Fast Tracking: When Time Pressure Meets Structure
Fast Tracking: It sounds like trail running, but it’s actually a project management method. Like a proverbial express train in projects, it accelerates processes and thus makes it possible to achieve ambitious time-sensitive goals. By carrying out various activities or entire phases of a project in parallel, fast tracking significantly shortens the implementation time—without compromising quality. At least, that’s the case when done correctly, as Christine Gärtner, a partner at io, explains: “To achieve the project results within the available timeframe, careful requirements planning is essential. In fast-tracking, the precise definition of user requirements in particular forms a solid foundation for preventing delays later on. In addition, the defined user requirements set a clear course that all stakeholders must follow.”
In addition, it is important to clearly agree on rules for project implementation with all project participants. These include, in particular, the approval of planning progress, the handling of change requests, and the procurement process for construction services. To this end, it is important that the client’s procurement organization also agrees to the accelerated process and supports it accordingly. Communication is essential in this regard. Anyone relying on fast-tracking must ensure that all stakeholders exchange information regularly. Ideally, daily Scrum meetings should take place to ensure that the project is heading in the right direction. Furthermore, dialogue helps to optimally balance the trade-off between quality, time, and cost.
Safety Net and Guardian
Due to the speed of the process, it is also difficult to provide a complete cost estimate at an early stage. For unresolved issues related to user requirements or planning, assumptions are therefore initially adopted—with the so-called risk budget serving as a safety net. It sets the maximum allowable loss threshold so that it can absorb the assumptions made and the planning issues that remain unresolved. “In this way, it ensures stability,” explains Gärtner. The key to this is experienced specialists and flexible resources. Teams of experts can master the challenges that accelerated processes bring, while flexible resources ensure that the project can always adapt to changing circumstances. “And then there’s the risk analysis,” adds Gärtner. “It keeps a watchful eye on the project, like an attentive guardian, to identify potential stumbling blocks early on and initiate corrective measures.”
It is, therefore, a carefully coordinated package of appropriate measures designed to maintain quality despite the rapid pace. At io, these measures are identified carefully and reliably—and, thanks to the general planner’s interdisciplinary approach, the right experts with the necessary expertise are always on hand.
