A scope of work is a core project management document that describes what is and is not within the scope of a project. We’ve done our best to put together a detailed guide on how to create scopes in Vakilsearch.
What is a Scope of Work?
A Scope of Work is the primary project management document that describes what is and is not within the scope of a project. A scope of work document ensures that all parties agree on which tasks are to be performed and delivered in the life cycle of the project. Summarize your standards, expectations and conditions clearly and concisely.
Why is scope of work important?
Scope of Work documents are essential project management tools for many reasons. Below are some of the most effective examples.
Important Project Information
Include all basic project details so that readers can identify your project at a glance. This typically consists of the project name, document author, document version, customer name, and current date.
Project Overview
Please briefly describe your project. Include information about the project background, project goals, problem description, and who will be working on it, but keep it short.
Project Deliverables
Provide details of what the customer will receive at the end of the project. This defines what a successful completed project looks like and sets clear expectations for the client. Being specific and clear is especially important here.
Duration Enter the total duration of the project. Set when to start, when to end, and what achievements and milestones to reach along the way.
How to write a scope of work
Meet the Client
Meet with prospects to discuss potential projects. This meeting is essential and forms the basis for a successful working document. Be aware of their thoughts on project deliverables, schedule, budget, and scope. Also, consider whether you have spotted any warning signs or objects that you cannot see at eye level.
Meet the Project Team
After meeting the customer, you probably have an initial idea of what the scope of the project will be. Before starting the design, meet with key members of the project team. Brainstorm and discuss various elements of the project and potential scope of work. Get everyone on board and make sure your initial project requirements are realistic, reasonable and doable.
Create Draft
You can now create the first draft of your SoW. It could be a scope of work template, a previous scope of work example, or you might be working from scratch. Either way, think about feedback from your customers and your team.
Check, Check, Check
Do not submit once the draft is ready. It’s fascinating enough as it is, so I recommend putting it aside and reading it again in a day or two. I also recommend a few more eyes to proofread, provide feedback, and see if everything is consistent.
Submit SoW to Client
Once you are satisfied with the scope of work document, you need to remove it and submit it to the client. They cannot work on your project until they approve your SoW.
Communicate with the customer and make changes as necessary
You are more likely to receive feedback if a customer contacts you. Meet with them to discuss your comments, questions and concerns. You may need to edit or tweak your SoW at this stage, or negotiate certain things, but don’t worry. They agree and everything is resolved.
Get Final Approval
Once both you and the client are satisfied with the scope of the working document, it’s time to celebrate. With final approval, congratulations on a job well done and looking forward to the official launch of the project!
