What Are Deliverables?
The term “deliverables” in project management signifies the tangible or intangible goods or services that must be provided upon a project’s completion. For instance, in a project focused on upgrading a firm’s technology, a deliverable could be the acquisition of a dozen new computers. Conversely, in a software project, a deliverable might involve implementing a computer program to enhance a company’s accounts receivable computational efficiency.
Key points:
- “Deliverables” are the quantifiable outputs expected at the end of a project.
- They can be tangible, like new computers, or intangible, like implemented software.
- Examples include training programs, design samples, and instruction manuals.
- In film production, deliverables encompass audio, visual, and paperwork files provided to distributors.
Understanding Deliverables
A deliverable encompasses more than just computer equipment and software programs; it can also include in-person or online training programs, along with design samples for products under development. Often, deliverables are provided alongside comprehensive instruction manuals.
Documentation
Deliverables typically represent contractual obligations outlined in agreements between two parties within a company or between a client and an external consultant or developer. The documentation precisely defines each deliverable, including its description, delivery timeline, and payment terms.
Milestones
In many large projects, milestones serve as interim goals and targets that must be reached by specified points in time. A milestone could denote a portion of the deliverable that’s due, or it may simply signify a comprehensive progress report detailing the current status of the project.
Film Deliverables
In film production, deliverables encompass a spectrum of audio, visual, and paperwork files that producers are required to provide to distributors. Audio and visual components typically comprise stereo and Dolby 5.1 sound mixes, music, and sound effects in separate files, alongside the complete movie in a specified format.
Occasionally, distributors acquiring independent films for theatrical release may not include a comprehensive list of deliverables in the initial term sheet. Therefore, it’s imperative for filmmakers to proactively request the anticipated deliverables to ensure timely compilation.
Paperwork deliverables encompass executed licensing agreements for all music, error and omission reports, performance releases for on-screen talent, a credit block list for inclusion in all artwork and advertising, as well as legal releases for locations, artwork, and logos.
Furthermore, film deliverables extend to supplementary elements beyond the films themselves, such as trailers, TV spots, on-set publicity stills, and other legal documentation.
Types of Deliverables
Tangible vs. Intangible Deliverables
Deliverables encompass both tangible and intangible outcomes. For instance, a tangible deliverable might involve constructing a new office space to accommodate additional staff or building a manufacturing plant to scale up production.
Conversely, an intangible deliverable could entail implementing a training program to educate employees on utilising new software adopted by the company.
Internal Deliverables vs. External Deliverables
Internal deliverables are those essential components of a project, product, or service that are developed and maintained within the organisation but are not visible to the end customer and are not considered final.
These deliverables represent integral steps in the project’s progress towards completion. For instance, the construction of a factory to enhance production capacity in response to growing customer demand is an example of an internal deliverable. Within project management terminology, internal deliverables are often referred to as project deliverables.
In contrast, external deliverables are the final outputs provided to the customer. Using the previous example, the external deliverable would be the finished product manufactured in the new factory, which the customer will purchase and utilise. Within project management, external deliverables are commonly known as product deliverables.
Requirements for Deliverables
At the onset of any project, establishing a clear end goal is paramount. This goal serves as the guiding beacon towards which the project team navigates. To ensure progress towards this goal, a well-defined pathway is essential, often articulated through a timeline marked by specific deliverables, known as milestones, to be achieved at predefined intervals.
Each project, depending on its nature, adopts a distinct approach towards these deliverables. Whether it follows a process-based, phased, product-centric, or transformative trajectory, the milestones and deliverables remain tailored to suit its unique demands.
Irrespective of the project type, a standardised framework typically governs its lifecycle, encompassing initiation, planning, execution, monitoring, and closing phases. Each phase necessitates distinct deliverables, ranging from comprehensive project reports during planning to quality assessments for newly developed products during monitoring.
The inception of a project marks the drafting of contracts outlining expectations, timelines, and deliverable specifications. These contracts, whether internal agreements among organisational departments for project milestones or agreements with external clients for product deliverables, establish the groundwork for collaboration and accountability.
Crucial documentation, such as a statement of work (SOW), further delineates project parameters and expectations. This foundational document, crafted at the project’s outset, serves as a comprehensive agreement defining project scope, deliverables, and other pertinent details to align all stakeholders’ expectations.
Conclusion
Deliverables encompass the tangible goods or services required at different stages of a project, culminating in the project’s completion. Serving as measurable benchmarks, they play a pivotal role in project management by ensuring adherence to timelines and budgets. Consequently, they enable efficient resource allocation and aid managers in steering projects toward successful outcomes, thus underlining their indispensable role in driving business success.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant as official business advice.
