‘Unforeseen circumstances’ are often blamed for non-conformance, delays and cost overruns. The question is: were those circumstances really unforeseeable, or just not planned for?
Many factors fall within the scope of the unforeseen: geotechnical conditions, incomplete project information, unrealistic timings, late material deliveries, clashes, detailing, scheduling or sequencing difficulties.
But this is a mature industry with vast delivery experience. We have better tools than ever for design, planning and information sharing. So why aren’t we taking all of those challenges in our stride and consistently delivering on schedule and to the specification?
We know from our own experience within Suttles that sustained 98% on-schedule, and 98% full conformance is achievable as a performance benchmark. Since the remaining 2% fell outside of Suttle Projects’ direct control, it arguably provides a more realistic measure of what is genuinely unforeseeable.
Why, Why, Why?
For every one of the typical reasons for late or non-conforming delivery there’s always a ‘why?’
Why were ground conditions unknown when a detailed geotechnical survey could have given you the answers?
Why was project information incomplete? Was it available somewhere, or – was somebody prepared to plan activities, costs and timings without key bits of information or understanding project interdependencies? Unfounded assumptions have a habit of coming back to bite you.
Were materials ordered or reserved as soon as it was known what was needed, or at the last minute?
The list of questions goes on. Sometimes it’s a matter of shifting more effort up-front in the project to eliminate the unknowns, pre-empt the surprises and remove the need to find excuses.
Managing The Unforeseen
Maybe it’s not realistic to believe that every eventuality can be 100% planned for. But you can plan how you respond to such events. Clearly delegated decision-making for onsite teams, rapid escalation, and efficient information sharing using appropriate technology should be standard practice.
Tie these to a problem-solving mentality and you can normally overcome any factors that can’t be planned for – including the weather.
Eliminating the unknowns to bring greater certainty lies at the heart of our projects:simplified approach. It’s why we consistently deliver projects right first time, on time and on budget.
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