Aligning Resources for 3D Projects

You’ve built the case for investment in 3D, have made a build or buy decision, and are ready to secure the internal resources necessary to get a 3D project off the ground.

Here are some 5 practical steps to putting together a project team to turn your plan into reality.

If you are a product, technology, marketing, digital innovation, or e-commerce professional responsible for launching a new 3D initiative, this article is for you.

Get started on aligning internal resources for a 3D project by asking these 5 questions

To figure out how to resource a 3D project and whether you’ll need to hire fresh talent, answer these five questions and communicate the outcomes to your organization. 

1. What’s the project scope?

A 3D project charter with a well-defined scope will help in structuring your request for resources. A well-thought-out project charter outlines the objectives of the project, the project scope, tasks that need to be completed, staffing requirements, and the roles of each team member.

Tip: Launch your project communication plan with a project scope email to ensure buy-in from stakeholders.

2. Do you have the right mix of skills and experience?

Once the project scope and roles have been defined, it’s time to assess the skills, experience, and availability of existing resources. For instance, if you plan to build a solution completely in-house, check for experience in 3D modeling, animation, and rendering. If you don’t already have these capabilities in-house, make a plan to recruit and hire talent. If you are planning to use a vendor, you can likely rely on an existing resource such as a project manager or producer who can manage the in-house implementation side of things.

Tip: Be honest in your assessment of internal talent. If you have one person who is promising the world but has limited or no experience, that should raise a red flag.

3. Does the designated talent have the skills to deliver?

If you are utilizing existing internal resources, do a reality check on skills and experience. Ensure that the contributors assigned to various tasks and responsibilities have the ability to deliver successfully. If not, evaluate whether you need to either hire fresh talent or provide training to team members who are new to 3D.

Tip: Don’t be afraid to invest in training or in new talent. The right team with the right skills is everything. 

4. What is your communication plan?

Design a plan that is inclusive, consistent, and keeps all relevant stakeholders in the know. A thoughtful plan will help to ensure that all key stakeholders have an awareness of the project, the goals, and the resources required.  Decide what the cadence of your communications will be and what to include prior to the  3D project kickoff, so you can clearly communicate the key milestones and deliverables for the 3D project and roles and responsibilities.  

Tip: Start with a weekly communication that includes a visual project plan (e.g., a Gantt chart) until the initial product launch. Once the project is live, then dial it back to bi-weekly or monthly updates.  

5. Which collaboration tools will you use?

Identify project management software, cloud-based file sharing, and communication tools to ensure everyone has access to the resources they need to work together successfully. If contributors are new to using certain tools, arrange for training so that they have faculty with the tools.  It’s critical that team members be familiar with and use the same suite of tools throughout the project to avoid rework, confusion, and missed deadlines.

Tip: Avoid implementing a sea of new project management tools as a part of the 3D project. Often there are existing tools that can get the job done if everyone agrees to use them.

Negotiating with cross-functional stakeholders

If you know of someone within the company that would be a perfect fit for your project but they’re not available due to other competing priorities, it may be worth looking at ways to get them assigned to the project.

Negotiating for internal resources is worthwhile but can be a challenge. Here are some ways to increase your chance of success:

• Know your audience. identify the decision-makers who have the power to provide the resources you need. Understand their priorities, concerns, and constraints.
• Be flexible. Be open to compromise and pursue creative solutions. Be prepared to suggest alternative options if your initial request is not feasible.
• Use data and evidence.  Show that the project will generate revenue or reduce costs in the long run, to persuade decision-makers to give you the resources you need. Focus on the benefits of the project and how it aligns with the strategic goals of the company.
• Follow up. Once the negotiation closes, follow up with decision-makers to ensure that the resources you were promised are actually allocated to your project. Keep them in the loop on your progress and the impact your project is having on the organization.

Whether or not your effort is successful, taking a respectful approach to negotiate for resources can build your credibility within the organization while building visibility for your project.

To build a 3D project team that is empowered, focused, and respected within your company, you may need to negotiate for resources.  First, get clear on the project scope, then ensure the right mix of skills, and develop a crisp communication plan to get buy-in. When everyone understands the project and agrees that it is a priority, it will be easier to get the resources you need to be successful.

FREE DOWNLOAD: 3D Project Resource Plan Template

We’ve developed a free resource that can help you define the key project roles and responsibilities and also add commentary about percent allocation and availability.

• Utilize this template to structure your 3D project resource plan
• Use it to communicate with cross-functional stakeholders in the event of resource negotiation

Download the 3D Project Resource Planning Template

Download PDF Template
Download Excel Template

Once you’ve aligned internal resources, what’s next?

Once you’ve aligned internal resources for a 3D project, the next step is to plan for the 3D project kickoff.

For a complete guide to launching a 3D project, visit our 3D Project Planning Resource Center. Ready for more? Contact us today to request a 3D project consultation.