If you’re noticing delays, missed details, or confusing communication with your detailing team, there’s a chance that outsourcing may be at play. Projects handled by third parties, especially overseas, can often introduce inconsistency, workflow interruptions, and a dip in quality control. Recognizing the signs of outsourcing early on can make all the difference. Here’s what to look for and how to keep your project running smoothly:
Delayed Responses to Simple Questions
If you’re waiting hours or even days for answers to straightforward questions, it’s a red flag that your requests might be circulating through multiple teams. Usually, delays mean your project is being passed around from hand to hand.
Thus, bottlenecks, misunderstandings, and lost information are very possible. When your detailer cannot respond promptly, it can stall the project and increase the risk of errors.
Constantly Shifting Deadlines
Do deadlines continue to move around, and no one can give a reason why? This could mean there is a disconnect between the person that you are coordinating with and who is actually doing the detailing work. Quite often, a “point of contact” might be there to field your requests, while another party, less accountable, may be doing the detailing work, leading to no ownership over project timelines. Missed promises on deadlines will delay the whole project and increase both stress and costs.
Inconsistent Drawing Styles
If some of your drawings vary in style or quality, it’s because other teams or freelancers are using different standards. Consistent drawing styles are essential for the clarity of the fabricator’s team on the shop floor. Inconsistent drawings usually mean there aren’t clear guidelines or templates to avoid mistakes or confusion.
Mismatched Templates for Reports and RFIs
Are your reports and RFI layouts constantly changing? This may signal that multiple companies are working on your project, each using their own templates, which can create inconsistencies in data presentation and tracking. These differences make it harder to keep an organized record and can lead to miscommunication or missed information.
Instructions Get Lost in Translation
Have you ever given instructions that were either wholly ignored or differently applied? This is because instructions are usually filtered through several levels of communication before reaching the worker. It’s a bit like the “Telephone” game. When your directions reach the end detailer, essential nuances might be lost, leading to inaccurate or incomplete work.
How to Protect Your Project from Outsourced Detailing
1. Set Clear Contract Terms
The simplest and most direct step you can take is to clearly state in the contract that third-party involvement in the project is prohibited. If third-party involvement becomes necessary, insist on written approval. Maintaining control over who handles your work prevents unwanted surprises and upholds consistency. Demand guarantees that your chosen team will execute the project themselves, protecting your vision from start to finish.
2. Get to Know Your Team
Request resumes, qualifications, and contact info for all project detailers. This transparency lets you confirm that the project staff are qualified and can complete the work. Communicating directly with your team can also reduce delays and build trust between parties.
3. Request a Face-to-Face Introduction
At the project kickoff meeting, request a video call with cameras on so you can meet your team face-to-face. This interaction builds accountability and trust, showing the team you are invested in the project’s success. Such a video call offers a better understanding of each team member’s role and expertise, making communication of your goals and concerns easier.
Why These Steps Matter for Your Project’s Success
Outsourcing steel detailing often causes more problems than it solves. When detailers are unresponsive or juggling projects, your project’s quality can suffer. To set your project up for success, you need consistent communication, clear contracts, and a reliable team. Watch out for early warning signs and ask the right questions to take proactive steps and keep your project on track.
These steps ensure that your project gets the quality time and attention it deserves. Choose a team that shares your goals and communicates clearly. This will help you avoid the risks of outsourcing. It will also ensure a smoother, more efficient project.
