When should you go backwards? - Regression Planning

When should you go backwards?

Regression Planning – What is it? When is it for? Why you should use it!

And no……This is not about Agile, software testing, or the 2016 film! All great subjects (well maybe not the film judging by its Rotten Tomatoes score), but here we look at what to do when things go wrong on a live project.

What is it?

Quite simply, it is the forward planning for a point in a project where you need to stop, return things to their previous state and plan to resume. Basically, introducing go / no-go checkpoints into your project. It breaks tasks down into a series of intermediate goals where it is decided to continue as planned or turn back to a previous point. Regression planning is not always discussed during project planning stages and is not always applicable. It is different from contingency planning and miles away from pulling the plug. However, used correctly it could mean the difference between failure or a successful project overall.

It is about assessing risk. It is about solving problems.

When is it for?

It is ideal for projects where time is critical. Where the risk to carry on is too great. It would jeopardise normal operations, be costly to the business. either financially or reputationally.

Think infrastructure projects. Perhaps there is a utilities upgrade where you hit a problem and to continue would risk leaving premises without energy and power for an extended period. A machine is being replaced in your factory and without it or its replacement any downtime would lead to loss of production. Maybe your car is being repaired, a part is delivered late and to continue today will leave you without your car tomorrow when you need it most. An IT software or hardware upgrade where there must be programmed downtime. Perhaps you are refurbishing your retail space and need to be open for business at 9am every morning without fail and without risk to the public.

Why you should use it!

As we have seen it can be used for a wide variety of projects and tasks. Do not put your head in the sand. Do not think every project will be perfect. Do not think you or your team are infallible. Risk analysis is powerful and will lead to success. Regression Planning is a form of risk analysis. It is safeguarding your financial position, whether through prevention of direct loss, payment of compensation or fines, loss of production and therefore income and profit. It is ensuring your project is successful. Overcoming problems, planned or otherwise. It is protecting your reputation with the prevention of loss of trading or production. It means you and your client can continue to deliver.

If you would like to explore further or would like help with risk analysis, please do get in touch.