced project manager facilitates proper expectations. They will schedule deadlines around what can be delivered, by when, and for how much. They will then monitor and balance resources to make sure everything stays on track.

When project management is lacking, budget estimates and project delivery timelines can be over-ambitious. That could cause everything to go off the rails and spiral out of control quickly. Projects get delivered late and over budget without good project management.

Designated Point of Contact

We all know what happens when you play a game of telephone. The results of poor project management are similar. Important details get dropped and miscommunication occurs.

Experienced project managers facilitate seamless communications and workflows. They are the hub that lays out expected outcomes, addresses all needs uniformly, and properly rolls out information that is ready to be shared.

When too many leaders struggle to control a project, there are often communication breakdowns and organizational inefficiencies arise.

Seeks Advice from Engineers

The most experienced ECM project managers are problem solvers. However, they don’t do it alone. Successful project managers surround themselves with a great team. They know they must draw on the expertise of others. Many will have engineers in house to be on the lookout for issues that could compromise your product’s performance. If something is detected, it is immediately corrected, and changes can be made to prevent it from occurring again. Areas that need improving or could be streamlined may also be identified. The resulting changes can save you valuable time and money in the long run.

Proactively Mitigate Parts Obsolescence

Great project management should include managing parts obsolescence throughout the project or system’s life cycle. This includes monitoring a component’s longevity starting with front-end planning all the way to the operations and support phase in order to execute the most cost-effective strategy.

Your project manager must carefully and consistently monitor your component inventory levels and review the life cycle of various parts. They should also offer alternatives and solutions when supply is limited and let you know of an upcoming “last time buy” on a critical component.

Anticipate the Needs of the Build

Your project manager is an extension of your company’s business. Everything they do should be done with your best interest in mind. Experienced project managers can see the big picture while not missing any details from start to finish. They stand firmly behind your project and have clear objectives, strategies, timelines, and communication plans to make sure it all is executed on time, on task, and on budget. They can even answer questions you didn’t even know you had.

Conclusion

Project management is one of the most decisive factors in ECM success. Project management means delivering on time, budget, and scope, along with keeping everyone on the same page of what’s needed to keep all eyes on the prize.

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Do you have an electronic manufacturing project you need someone to lead? Levison Enterprises’ design-build service produces better results faster than traditional project management methods. By involving the design and engineering teams throughout the entire process, our design-build service says goodbye to unnecessary overhead and labor costs. Contact Levison Enterprises today to learn more about our project management services.