Resource Management — 7 Tips to Maximize Efficiency
These days software solutions are an essential part of resource management but the basic principles still need to be managed at a human level and cannot be replaced by technology. With this in mind here are 7 tips to help you make efficient resource management a central part of your business.
#1 Information Gathering
Take as much time as needed to gain all the information about the project before moving forward in order to more effectively plan and manage your resources. Everything you find at this stage plays a key role in resource allocation and the establishment of working processes. Missing a tiny detail could prove costly so taking your time can be a key way to avoid mistakes that could undermine the project and your business.
#2 Prioritization — Defining Your Model and Prioritization Rules.
As soon as you have assessed the goals and tasks required to do so, you will need to set priorities. Prioritization is a central part of resource management and it has to be done meticulously so you can respond if other activities occur that need to be slotted in. Of course, your business is unique so there cannot be one prioritization method that suits everyone, it has to be specific to your own organization’s needs, but once you have categorized everything it becomes easier and quicker to respond appropriately.
#3 The Time Factor
Certain routine tasks are the same for all projects which makes estimating time and resources a lot easier. Using tracking technology can produce surprising results — these tasks may take longer than previously imagined and this will need to be accounted for. They key is to rule out false assumptions and make the plan more accurate when it comes to allocating resources to tasks.
#4 Maintain Maximum Transparency
Transparency allows everyone to work towards the same goal so make sure your employees know what is involved, what the expectations are and their own responsibilities. Open discussion within teams is essential to ensure that people can highlight and iron out any potential issues before they cause a problem and all employees should be well versed in the organizations prioritization criteria. Using centralized software can give team members access to the resource allocation within the team, allowing schedules to be established and tasks assigned. Time tracking enables more accurate allocation of time and resources, making information available rapidly and allowing rapid intervention.
#5 Reliable Communication
Collaboration tools allow employees to communicate more easily, reduces the possibility of errors, delays and keeps productivity high. It is used to share essential information, discuss ideas and reduces creativity-stifling feelings of isolation. Keep employees connected and invested in order to build a great team with ongoing benefits for your business.
#6 Stay Prepared for the Unexpected
Even the best resource management plan can’t prevent unpredictable changes. Use your resource management system to avoid overly stressing employees by allocating resources based on skills and allowing them to provide solutions before an issue becomes a problem.
#7 Maintain Team Morale
Human beings are a key part of resource management and it is your employees that form the backbone of your business. Make sure that they are happy by finding out their likes and dislikes and work around this when allocating tasks and resources.
