The primary objectives of any client-based initiative are to provide a cost effective business solution that focuses on the client’s needs, particular line of business and expectations. I learned early on that without a comprehensive requirements document, an over-arching project plan and an adherence to established processes and methodologies that the road to a successful implementation will be very bumpy at best.

Therefore, it is absolutely imperative that the client and service provider clearly identify and document the project’s objectives and overall scope to ensure that all the requirements, deliverables and responsibilities are clearly outlined, especially since the service provider is ultimately responsible for implementing a solution based on said documentation. Of course, additional requirements inevitable creep up, but that potentiality should be addressed in your agreement.

The real benefit in documenting everything in writing is it may not prevent honest discord, but it will in all likelihood prevent frivolous disagreements and misunderstandings during the project’s life cycle where the focus should be on producing a quality product.