From kickoff to closeout: Steps to keep your AEC team aligned

Having teams that are aligned means avoiding delays, getting it right the first time, and minimizing stress. When you have a cohesive process that ensures everyone is on the same page, you’ll see better results and smoother project execution. Architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) are fast paced and require simple, yet effective tools to keep your team aligned.  

Understanding how misalignment happens is the best way to prevent it. Here’s how you ensure your AEC team status is aligned from kickoff to closeout.  

How teams become misaligned 

Misalignment is often the result of systemic issues that slowly make their way into a project workflow. There are two common culprits:  

• Working in silos: AEC projects often rely on the work of designers, engineers, and subcontractors. When these teams use different tools, they tend to work independent of each other. While they may be efficient on their own, misalignment between teams can cause an interruption in workflow and communication. In a situation where an architect makes a design change, and the contractor does not receive it on time, you run the risk of delays or going over budget.  

• Lack of accountability: Working without clearly defined roles and responsibilities can lead to missed deadlines, confusion, and an overall breakdown of project management. When your team knows who is responsible for what, you work efficiently and on time. Having accountability also means your team has direction, an acute awareness of time, and a clear understating of a project and the desired result.  

Steps to improve alignment 

If you’re looking to get your team aligned, there are three critical steps you can take to start:  

1. Make it a recurring ritual to host a detailed project kickoff: Not only does this prevent lack of accountability as mentioned above, but this is also an opportunity to assign roles and responsibilities for every phase. Teams and individuals can gain clarification on roles and expectations. Thus, everyone understands the expected results and key deliverables.  
    
2. Centralize updates: Having a shared platform for project updates is one of the most effect ways to keep teams aligned. Your solution should provide access to scheduling, progress reports, and design changes. When you create a single source of truth, you help minimize miscommunication and can be confident that everyone has accurate information in real-time. Use tools that merge with your existing workflows and teams will be informed and aware during every phase of a project.  
   
   
3. Hold regular check-ins: Communication and accountability are just two important traits of a successful project. Having a weekly meeting ensures teams can identify potential problems and ensure the project is running on time and on budget. Issues can quickly progress, escalating into a larger problem that takes time and money to rectify. During these meetings, facilitate open lines of communication by allowing teams to seek clarification and answers, share updates, and offer input.  

How this approach benefits projects 

Better communication leads to better coordination, which leads to better project outcomes. Teams that are aligned because you have efficient processes result in smooth projects and work that your team and clients are proud of.  

So how does your team benefit from taking a more aligned approach?  

• Collaboration improves. Having teams that work together instead of independently fosters alignment and smooth project management.  

• You’ll reduce delays and rework. You’ll limit the number of delays while also cutting down on redundant tasks, shortening the time from project beginning to end.   

• Your client relationships will be stronger. You’ll protect your reputation by delivering timely and cost-effective projects.  

The end result of more aligned teams: better project outcomes for all 

An aligned team is a successful and productive team. Avoiding misalignment between teams and having clear expectations creates an environment that cultivates success. You can help increase the chances your teams are aligned by communicating effectively.   

Using these best practices provides you with the ability to deliver work you’re proud of and that will delight your clients.  Empowering your people with the tools they need also helps. With the right tool – like Unanet – you have everything in one place. Tedious tasks are automated so you can focus on hitting goals and growing your business. The right software solution offers a variety of capabilities that empower your teams and simplify your workday.  

Looking to make business easy while freeing up more time to do the work that matters? Learn how Unanet can help.  Schedule a demo today.