When controlling a Project, a first check to make is that what is measured is reliable and can be used as a basis for analysis and decision-making. Then further checks need to be made as the consistency of data and whether there is a proper coordination. Our new White Paper 2016-17 ‘How to Ensure that Project Control Data is Reliable on a Project’ concentrates on this issue of data assurance.

For example in terms of cost, the main issue is to have a timely image of actual cost (including any accruals for external cost, i.e. what is the actual cost spent to-date on the Project). This involves timely timesheets from engineering, proper reporting from suppliers and subcontractors with the least time delay possible, and proper indicators of cost spent on construction activities.

Ensuring accuracy of data is a first essential role of Project Control. If data is not accurate there is no chance to give a proper view of the current and forecast state of the Project, and therefore to take proper decisions.
The Project Control Manager’s position gives him/ her the possibility to check the consistency of information supplied from various sources. He/she needs to rely on the accountability of each ‘Scope Owner’ that need to take ownership of cost and schedule.

Still the Project Control Manager should intervene to rectify situations even if strictly speaking the data in question in not under his responsibility. Being in charge of making sure the Project is effectively under control it is his duty to intervene and sometimes even compensate failing segments of the Project to make sure it remains fully watertight data-wise.

Read our new White Paper 2016-17 ‘How to Ensure that Project Control Data is Reliable on a Project’ for insights on how to ensure data assurance on a Project!