The deadline. It’s a time set in stone, a point of no return.
Or is it?
Your company probably sets them, but are they stringently kept? Are they taken as seriously as the word itself implies?
The term “deadline” means “time limit,” but its origin was a bit more literal.
During the Civil War, a “dead-line” was literally a line you could not cross in prisons. If you did, you would get shot. Cross that line, and you were dead.
Needless to say, this boundary used to be of vital importance. The word meant business.
These days, though, deadlines get changed. They get pushed back with no consequences. They are missed, and that isn’t good for your company.
What is good for your company? Serious deadlines that stick. Especially in ERP projects where deadlines are pivotal to success.
Here’s why you should set strict deadlines and rigorously keep them.
Why strict deadlines are crucial for ERP projects
1. Deadlines Represent a Promise
At the core, a deadline is a promise. You’re committing to complete a task by a specific time. In ERP projects, this promise is essential. ERP implementations involve various stakeholders, including employees, management, and sometimes even customers. Missing deadlines can erode trust and lead to project delays, increased costs, and a loss of stakeholder confidence.
2. Deadlines Drive Momentum
Deadlines aren’t just promises – they’re also benchmarks. In the context of an ERP project, these benchmarks keep the project moving forward. ERP implementations are complex and involve multiple phases, from planning and personalization to testing and deployment. Clear deadlines for each phase ensure that the project progresses steadily and avoids the pitfalls of scope creep and project stagnation.
3. Deadlines Aid in Prioritization and Strategic Planning
Any major endeavor isn’t about meeting just one goal. It’s about achieving many small goals in pursuit of a larger objective. This is particularly true in ERP projects, where success hinges on meticulous planning and execution.
Deadlines help by defining objectives and prioritizing tasks, enabling your team to focus on what’s most urgent. According to The Balance, this strategic prioritization is crucial for meeting your most important benchmarks for success.
The impact of missed feadlines in ERP projects
Missing deadlines in an ERP project can have significant consequences:
- Cost Overruns: Delays often lead to increased costs, from extended use of resources to higher consultancy fees.
- Operational Disruptions: ERP systems are central to business operations. Delays in implementation can disrupt workflows, leading to inefficiencies and potential losses.
- Stakeholder Frustration: Constantly shifting deadlines can frustrate stakeholders, damaging morale and trust in the project’s success.
Best practices for setting and maintaining ERP project deadlines
To ensure deadlines are met in your ERP projects, consider the following best practices:
- Set Realistic Deadlines: Ensure that deadlines are achievable and based on a realistic assessment of the project scope and available resources.
- Break Down Tasks: Divide the project into smaller, manageable tasks, each with its own deadline.
- Regular Progress Reviews: Conduct regular progress reviews to identify potential delays early and take corrective action.
- Maintain Flexibility: While deadlines should be respected, allow some flexibility for unforeseen challenges, but ensure that these adjustments are well-documented and communicated.
Conclusion: Deadlines help your company climb the success ladder
Without a respect for company deadlines, your business can’t hope to succeed, especially in (potentially) complex projects like ERP implementations. Deadlines are an essential component of staying on track, prioritizing tasks, and reaching goals. Don’t ignore them or trivialize them if you want to see your company continue to improve and succeed.
By setting and maintaining strict deadlines, you not only ensure the timely completion of your ERP project but also reinforce a culture of reliability and accountability within your organization.