Purpose of a kick-off meeting in industrial projects

 

What is a project kick-off meeting? 

Project kick-off is an initial project meeting between the client's team and the industrial design consultants' team. Any contractor's team starts work with a kick-off meeting. This meeting is a good place to discuss the communication protocol.  

Sometimes, an internal kick-off meeting also takes place as a start for the project. The project manager from the client's side or PMC also initiate the kick-off meeting. 

What are the objectives of the project Kick-off meeting

Project kick-off meetings usually are multi-agency meetings. The agenda for the meeting is shared in advance. The objectives are: 

1. It helps bring all the teams on the same page
2. This meeting is to confirm the vendor's scope and battery limits. 
3. The meeting lays down the communication protocol for the project.
4. The safety protocols are set. 
5. The meeting assigns individual responsibilities.

As a result of the kick-off meeting, all the teams are cohesive and look to completing the project successfully. 

Kick-off Meeting Agenda

Usually, the agenda for the meeting is sent to all the participants. The agenda of a typical kick-off meeting includes the following: 

1. Team introduction
2. Project purpose and expectations.
3. Understanding of a successful project.
4. How to collaborate
5. Scope
6. Timelines
7. Dos and Don'ts for the project
8. Communication protocol
9. RFIs

There should be enough time to answer all queries. The project manager shares the minutes of the meeting with the participants. 

Many times, the industrial design consultants' team prepares the MOM.

Which is the best time to hold a project kick-off meeting? 

The kick-off meeting is usually held to start or kick off the project. Hence, it should be at the start or when a new organisation, consultant, or contractor is on board. 

What is the role of industrial design consultants in a kick-off meeting? 

The industrial design consultants help to explain the design to the other participants. They answer technical queries and will be able to explain the specifications to the contractors/ vendors.

In conclusion, a kick-off meeting is the first step to a successful project.