Three Keys to a Successful Roll Out
Rollouts can be tricky due to so many moving parts, but the key to managing a successful one includes three crucial components: one point of contact, centralized scheduling, and daily communication. Without these aspects it is nearly impossible to execute an effective and stress-free multimillion-dollar rollout.
Whether you are planning a rollout in stages or as a complete initiative, having a single point of contact to handle the coordination of materials and navigate issues in an effective and solution-based manner is critical. The Project Manager should be prepared to anticipate timing, job requirements, and worst case scenario troubleshooting. Effective project management can be difficult if there are "too many hands in the cookie jar,” or as we like to say, "too many hands on the tool belt.” One point of contact to help conduct site visits and ensure all expectations and milestones are met will certainly impact the seamless completion of the initiative. Additionally, the Project Manager will be able to identify efficiencies and implement them as the rollout is completed.
Speaking of efficiencies, centralized scheduling is vital to not only driving prices down, but also ensuring effectiveness based on geographical locations and maximization of resources in a particular region. A single database of scheduled work provides successful coordination of multiple subcontractors and skilled labor, avoiding timing delays due to miscommunication. Centralized scheduling improves efficiencies and alleviates most situations where the ball is dropped.
As with any new policy or procedure, a good communication strategy will lead to successful implementations, and ultimately, the successful completion of your project. Your rollout may affect only one state or your entire brand—either way, rollouts include multiple stages and nothing is worse than not knowing where you sit with your project. Daily communication and pictures are a must for quality control and peace of mind during a stressful and chaotic time. Daily tie-downs not only keep the stores "in the know,” but they ensure there is transparency to discuss any expectations or inconsistencies immediately.
Rollouts are necessary and essential to brand consistency and improvement, but can be daunting without the proper protocols in place—and more importantly, an experienced partner leading the way. Our team at RFS has executed successful rollouts for more than 30 years and we are highly skilled at implementing the most vital aspects of a rollout with our Professional Project Management team, centralized scheduling abilities, daily communication, and photo updates. We would love to be a part of your next rollout!