What do you do if subcontractors are delaying your project delivery?

Before discussing delays with your subcontractors, it's essential to assess their impact thoroughly. Evaluate how the current progress measures up against your planned milestones and deadlines. Consider the broader effects on the project's timeline, budget, and quality. This thorough assessment provides a clear understanding of the situation's urgency and seriousness. Armed with this knowledge, you can effectively communicate the specific consequences of the delay to your subcontractors and explore potential solutions with greater clarity and precision. This preparation ensures more productive and focused discussions aimed at mitigating the impact of these delays.

Todo se maneja por tiempo, esta contado y medido para un deadline especifico. Antes de cualquier llamado, tienes que evaluar en el tiempo previsto como esta cambio puede retrasarte o afectarte cualquier tipo de gasto adicional a tu presupuesto. Entender los pro y consecuencias de estas acciones es clave, mas, que esto suceda es igual de normal que pase. Por ende, anticipar en el contrato banderas verdes, amarillas y rojas que nos mantengan en comunicacion continua de como va el proceso, nos da una mejor idea de como accionar porque ya lo tenemos contemplado (el mundo no se va a acabar), estatutos que castiguen este tipo de acciones propocialmente al impacto monetario que te causan a ti como empresa, tambien es correcto.

Lors d'un projet, nous avons été confrontés à un retard imprévu. Avant de discuter avec les sous-traitants, j'ai analysé l'impact du retard sur le projet, ce qui m'a aidé à comprendre son ampleur. En réunion, j'ai présenté clairement les conséquences et discuté des solutions possibles. Cette approche préparée m'a permis de négocier efficacement des ajustements et engagements pour surmonter le problème.

1. Communicate directly with the subcontractors to understand the reasons for the delays and address any concerns they may have. 2. Review the subcontractor agreements to ensure clear expectations and deadlines are outlined. 3. Consider offering incentives or penalties for meeting or missing deadlines respectively, to motivate subcontractors to adhere to the schedule. 4. Evaluate alternative subcontractors or suppliers if necessary to expedite the project delivery. 5. Maintain open lines of communication with the main contractor or project manager to keep them informed of the situation and collaborate on finding solutions to mitigate delays.

J'ai évolué comme acheteur dans un environnement industriel où chaque retard ou manquement conduisait fatalement vers un conflit direct avec les sous-traitants. Je me suis rendu compte que cette approche ne servait qu'a rassurer les dirigeants de mon organisation mais ne donnait pas de résultats satisfaisants. Un contrat ne supprime pas les aléas, il vaut mieux choisir par défaut un posture constructive plut?t que partir sur un "procès" commercial.

Opening a dialogue with your subcontractors is crucial after identifying the impacts of a delay. Approach these conversations with a mindset geared toward collaboration, focusing on understanding their perspective. Ask about the causes of the delay and listen attentively to their responses. Often, delays are due to unforeseen challenges or resource shortages, which can be tackled more effectively through collective problem-solving. By fostering an atmosphere of open communication, you facilitate a constructive exchange where issues can be openly discussed, and mutually acceptable solutions can be devised and implemented. This approach not only addresses immediate concerns but also strengthens the relationship for future collaboration.

Todos tenemos una vida como empresa, estas cosas pueden pasar. Ahora, desde esta primicia, la comunicacion no puede ser agresiva en ningun sentido, mas darles a ellos la realidad de la consecuencia sin emociones, hara que tambien vean las posibles soluciones a abordar juntos. Recuerda que no fuiste a reganar, fuiste a negociar un retraso y como ellos deberian compensar el efecto que te causaron y como tu puedes seguir trabjando con ellos. Si es parte de tus proovedores, me imagino que te gustaria mantenerlo si es destacado en su area, la idea no es discutiur, es acordar y ver los dos lados sentados en un medio.

After understanding the extent of the delay, it’s crucial to set clear expectations with your subcontractors. Discuss and agree on revised timelines, maintain quality standards, and make necessary adjustments to the scope of work. While it’s important to be empathetic towards the challenges they face, you must also remain firm on the needs of your project. Ensure these updated expectations are documented in writing to avoid any ambiguity. Additionally, establish regular check-ins to monitor progress, ensuring these new benchmarks are met. This structured approach helps keep the project on track while maintaining a cooperative and transparent relationship with your subcontractors.

Ce genre de situation peut générer de la panique chez les parties prenantes, angoissées à l'idée que leur projet soit mis à mal. Les premières attentes sont souvent exagérées et disproportionnées, ce qui met les actions à suivre encore plus à risque car irréalisables ou trop onéreuses. Le négociateur se positionne alors comme médiateur entre les sous-traitant et les représentants internes du projet.

When I worked with subcontracttors,I clearly communicated my expectations regarding project timelines, deliverables, and performance standards to them. This was to ensure that they understand the importance of adhering to the agreed-upon schedule and the potential consequences of delays on the project as a whole.

Ahora, que tenemos identificado el problema, estamos conversando con ellos y no queremos que nos suceda la misma situacion de retaso otra vez. Una renegocacion y establecimiento de expectativas es el paso correcto. Medir, mostrar y enfocar la atencion en las necesidades de cada una de las partes, te va a servir como herramienta para acelerar el proceso y evitar cualquier retraso por materiales. Ser los mas claro y directo posible en la urgencia (escrita y hablada) acordara un sentido de entrega en el proovedor. Pero, como ya tuvimos un retraso y entendemos todos los factores que lo causaron, estabalecer un nuevo tiempo realista y acoradado con seguimiento y evalucion de avance, te va a dejar mas tranquilo y llegando por tu objetivo.

