The required software tools for this have been around for quite a while. This includes not only software programs or apps for video conferencing but also tools that enable smooth collaboration in a “virtual team”—exactly for the situations when you can no longer sit together in a meeting room.
On the other hand, the transition isn’t that big. Simple, flexible online scheduling, (currently) no travel costs or time, and the first step into company digitalization are already major advantages!
Let’s take a closer look: What typically happens in consulting projects?
In general:
There is a task or project goal
Meetings are held to discuss the project
Technical questions or problems are exchanged
Project status is regularly reviewed
Project tasks or “homework” are assigned
Project tasks are completed and results shared
Further meetings are scheduled
In distributed teams, there are recurring calls or video conferences in addition to on-site meetings (e.g., with team members at other locations or external consultants)
Ideally, an external consultant can get a direct impression on-site and talk to people face-to-face
The New Online Mode
Everything above can now be done online.
Requirements: team members need only a PC/laptop with a browser, internet connection, and a phone or smartphone. That’s all you need, at least at first.
| Traditional Consulting | Online Consulting |
|---|---|
| Task or project goal | Discussion and planning via phone/video conference (Zoom, GoToMeeting, etc.) |
| Meetings | Discussion and planning via phone/video conference, break-out rooms |
| Exchange technical questions | Technical webinars, Q&A webinars, phone/video conference, break-out rooms |
| Project status | Coordination via phone/video conference |
| Project tasks / homework | File exchange via tools like SharePoint, Google Drive, TeamDrive, etc. |
| Task completion & results sharing | File exchange via tools like SharePoint, Google Drive, TeamDrive, etc. |
| Scheduling further meetings | Directly in conference or online via website/calendar plugin or link |
| Recurring calls for distributed teams | No change |
| Consultant on-site for direct insight | In coordination with experts, e.g., via a camera tour |
Key Takeaway
The focus is primarily on effective collaboration. This is more of an organizational challenge than a software one: managing “virtual teams.” Initially, everyone must find themselves in the virtual meeting room—technology adaptation may take time. Communication is different since you cannot easily monitor a group over the web.
Virtual leadership in combination with rules of engagement and the right technology is required. Tools that support virtual teamwork include:
Slack for team communication and working on “one virtual project thread”
Kanban tools like Trello, Asana, or MeisterTask
Virtual whiteboards for brainstorming, e.g., Miro
The key point: it’s not about finding the “best tool,” but about enabling the team to work as effectively online as they would side by side in a meeting room.
Additional benefit: everything is automatically recorded digitally. Whiteboard notes, Kanban updates, and meeting results are already saved—no need to transfer handwritten notes or photos.
Beyond Tools: A Proven Process
Virtual team management also requires a proven methodology—a clear structure. In addition, there may be further “rules of engagement” to ensure smooth collaboration.
Technical & Interactive Online Consulting
Since early 2019, we’ve asked: “Does technical consulting always need to happen on-site?”
From this, we developed ideas and concepts, offering technical and interactive online consulting. More details on the “technical & interactive” approach will be shared in a future blog post.
Do you have questions about production automation? Are you looking for a way to digitize your production?
Stay where you are—I provide interactive online consulting based on my years of IT automation and MES expertise.
I can analyze your current situation with you in a free strategy meeting—simply click the blue button below this blog post. I look forward to speaking with you!
If you want, I can also merge this with your MES blog articles into one coherent English article for publishing, keeping it professional and reader-friendly.
