Woulda Coulda Shoulda

After completing one of our projects, the customer was amazed that the project was actually completed in the original time frame.   And many customers finish a project and then talk to another customer and find out that it was done in less time.   But all customers are different, they say!  Here is a story about a customer who did not do their homework before embarking on their upgrade project.  In fact the company hired the least costly alternative.  The project was completed but seemed to drag on and on.  On the next upgrade, the customer started to look at independent consultants in addition to the familiar big firms.   At first glance the independent consultant’s rate per hour was almost as high.  However, the experience and know-how of the consultant required much less time to accomplish the upgrade.  And there was only one resource not multiple resources.  There were several firms who also quoted multiple resources.  However, the project  required only one resource and less time with the Smart Independent Consultant.  The customer hired the independent consultant and remarked how quickly and inexpensively it was accomplished compared to the last upgrade. 

We have seen variance in estimates for upgrades from $85,000 to $225,000.  There is no difference in scope but do the rates really matter here? 

The moral of the story is the firms who do their homework and get a good handle on how much time is required for a task will spend less money and have a better chance of succeeding.  Working smarter enables the customer to get more for their money.  The more the customer knows about the task , the better, because there are two factors at work the rate and the time to complete. 

What is your experience with GRC AC implementations / upgrades?  
Did you require multiple consultants? Was the project completed in weeks or years?

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