When examining a typical LED project, measurements such as light output, efficacy, and size requirements are now seen as moving targets. This short product life cycle makes it that much more critical to get a product to market as quickly as possible. Clearly, the longer it takes to launch a new platform, the less time one will have to recoup development costs and turn profits. Time is money!
As project teams race through the Scope, Design, Prototype, Validation and Production stages, there are many opportunities for the baton to be dropped, that’s where pro-active project management comes in. A Project Manager can mitigate time delays especially as team members fail to realize the project was ready for them. Each delay of this nature can be measured in hours and sometimes days; the end result can add up to weeks for any given project.
The Norlux Solution
At Norlux, the key to avoiding communication delays is to automate project management processes. One must create a project template (like Microsoft Project) preferably through an existing company database. This template would be linked to other aspects of the database to access information like part numbers and team members’ e-mail addresses. Using macros and auto-generated e-mails, individuals will automatically be sent an e-mail notification when they can begin their task. Of course, team members can always access the project within the database to view the status. Following is a step-by-step process highlighting the details:- Project Manager creates timeline, complete with itemized tasks and due dates. As typically done with Microsoft Project, the Project Manager would identify which tasks can be done in parallel and which are dependent on predecessors.
- Project Manager enters each task into the project template within the database using pull-down menus for common tasks and team members’ names.
- Project Manager enters predecessors for tasks (i.e. electrical schematic must be completed before PCB layout can begin).
- Project Manager has standard kick-off meeting with all team members to walk through the project requirements, action items and timeline.
- Database shows each team member his/her personal list of open action items within a pop-up window each time they log into the database.
- Team members simply click the “complete” box next to their action item when done. The database automatically fills in the completion date.
- Database automatically sends an e-mail notification to the next team member(s) downstream showing they can now start on their action item.
Smooth transitions are key to finishing projects quickly, and communication is key to smooth transitions. It takes a bit more time up front to set-up an automated project schedule. However, once it is put into motion, communication becomes effortless and instantaneous. By carving the dead time out of the project process, one can dramatically improve speed to market and enjoy all the corresponding financial benefits.
