Expediting is the streamlining of projects to keep them on schedule and maintain quality standards. A business may task a person or department with expediting a project, or it can hire a third party with experience in this area of business. Firms that offer services to companies in need of assistance can be found in many regions of the world. People interested in careers in this field need only the job experience along with training in topics like accounting and business so they can offer a range of services to their employers or clients.
One aspect of expediting involves developing a calendar to keep a project on schedule. This includes establishing when and where the project will need supplies so arrangements can be made ahead of time to route supplies to the correct location. The expediter also monitors work to minimize lags. If a section of the project is moving more quickly than the schedule, the expediter wants to move necessary supplies into place to prevent situations where personnel are available and have nothing to do because the materials are not ready.
This work also involves monitoring quality of equipment and supplies. Expediters may visit suppliers to inspect their goods, request samples, and discuss the quality standards for the project. As supplies arrive on the project site, the expediter will examine them again to make sure they meet the standards. If there is a problem, the expediting team is responsible for negotiating with the supplier to address it, whether the issue is a shortage of supplies or equipment that does not function properly.
Expediting work requires inspection of supply chains and transport arrangements as well. The expediter wants goods to move quickly and safely from the supplier to a work site, and may use a variety of techniques to accomplish this. Speed can be especially critical with sensitive and delicate items, or items that are needed in a hurry because staff members are waiting on them. Part of expediting can require negotiating contracts with shipping companies to get the best deals.
The expediter also plays a role in budgeting and accounting. He will have information about the project's budget so he can keep expenditures within the limits and may have advice on controlling costs in other areas of the project. In some cases, the project manager is also responsible for expediting, and will control all aspects of the project, not just the process of moving supplies to where they need to go.
