Compare what each proposal will produce and how your team will use it—not just how many hours or days appear on the estimate.
Decision Deliverables
Some engagements support a decision: buy or defer a machine, choose between tooling options, identify the limiting operation, or select a scheduling rule. The deliverable should make assumptions and tradeoffs visible.
Implementation Deliverables
Other work supports a change: a setup sequence, readiness checklist, test plan, training session, visual status rule, or updated work instruction. Confirm who owns approval and deployment.
Measurement Deliverables
If the engagement includes a before-and-after comparison, the proposal should define the baseline, measurement method, acceptance criteria, and observation period. Avoid implied performance promises without that foundation.
Match the Deliverable to the Decision
| If you need to decide… | A useful deliverable may include… |
|---|---|
| Where to focus | A measured loss summary and prioritized opportunity list. |
| Whether to test a change | A baseline, trial plan, risks, and acceptance criteria. |
| How to sustain a method | Standard work, ownership, training needs, and a review measure. |
| Whether to buy equipment | Requirements, alternatives, assumptions, and decision criteria. |