You may already know this, but a CCPM implementation is not much to fear. Think of it this way: “CCPM is a disciplined approach to managing the work we already do.” The reality is, that the work of your firm does not change.
CCPM is simply addition and subtraction.
You’re adding some new behaviors:
- Planning with different task estimates
- A slightly different approach to planning your projects (moving the buffer)
- Focusing execution effort on buffer penetration, instead of the telephone
You’re stopping others:
- Multi-tasking
- Expediting
- Planning without considering resource capacity
It seems more daunting than it really is. The risk of failure is very low. Even if you do a little or partial implementation, you get results.
The most significant thing in these implementations is not the technology, but managing the change; dealing with changing behavior in the face of an uncertain (in the minds of your team, anyway) outcome.
The technology is well understood, you can use a simple tool like CCPM+ to get moving and make the move to a more robust software solution later.
The culture change for your business is moving to one where managers quickly respond to problems that may occur. It’s primarily a leadership challenge, rather than a technical one. So if you feel you have a handle on this, you can implement quite easily. If not, that’s the biggest battle you’ll fight.