Remote work has gone mainstream in recent years. But collaborating virtually across large enterprises or international boundaries can still pose challenges.
At i3 Simulations, we specialize in creating immersive and interactive 3D experiences for training and education. Recently, we had the opportunity to work on an exciting project with Singapore’s largest public healthcare group, SingHealth.
There was just one catch – our office is located in the UK, while SingHealth is based in Singapore!
In this blog post, we’ll give you an inside look and our top tips for managing remote collaboration successfully based on our experience:
1. Define Communication Protocols
- Determine upfront what channels will be used for different purposes – video calls for regular updates, instant messaging for quick questions, email for formal approvals, etc.
- Document these protocols so everyone understands expectations.
- Scheduling regular virtual touchpoints is key for alignment.
2. Leverage Technology for Remote Access
- Provide remote support for troubleshooting issues in real-time.
- Use cloud-based tools to allow centralised access to project information.
- Arrange for remote software deployments and hardware replacements.
3. Plan in Phases with Milestones
- Break the project into manageable phases.
- Define clear milestones with measurable acceptance criteria.
- Gain sign-off at each milestone to validate progress before moving to next stage.
4. Make In-Person Visits a Priority
- Budget for periodic in-person visits if possible.
- Use these visits for hands-on project reviews, relationship building and social connections.
5. Measure Results and Gather Feedback
- Conduct user testing to collect structured feedback on the solution.
- Analyze data on performance metrics and user experience.
- Implement improvements iteratively based on feedback.
Moving Forward with Remote Collaboration
With the right strategies, remote project delivery can be productive and effective. Technology enables immersive collaboration that transcends physical boundaries.
The keys are intentional communication, project discipline, leveraging tools strategically and making space for human connections.
If you keep these principles in mind, your team will be positioned for success – no matter where they’re located.
Let us know if you have any other tips for managing remote work across distributed teams and offices!
If you’re interested to learn more about our approach to remote project delivery, get in touch! We’d be happy to discuss our experiences and lessons learned.
