According to a study by PMI, inaccurate vendor estimates are responsible for nearly 27% of project delays. To address this, begin by thoroughly reviewing the vendor’s track record and past project timelines. Request detailed breakdowns of their estimates, including resource allocation and risk assessments. Build a contingency buffer to accommodate potential overruns and involve technical experts to validate the feasibility of their timelines. Additionally, implement milestone-based progress reviews to assess adherence to schedules and address bottlenecks early. Clear contracts outlining penalties for missed deadlines can further encourage accountability.

- Checking their estimates and risks and based on those values add an overhead time for project safety. That’s your own risk assessment because you are using external source where you don’t have much influence.

Communicate clearly about expectations, ask for detailed timelines, and review past performance if available. Break down tasks with the vendor to identify any risks, and set regular check-ins to track progress and adjust as needed.