As organisations navigate new ways of working digitally, understanding the cycle of work is essential to deliver innovative and successful work. ASI Solutions has developed an easy-to-implement, six-step methodology to help businesses embrace technology solutions and gain maximum value. This methodology supports organisations to achieve the best outcomes.
This blog series explores the various phases within the cycle of work methodology and highlights the ways organisations can benefit from a more strategic approach to digital work.
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Step 4: The cycle of work: the work is in the delivery, roll out, and launch
In the delivery step of the implementation phase, it’s essential to communicate, collaborate, and share information. It is important that all team members involved work collaboratively and with full visibility. This means they must be able to work on documents as a team, share valuable ideas and concepts, and offer feedback and approvals within time constraints.
Break it down
There are several challenges within the delivery phase that could risk on-time delivery. If timelines are pushed out, budgets are blown, or there is miscommunication between members of the team, the whole scope of the project could change, causing unexpected issues. To counter this, it is important to break down each large task into more manageable sections with separate deadlines and budgets, where possible. Doing this in the planning phase benefits the delivery stage and shows how each phase of the cycle incorporates a smaller version of the entire cycle of work.
If the planning stage was conducted well, the delivery stage should be a relatively simple matter of following the roadmap set out by the plan. However, it is still important to remain flexible during the delivery stage as there is always the chance of a roadblock or opportunity arising that was never considered during the planning phase. Adhering to the plan rigidly could prevent organisations from leveraging opportunities to deliver an even better outcome than initially anticipated. Likewise, sticking to the plan no matter what could see the team run headlong into a roadblock that could derail the entire initiative.
Remaining flexible within the confines of the plan requires the team to work well together, communicate clearly, and document all information and processes as the project progresses.
The importance of documentation
As the delivery phase of the project unfolds, many decisions will be made and actions taken to keep the project moving. In most cases, these decisions and actions will contribute to a successful project.
Occasionally, mistakes are made. Having steps in place to manage them and support the project team is essential to remain agile.
Putting decisions and actions in writing also gives all participants in the project visibility into what’s happening. This gives them confidence that the project is progressing according to plan and helps everyone remain aligned. Reviewing written documentation gives people an opportunity to flag if anything seems out of step with the original plan.
Clear documentation also helps participants see what has been done and what is yet to be done, which can help them stay on top of their priorities and deliverables.
There are many different types of documentation that need to be created and updated throughout a project, from work plans, solution maps, and issue trackers to test documents, use cases and communication strategies. This can sometimes leave project teams feeling like they’re constantly updating the documentation. However, this is a foundational part of project management, so it’s essential to reinforce the importance of diligent documentation and give teams the right tools to help streamline the process.
The right technology at the right time
Supporting workers with the right technology at the right time can increase the odds of successful outcomes. In the delivery phase, this can include:
- Microsoft Office, To Do, Planner, and Project for briefing team members
- Microsoft Outlook and SharePoint for information-sharing with stakeholders
- Microsoft Powerpoint, Teams, Visio, Outlook, and SharePoint for preparing concepts, visual data, and allowing for secure sharing internally and externally
- Microsoft Power Automate for automated workflows and tracking
- Microsoft Planner, To Do, and Teams for documenting and publishing information
Where to from here?
Delivery is just the one step in the cycle of work. To learn more about the cycle of work and what comes next in the ASI methodology for modern work habits and practices, download the eBook.
ASI Solutions aligns directly with Microsoft’s vision of empowering every person and organisation to achieve more. ASI Solutions can coach your business to deliver each step of the cycle of work so you can achieve optimum outcomes. To find out more about how ASI Solutions can help you embrace the modern cycle of work, contact the team today.
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