With a solid grasp of the delay's impact and open communication channels established, it’s time to collaboratively explore solutions with your subcontractors. Consider practical options like adjusting work schedules, augmenting the workforce, or acquiring additional resources. It’s important to approach this creatively and flexibly, ensuring that the solutions are not only feasible but also that they do not compromise the quality of the project or cause budget overruns. The goal is to find a balanced solution that effectively minimizes the impact of the delay while remaining manageable and agreeable for all parties involved.

Subcontractors often work for so many companies that they don't really feel connected to individual projects. But you have to awaken this feeling! The subcontractor must feel like a part of your team and the achievement of goals must also be important to him. So have frequent conversations with the subcontractor and also get to know their whole team. Explain to everyone why the project is so important to you and what exactly the goal should be for everyone. It should be a joint project and not just another job for the subcontractor among many others.

Tengo el problema, tengo la convesacion, tengo las razones de retraso. Mi pregunta antes de la solucion es "quien esta pagando los platos rotos" Hay formas legales de evitar estos sucesos, porque una solucion en varias ocasiones puede implicar un aumeto en el gasto y mano de obra aplicada. Encontrar y estbalecer nuestras limitaciones y posiciones respecto al retraso es crucial para el bienestar del proyecto, se empatico pero rigido. (Felixible en las opciones, Rigido en la calidad) Entiende sus razones, mas has escuchar las tuyas, busca la solucion que se encaje a tu empresa y que este alineada al nuevo tiempo establecido buscando por una entrega igual o mejor a la anterior.

Once a plan of action has been agreed upon, it's crucial to implement the necessary changes to steer your project back on course. This may include coordinating new schedules, redistributing tasks among team members, or procuring additional materials. Make sure that all parties involved are clearly informed of their specific responsibilities under the new plan and understand that there is accountability for achieving the revised objectives. Close monitoring is essential during this phase to ensure that the measures put into place are being adhered to and are effective in addressing the delays. This vigilant oversight helps maintain momentum and ensures the project moves forward according to the new timeline.

Ahora con el nuevo plan de accion acordado por las partes, crear el nuevo proceso de implementacion es crucial 1. Dale conocimiento a tu equipo encargado de tosa la situacion y cuales cambios (horarios, materiales) tendran que aplicar 2. Generar una reunion incial con la empresa sub-contratada para alinear la mision del equipo, hara el proceso mas facil. 3. Reagendar todas las reunion al nuevo plazo establecido. 4. Integrar los nuevos facotres de produccion necesarios. 5. Encarga al lider de tu equipo, a mantener un seguimineto FIRME. 6. Establecer LEGALMENTE cada acuerdo realizado y quien pagara cada detalle (division de responsabilidad) Para finalizar: mindset, empatia, estrategia y claridad legal seran tus grandes amigos.

Maintaining positive relationships with your subcontractors is crucial throughout the process of addressing delays. Delays can be frustrating, but adopting a collaborative rather than confrontational approach tends to yield better outcomes. Ensure that communication remains open and consistent. When improvements are made, provide constructive feedback and recognize the efforts of your subcontractors in resolving issues. Showing appreciation for their hard work and commitment fosters a cooperative environment. A strong, respectful relationship not only helps in resolving the current challenges but also sets a positive foundation for smoother project execution in the future.

Maintaining an optimal relationship with subcontractors and suppliers is essential. Making them aware of your problem and the importance this has for your company and indirectly for all stakeholders is fundamental. In the same way, fully understand the reasons for the difficulties, always from a collaborative perspective and which allows to find creative solutions together. This will strengthen the partnership. Today there are still suppliers who deny themselves for months and customers who waste time with the legacies of the blame culture. The complete opposite of a problem-solving approach that always strengthens relationships. Understand the other, always apply gratitude, focus on the problem from a global and not unilateral perspective.

Review your contract with the subcontractor to address each party's obligation Establish regular, clear communication with the subcontractors to understand the reasons for the delays. Highlight the impact the delays are having on the overall construction timeline and budget. Offer to provide additional resources, information, or support to help them get back on track. Develop backup plans and alternative solutions in case the subcontractors cannot resolve the issues.

Consider your subcontractor as part of your team. If there is a delay there is a reason and it should be clarified. Consider whether there may be reasons that may depend on your part or other suppliers. Talk to the subcontractor openly and offer your support, always maintain positive contacts, be collaborative with the common good in mind. Consider him your best ally in solving your problems and find also creative solutions thanks to his expertise. Always think from a win-win perspective. Obviously we are talking about serious, competent and professional people for whom the customer is an absolute priority, who always give 100% for him and know very well the matter. If this is not the case, the approach will obviously have to be different.

Los retrasos con subcontratistas son desafiantes, pero también son oportunidades para perfeccionar nuestros procesos. A partir de experiencias pasadas, he aprendido la importancia de incluir cláusulas de contingencia en todos los contratos, lo que nos permite ajustar plazos de manera proactiva sin comprometer la entrega al cliente final. Implementar revisiones regulares de progreso y mantener una comunicación constante con los subcontratistas son prácticas cruciales que nos ayudan a anticipar y mitigar retrasos antes de que afecten el proyecto. Este enfoque no solo mejora nuestra capacidad de respuesta, sino que también refuerza la confianza con nuestros clientes al demostrar un manejo efectivo y profesional de los imprevistos.