This subject needs some attention for the simple reason that it becomes more and more essential that a good IT System should be chosen to operate the project logistics management or even heavy lift shipment.
By not using a proper system means that one will run into management and controlling issues during the project logistics live cycle.
Any disruption in a project costs time and money without fail.
Whatever tool a company chooses shouldn’t really matter as long as it offers all the functions that are essential for the operation and collaboration within the entire logistics project. Some of these functions could be;
- Easy to use, straight forward user interface
- Multi-company (Business Unit), multi-department & division collaboration
- User Permissions and Security Management
- Client/Company Management
- Shared files/documents with upload/download capability
- Project Management
- Project planning
- Project control (direct and execute)
- Target Budgets registration and control
- Planned Durations and Actual Time Spent
- Work Breakdown Structure (WBS)
- Task Dependency
- Dynamic Tasks
- Live Gantt Charts
- Project Forums
- Trouble Ticket System
- Project and Meeting Calendar
- Project Status
- Project & Task Delegation
- Project Milestones
The use of any IT system does require a very strict discipline from all parties involved to make this work the way it was indented to be. Like all IT systems, its success depends strongly on the discipline of the operator to enter the information accurately and in time.
When people start distrusting a tool and start sending emails again, there is the risk that not everybody is getting this information and so there will be a gap created in the project. This could have serious consequences from a process and from a project execution point which ultimately translate in delays and over spending.
Project Freight Management requires strong managers and discipline from all parties involved. Choosing the right party in for this is crucial.
The tool doesn’t take away the interaction between people in the project and for that reason there are regular meetings/conference calls planned throughout the project for different people to be involved.
Not uncommon is the “scrum” which basically means that each week or sometimes even day, you and your team will have a quick meeting called a scrum. A scrum is assess what each is doing or needs to do that day and what effect this may have on another in the team. This type of meeting or call does not take longer than 15 minutes (if a large team this could be longer). It’s not formal but a quick, what is happening with each member of the team, what are they working on, what will happen that day etc. Others can than take this information and if needed adjust their own planning.
XELLZ has been a front runner in applying a strong technological approach because it makes the entre operation transparent and easier to manage and control.
