The Importance of Discovery at TEAM IM

When customers engage on a project, the path from an idea to the end result can be complex and require multiple decisions and alignments. Often the end goal requires these critical steps and decisions before implementation can begin. To alleviate the uncertainty in the implementation budget, timeline, and feasibility TEAM IM encourages a Discovery Phase or Proof of Concept to set the project up for success. 

Here at TEAM IM, the discovery phase allows our team of experts to confirm requirements, gather information, and define objectives. Discovery also allows for our team to complete any proof of concepts to ensure successful implementation. This phase includes understanding the issues at hand, researching the approach and outlining requirements, and planning for implementation.

The discovery phase can be vital for more complex solutions because it clarifies project goals and the scope of the project. The goal of our discoveries is to have a clear understanding and defined approach for the project. Without discovery, projects can suffer in budget, scope, and overall acceptance. 

1. Budget
   When implementation begins and there aren't clear definitions around the complex issues at hand, the project can run into budgetary issues because the efforts estimated can morph into a larger effort, thus a larger budget is required. The discovery phase allows teams to assess feasibility, identify and plan for risks, and avoid costly errors/ misunderstandings.
2. Scope
   If implementation begins without a full understanding of the scope, both internally and externally, projects run the risk of scope creep. Scope creep is a term used when a project expands or changes beyond its original scope and goals. When there is a discovery phase, TEAM IM and customers can align on the scope and ensure all requirements for each feature are discussed, planned, and confirmed prior to implementation. 
3. Acceptance
   Discovery allows for both TEAM IM and Customers to validate the end goals of each feature and overall acceptance of the project. By gaining insights to pain points, end user goals, and preferences, TEAM IM and our customers can go into the implementation phase knowing that the project has clear objectives and defined goals for acceptance.

When it comes to complex projects with multiple decisions needed to understand the project scope, the emphasis on a discovery phase is vital to project success. Discovery ensures both parties have a clear understanding of the scope and requirements needed to meet business needs, allows parties to define implementation, and sets up the rest of the project for success through thoughtful planning and preparation.