Task order management is the process of overseeing all the tasks associated with the performance and delivery of goods and services as part of a project. The essentials of this process may be ongoing, such as in the consistent delivery of products to customers under the terms of a contractual agreement, or may have to do with the structuring and execution of tasks related to the internal function of a business operation. Task orders are normally defined as some type of contractual documentation that includes descriptions of the tasks necessary to fulfill covenants to customers as well as some detail about how those tasks are to be carried out.
One of the basics of task order management is defining the nature and scope of the tasks involved. Sometimes referred to as task analysis, this normally includes identification of the task itself, outlining the requirements for that task and understanding the impact and risks associated with the task. In addition, this phase will often provide basic outlines of how the tasks should be arranged into a logical sequence and some general idea of how they will be completed successfully.
From this foundation, task order management will move on to address the actual planning and scheduling for each of the related tasks. This will include creating a schedule for completion of each phase, securing materials and labor to manage this part of the process, and in general creating a framework that is both productive and efficient for the completion of essential steps within each task. Planning and scheduling build on the earlier planning and help to further define what activities take place at each point of the process.
A third phase of task order management has to do with the actual execution of the planning. During this phase, the production process is monitored to make sure efficiency is maintained at high levels, while waste of raw materials or other resources is also kept to a minimum. During this phase, the management process may also involve refining the production protocols and procedures as a means of making the tasks more cost-efficient. This also helps to provide a means of reviewing specifications and make sure the products are within the required quality standards.
Along the way, task order management will rely on a wide range of strategies to ensure the goals associated with each of the tasks are met. This includes entry level and ongoing employee training, evaluation of production methods, assessing production quotas and even making changes to the production process or the equipment used in that process from time to time. From this perspective, task order management is an ongoing process that begins with the commencement of the contractual agreement and only ends once the contract is completely fulfilled.
