DataWorks is very fortunate to have an outstanding project manager in Wendy Fox.  Over the years our customers have worked closely with Wendy on many different types of projects.  Whether the work includes order fulfillment, direct mail, data entry, phone calls, or a combination of many different tasks, Wendy has the experience to get the job done right, coupled with the instincts to react quickly to changes.

Wendy and I recently had a conversation about the nature of project management and the factors that contribute to making a project run well from beginning to end.  Here are Wendy’s top tips for successful project setup and implementation.

Plan, plan, plan. (This reminds of the three rules of baseball, according to my kids’ first Little League coach: (1) Keep your eye on the ball. (2) Keep your eye on the ball! (3) Keep your eye on the ball!!)  There are many details that can come into play for even a simple mailing or data entry project.  DataWorks has developed a robust work order system that we use to define project specifications and track progress.  Great project managers like Wendy have great instincts, but a good organizational tool helps to make sure that nothing gets missed.  Wendy sets up a work order as soon as she is notified of a new project, and as the work progresses she updates the work order every day with new information.

Communicate. Wendy asks the questions needed to get complete specifications, and she thinks ahead to define “what if” scenarios.  When specs change, as they often do, Wendy communicates this to everyone and follows up as needed.

Look for efficiencies. At DataWorks we always try to identify cost-saving measures and suggest them to our customers.  Wendy is an expert in reviewing packaging, shipping methods, and workflow processes to determine the solutions that will save the most time and money.

Beware of pitfalls. There are some common errors that can derail a project, and Wendy knows how to avoid them.  We check every data file, letter, printed piece or other communication that is sent to us for a project before we start the work, making sure everything is in order.

Build a relationship. DataWorks has been in business for 21 years, and Wendy has managed our customers’ projects for the past 10 years.  Wendy gets to know our customers and their operational needs, and she gives them good suggestions based on this knowledge.  Her caring attitude and attention to detail are greatly appreciated by DataWorks and by our customers.

Contact DataWorks today to find out how we can help with your mailing, data entry, database, or data management project!