When it comes to differentiating a company from its competition, speed to market is key. That means location decisions are being made with increasing speed. Yet, Sarah White of Quest Site Solutions advises that companies must still conduct due diligence throughout the site selection process. Ownership issues, property developability and building suitability, workforce, incentives, and other factors must be carefully evaluated in order to make an informed decision. This will help a company with its bottom line and startup schedule.

That’s why it is important to have a comprehensive plan that gives direction to a project from conceptual stages to its final operational stage. According to Alan Cobb of Albert Kahn & Associates, as multiple communities compete for a project, branding activities are one of the earliest components of a cohesive master plan. The design of a facility will affect how a company and its products are perceived. A brand message must be formulated early in the process, with the goals of key stakeholders taken into consideration. Effective teamwork and communication are necessary for a successful outcome.

When it comes to communication, project confidentiality is an often-debated topic. There are pros and cons to making a location search public, says Monty Turner of Global Location Strategies. Keeping a project confidential may give a company a competitive advantage but making it public could help a firm to receive better offerings from prospective communities. The answer often depends on a company’s specific situation.
There are no guarantees on any project, but as John Wharton at Gresham, Smith and Partners says, well-planned projects are always more successful than unplanned projects. He provides advice on working with an architectural engineering firm. In order to confirm if a project is on track, Wharton says periodic reviews are necessary at various “stage gates.” Changes are inevitable, but the goal is to stay within the budgeted time and cost.