3 Keys When Moving Projects into Programs
The electric industry has audacious goals for sustainability, equity, resiliency, and modernization. Most of the progress appears in the form of projects. While pilot projects and proofs-of-concept (POCs) are helpful, long-term programmatic solutions are essential.
Projects and programs are both fundamental methods. However, they are often confused -- the difference is imperative. A project is temporary - a program lives on.
The project manager ensures the team accomplishes the project’s defined scope on time, schedule, and budget. A program sustains longer-term strategic objectives across multiple teams.
A program is a collection of related activities managed in coordination to achieve benefits that could not be realized if ordered separately. It demands more transparency and collaboration. A program must clearly communicate the Plan, the Progress, and the Payoff.
ArcGIS Dashboards convey information clearly and conveniently at Horry Electric Cooperative Inc.
The Plan
Who reads the forty-page program document – not many. The plan must be visual, tailored to the audience, and kept current. People need to understand Where things will impact their interests. That suggests a map. Utilities run on maps.
The Progress
Solid programs get in front of the question of “What’s happening?” Keeping everyone on the same page helps maintain buy-in among participants. Need to keep people engaged? Ensure the information is current and includes graphical summary statistics like timeline, budget, and resources.
The Payoff
Beyond progress, stakeholders want to see accomplishments and reduce uncertainty. Has it been worth the investment? Benefits frequently accrue in phases. So where do we see benefits? Once again, using dashboards with colorful analytics and maps to visualize the payoffs enhances clarity. With a clear understanding of the payoffs, decision-makers are more open to tackling risks and challenges.
Once the POCs are over, move swiftly into companion programs. Increase your chances of success by clearly communicating the Plan, the Progress, and the Payoffs with up-to-date visualizations. The best programs use the best resources running on your chosen device– live data feeds, 3D, and convenient delivery on maps and apps. Utilities worldwide use ArcGIS to track and communicate the vital elements of both projects and programs. Learn more about leading agencies that tackle their goals with the latest tools.