Top Ten Common Mistakes and How To Avoid Them: Common mistakes while mobilising a project, along with tips to prevent them from happening

We always talk about successful mobilisations however, do we ever remember the 'close shaves', the incidents and challenges that nearly knocked us off track?

This four-part series covers ten common mistakes and how to avoid them.

#1 - DATA

We can mobilise without data, it does not matter?

Actually data is the most critical component of the whole process. From pre-award right through to stablisation.

Every decision that is made during the bid stage and (if awarded) mobilisation is based on the quality of the information received.

Pricing the bid, if you do not have TUPE information for example, how can you evaluate your risks and liabilities, insurances and internal resourcing costs? If employee data is not present you must request it, time spent without data impacts on your mobilisation timeline and escalates your risks.

Serviceline data: Any gap in service information creates a risk to your baseline budget, service delivery, resourcing and supply chain strategy. If working on a total facilities management project, it is important to check each service line by line, note down any questions that come to mind, check through documentation provided from both the Client, your bid and operational teams. Any gaps ask questions and obtain the detail as soon as possible. If you are working in partnership with a supplier you have a duty of care to ensure they can provide the best possible solution for you and your Client.

Building Information: Floor plans are always great however we do not always have access to them (the reason why is not really important), what is important is finding a way to understand the building(s) you are going to be managing.

Thank goodness for Google Earth and Satellite technology that allows us to get some perspective of the building(s).

Always take advantage of site visits they are invaluable for understanding the building assets, their condition and flag up any potential risks and issues.

?#2 - TUPE

Don't worry the staff will all transfer on day 1…

This assumption can lead to sleepless nights and hours of phone time trying to find resources to cover a location because you have not considered, or just assumed that staff who have the freedom to choose whether they want to join your company or not will transfer.

Heavy engagement with the existing operational team goes a long way to creating confidence and building trust with the employee. Make the decision easy for them to 'without question' join your company and continue delivering services.

It is a win : win and you get to retain invaluable building knowledge which, when a long standing employee moves on is simply lost.

The digital age, SharePoint, Teams etc.. now make knowledge more transparent and easy to capture thus reducing the risk building and service data being not being retained for the site. Make sure you have contingencies in place either through internal resources, your supply chain partners or recruitment agencies. Depending on the remoteness of the services you will be delivering, you may need a combination of all three as a solution to cover and manage any staffing requirements.

Ensure employee contracts are developed and signed as soon as all consultations are complete. This will provide some assurance.