What determines the success of automation projects today?

Communication, speed and flexibility – the foundation of successful implementation

Modern automation projects are carried out in an environment of constant change. Market volatility, parallel product development, time pressure and rising customer expectations mean that the traditional approach to project management is no longer sufficient.

As Adrian Nawrocki, Head of Project Management at Nextomation, emphasises:

“Communication and information are key, because that’s where it all begins. However, once we’ve received the information, what matters is the speed of our response.”

Communication is no longer an afterthought in the process. It is the starting point. A transparent exchange of information with the client and a swift response to changes form the foundation of successful implementation.

From static to adaptive management in automation projects

Over the past 20 years, the approach to managing automation projects has undergone a marked evolution.

“We started out without a project management department. Subsequently, the classic, waterfall approach prevailed, based on fixed documentation and rigid schedules,” points out Adrian Nawrocki.

In the traditional model, control, reporting and risk minimisation based on stable, unchanging project assumptions were key.

Today, the situation is completely different. Automation projects are carried out in parallel with product development. Changes are no longer sporadic – they are a natural part of the process. This has forced a shift from a static model to an adaptive one.

The hybrid methodology – a response to the complexity of automation projects

Changing market conditions and the increasing number of changes to projects have made it necessary to adopt a hybrid approach.

“We have introduced a hybrid methodology, which has enabled us to manage more comprehensive, flexible automation systems and respond more quickly to changes.” – emphasises the Head of Project Management at Nextomation.

Hybrid project management combines elements of a traditional structure with flexibility and adaptability. It allows us to maintain control over the budget and schedule, whilst responding to dynamic changes on the product and client side.

In today’s reality, this is not an option – it is a necessity.

According to the latest PMI analyses, the adoption of hybrid project management methodologies has increased significantly in recent years, indicating that organisations are increasingly combining different approaches to tackle complex challenges.

The new role of the automation project manager

As the methodology has changed, so too has the role of the project manager.

“Today, the project manager is the team leader who brings everything together – both internally and externally, including clients.” emphasises Adrian Nawrocki.

They are no longer just the person responsible for reporting and monitoring. They are the integrator of a multidisciplinary team, combining technical expertise with soft skills.

In an environment where responsiveness, transparency and collaboration are key, the role of the project leader becomes crucial to the success of the entire project.

How does Nextomation respond to the challenges in automation projects?

In response to market volatility and the growing complexity of automation systems, Nextomation is developing a project management structure based on:

• a hybrid methodology tailored to the specific nature of each project,
• transparent communication with clients,
• interdisciplinary project teams,
• strong leadership from project managers,
• rapid response to product and market changes.

This approach enables us to carry out projects in parallel with the development of the client’s product, whilst maintaining control over the schedule, budget and quality.

Adaptation as the new standard in automation projects

Today’s automation projects are no longer a linear path from planning to implementation. They are a dynamic process in which flexibility, communication and rapid decision-making are of key importance.

It is precisely this ability to adapt – both in terms of methodology and project leadership – that is becoming one of the key factors for success.

Nextomation: how are automation projects managed today?

Would you like to find out what the transition from traditional project management to an adaptive model in production automation looks like?

Watch the interview with Adrian Nawrocki, Head of Project Management at Nextomation, who discusses the role of communication, responsiveness and the evolution of project management methodology in a dynamic industrial environment.

Watch the interview:

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