Define Your Inputs
This will be the first of a six-part series in which we will explore the path that you can take to ensure your millwork engineering team’s success.
Step 1: Define your inputs
Managing a millwork engineering department can be a complex task, whether you are working with a large team or just a few people.
The first step on this path is to define the inputs. This means defining what information is required for you to be successful in engineering and what format you expect to receive such information in.
Many companies already have some form of input standards in place, but they are often loosely defined or vague and incomplete. This can lead to delays, as engineers struggle to find missing information or conflicts before completing tasks. One way to avoid this problem is to create a checklist of requirements for your team to start any project or task. This list must be documented and communicated in advance to those who are handing the work off to your team, such as sales and estimating teams or project managers. By providing them with a clear path to a result, you are giving them a roadmap to the result they are seeking.
Defining inputs is not just about making things easier for others. It is also about taking control of your own destiny as an engineer. By clearly communicating what you require to be able to meet the company's expectations, you can ensure that you are not left struggling to deliver results that are beyond your reach. It is essential to be upfront about what you need to be successful.
“If something comes up that you missed, add it to the process, and evaluate every issue going forward against the process. ”
Another concern many engineers have when defining inputs is that they cannot possibly cover every job's needs or scenarios. While it is true that there will always be problems or questions that cannot be planned for, most of them are extremely common and recurring. By planning for the common issues ahead of time, you can save yourself the majority of headaches and problems. If something comes up that you missed, add it to the process, and evaluate every issue going forward against the process. This way, you can create a framework and process that allows for continual improvement and incorporation of stop gaps for future issues.
It is essential to define the inputs for each touchpoint in the process, not just the initial drafting phase. For example, what inputs do you need to successfully execute any revisions needed after redlines come back from the client? What inputs do you need to begin engineering and releasing a project to production? By defining the inputs for each stage, you can ensure that your team has everything they need to complete each task efficiently and accurately.
In conclusion, defining the inputs is the first step in successfully managing any millwork engineering department. By creating a checklist of requirements and documenting them in advance, you can give your team a clear path to success. Don't be afraid to be upfront about what you need to be successful and remember that continual improvement is key. Define the inputs for each touchpoint in the process to ensure that your team has the necessary tools to reach project completion with efficiency and precision.
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