Finding the Right Tree Ring in a Forest of Information

Tree DoctorDennis recently blogged about how RFI’s are similar to blood cells, in part because of how important the proper, healthy circulation of information is to the life of every project.

Yet he and I also have threads going about the problems caused by disorganized data.  It occurred to me that these two topics intersect. Yes, it is incredibly important that RFIs circulate freely and correctly.  But it is just as important that you have clear, precise information about when that RFI circulated and to whom.

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RFIs – “A tier 1 control item”

Why is an RFI like a blood cell? Chances are you never heard that question before.

They parallel each other in many ways:

  1. The count of each is proportional to the size of the Project/Patient
  2. Each requires circulation to be effective
  3. Each has the ability to deliver and receive: RFIs deal with information whereas blood cells handle oxygen and carbon dioxide
  4. Each can instigate other actions: RFIs spawn RFQs and Change Orders whereas blood cells spawn defensive actions to attack pathogens (and where would we be if blood didn’t clot!)
  5. Each requires supporting systems to operate effectively: RFIs require management, control, storage and distribution whereas blood cells require the circulatory system, lungs and other organs
  6. When they are out of control, the Project/Patient is at high risk
  7. Each acts as a lifeline for the Project/Patient
  8. Without each, the Project/Patient is dead

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