Best 3 Change Request Management Practices
Change requests may seem cumbersome and challenging, but they can be managed smoothly when implemented correctly. In this post, we'll guide you through the best change request management practices.
Lena Software
06 Sep 2022
Although it’s nice to think that projects are always completed on time in full compliance with the original brief, things don't often work that way in reality. Whether we like it or not, a big part of projects is providing the service in line with customer expectations.
Change requests may seem cumbersome and challenging, but they can be managed smoothly when implemented correctly. In this post, we'll guide you through the best change request management practices.
1. Assess Risks
Evaluating risk is essential when planning change requests. It helps make sure you are ready for possible disruptions and allows you to make plans for the future development of the project. Once you have established a standard change request process, you should review any anticipated risks at the analysis stage.
The most important risks to consider are the calculation of the time and workforce to be spent on change. The impact of the change on the scope of the project, employee productivity, network issues, and holidays also need to be considered. A meticulous approach will minimise the level of risk.
2. Make Use Of Change Request Models
Categorising change requests shapes how you handle them and makes it easier for you to decide how to navigate the process. This ensures a standardised service and minimises the chances of negative client experiences. Generally, change requests fall into three groups:
Standard: Changes are an integral part of information technology. Standard changes are made regularly and have a pre-approved process cycle. Standard changes are deployed with a high success rate and carry low risk. They become considered normal changes if their risk increases.
Normal: Normal changes are non-urgent but significant and may pose a medium or high risk to the project. They should be submitted for approval and examined in detail.
Urgent: Urgent changes are specific changes that need to be addressed as quickly as possible. There may be a service interruption or an error that affects the business. These changes go through an expedited process that requires approval. They should be kept to a minimum as they are potentially high risk.
3. Use A Change Request Tool
So, you’ve established a standard process, you assess risks and prioritise changes. Now, the way to take change request management to the next level is to automate it.
MaestroCR was developed to simplify change request management and speed up the approval process. MaestroCR lets you:
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Make sure you are on the same page as your client at every step of the change request.
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Make time and effort estimates and understand the impact of change on the overall project.
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Store all information, documents and conversations about the project in one place.
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Set payment rates hourly or daily and direct your effort pro forma to your client when the change is approved.
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Keeping track of all your projects and clients on MaestroCR avoids confusion associated with using different communication channels for dealing with different customers.
To find out how your change request management could be more efficient and increase the overall success of every project, sign up for MaestroCR now.
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