You're overwhelmed with urgent automation projects in robotics. How do you decide what to prioritize?

The first step in deciding what to prioritize is to assess the impact of each project. Here's what I usually tend to do in these situations: 1. Strategic Alignment: Determine how each project aligns with your organization’s strategic goals and vision. 2. Customer Impact: Evaluate which projects will most significantly enhance customer satisfaction and user experience. 3. Market Position: Consider how each project could influence your market position and competitiveness. 4. Operational Efficiency: Identify projects that can streamline operations, reduce costs, or improve efficiency.

it depends.. priority is an umbrella term.. you can prioritize based on risk elimination, techno-commercial optimization, fastest route to value collection, strategic alignment...

Evaluate the complexity of each project to understand the resources and time required. Here are a few steps, which helped me while handling automation projects in robotics under overwhelming situations: 1. Technical Challenges: Assess the technical difficulties and potential obstacles associated with each project. 2. Resource Requirements: Determine the human, financial, and technological resources needed. 3. Timeline Feasibility: Estimate realistic timelines for completion and identify any dependencies or critical paths. 4. Skill Availability: Consider whether your team has the necessary skills and expertise or if additional training or hiring is needed.

Conduct a return on investment (ROI) analysis to gauge the potential benefits of each project. Steps include: 1. Cost-Benefit Analysis: Compare the costs involved against the expected benefits. 2. Revenue Potential: Identify projects with the highest potential for revenue generation or cost savings. 3. Long-Term Value: Consider the long-term benefits and sustainability of the project’s outcomes. 4. Risk Assessment: Evaluate the risks and uncertainties associated with each project and their potential impact on ROI.

In the fast-paced world of robotics, balancing urgency and importance is crucial. Usually , I juggle multiple customer automation projects as well as internal development projects with tight deadlines. Applying the Eisenhower Matrix, I keep realisation of project importance for long-term gains, while immediate tasks seemed urgent but less impactful or high priority for customer end. Inspired by the Indian concept of ‘jugaad’ for quick fixes, and strategic planning, we have adopted a dual-track approach: a small team handles urgent tasks, while the core team focuses on development projects. This balance ensures immediate needs are met and future efficiencies are secured, demonstrating the power of prioritization.

Distinguish between urgent and important projects to avoid focusing solely on immediate demands. Identify projects that require immediate attention due to deadlines, regulatory compliance, or critical operational needs. Assess the long-term importance and strategic value of each project. ? Choose a balanced approach Strive for an approach that addresses both urgent and important projects, ensuring short-term needs do not overshadow long-term goals. ? Look for the impact on other projects Consider how the prioritization of one project might affect the progress of others.

Gather input from key stakeholders to ensure alignment and buy-in. Checkout the following steps; they helped me numerous times: ? Stakeholder Mapping Identify all relevant stakeholders, including customers, team members, executives, and partners. ? Feedback Mechanisms Use surveys, meetings, and feedback sessions to gather insights and priorities from stakeholders. ? Consensus Building Build consensus on priorities to ensure stakeholder support and collaboration. ? Transparency Maintain transparency about how decisions are made to build trust and manage expectations.