Dwight D. Eisenhower may have been referring to battle when he made this remark on the importance of planning, but its sentiments have been universally heard. The value lies in the initial stage; the strategic approach, the 'thinking through' of it, rather than the plan itself.

So, if this stage is indeed so vital, how do we execute it most effectively and successfully? How long should be spent? How much detail should be covered? When is it over-planning? How, essentially, should it be done? 

Unfortunately, there is no one right answer to this question. There are theories and concepts and strategies enough to ensure that if you tried to decipher a conclusive answer, your planning would never start. The same words bounce about: objectives, clarity, timelines, realistic, actions, deadlines, budgets, goals, milestones. Many will just say, “Find what works for you!”. Invaluable advice, right? 

There are a few well-accepted truths about planning. An effective and successful planning process should increase the chance of a well-executed, smooth and punctual project. Planning can help to minimise risks. To foresee obstacles. To cleverly allocate resources. 

Whilst we, also, cannot provide you with a one-size-fits-all solution to all your planning queries, we have developed some innovative ways to make this all-important stage that bit easier:

Budget Planning  The versatility and efficiency of our budget planning features are unparalleled in any other project management system. Created specifically for the needs of engineers, you can plan by grade and utilise workstage templates for quick planning. The software integrates workstage level probability factors and standard construction fee structures, for instance ‘fixed fee’ and ‘percentage of construction’ options are available. 

Detailed plan-by-grade options are available, as well as workstage probability factors, ensuring that if you work in phases, you can plan the engineering project on the likelihood of winning speculative parts of the job.

 
Resource Planning

The resource planning function builds on the budget planning section, providing a greater level of detail by allowing staff to be assigned against their work-stage and grade. A RAG style resource grid is always available to present team availability based on leave and existing commitments. True to Rapport3’s core function, resource planning is never done in isolation from costs. Profit or loss is continuously presented allowing the user to witness the financial implications of their resource changes.

 
Job Costing

An efficient job costing system is imperative to keeping on top of all cost related aspects of a project. The Rapport3 software ensures you have a comprehensive set of tools to estimate, measure, report and analyse each job in detail, including timesheets, expenses, budget planning and resource planning.
Our job costing system revolves around flexibility; the software is designed and updated to be bespokely suited to how your business works.

Why not get in touch and book a demo, so we can help make planning the best part of your project?  

 
Our team of experts are always on hand to help support you in getting the most out of Rapport3. If you would like to know more then get in touch .