Cash Flow Tip 11 - Managing Change Orders

Managing Change Orders from initiating event through execution, billing, and receipt of payment.

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A well managed change order process will have a hugely positive impact on customer satisfaction, profitability, and cash flow. A poorly managed process will negatively impact all three and will sometimes impact cash for years if it goes into a claim situation.

Cash Flow: Tip 11 Change Order Management - Identification-to-Payment
  • Map out the change management process, including the specific people who are directly and indirectly involved on each project. The diagram shown is a simple one - expand it in more detail like you did for cash flow. These two processes are interrelated.  
  • Ensure that your contract supports a fair change management process and that everyone on your project team knows what the requirements are.
  • Build relationships at all levels to support the change management process.
  • Make sure your Schedule-of-Values (SOV) can easily integrate change orders from the time they are identified, just so everyone remains on the same page.  
  • Where possible, try to minimize T&M changes because you can’t get them approved and paid ahead of executing the work. Where they are necessary, focus on rapid pricing turnaround and getting them in billings ASAP.  
  • Remember that great negotiating skills will make a huge difference with change management.

Cash Flow Tip 11 - Managing Change Orders
Great cash flow is a key driver of valuation and successful successions. Running out of cash is is the #1 reason contractors fail. Improving cash flow improves your Return on Equity. Protect yourself and never let cash flow be the limitation to your profitable growth....

Cash Flow Tip 11 - Managing Change Orders
Great cash flow is a key driver of valuation and successful successions. Running out of cash is is the #1 reason contractors fail. Improving cash flow improves your Return on Equity. Protect yourself and never let cash flow be the limitation to your profitable growth....

Change Orders and Average Cost Impact to the Project (Industry Survey)
Changes are a part of the construction process with many underlying causes. While we have all heard the average of 10% changes on construction projects, it is interesting to look at an industry study for validation.
Leading Change Quote - Arthur Schopenhauer
If you see something that no one else sees you are either genius or crazy of some combination of the two. If what you see is so big that you can’t ignore it be prepared for a long journey through the process of change.
Creating Value
Know the difference between creating real value versus creating transactional value. Creating wealth and not just re-allocating it is the path to sustainable growth. Understand the differences and how to incorporate them into your strategy and planning.