Use a Product Breakdown Structure for Complex Solutions

You probably use a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) in your projects, but sometimes, it isn’t enough. A product breakdown structure is helpful when you need to deliver a complex solution. A Product Breakdown Structure (PBS) is like a WBS, except it shows product details and how its components fit together. Here are the benefits of using a PBS.

• It creates a common vocabulary for discussing the product. A PBS uses nouns, versus a WBS with verb-based tasks. The PBS defines the pieces that make up your project’s product. Because projects create unique products or services, you probably need definitions for the solution components. The PBS is where you keep those definitions. It also shows how components fit together. This helps reduce errors due to misunderstandings about what the product is and how it will be assembled.
• It helps clarify development assignments. The PBS defines the product components, so the skills needed to build the product are easier to understand. It also helps people come up with ideas for product improvements and refinements. A PBS helps your technical team members understand where their responsibilities begin and end. This saves time and potential confusion as the project progresses.
• A PBS helps identify alternate approaches for building the product. The PBS clarifies what is being built. The process of creating the PBS will help team members come up with ideas for how to build the product, too. It provides different perspectives for how components can be assembled and tied together. It also helps visualize how stakeholders can use the product. Because it shows the tasks you need for construction, it helps you build your WBS as well!
• It helps identify who builds and tests interfaces. The PBS defines how pieces fit together into larger components. Each component needs to be tested to ensure it works as intended. The PBS spells out component relationships, making testing tasks straightforward. And it’s easier to assign testing tasks to team members. The visual nature of the PBS helps prevent overlooking test activities. Those test activities translate to tasks, tying the PBS to your Work Breakdown Structure. This helps ensure you have a complete picture of the product or service, and how it will be built and tested.

Have you ever used a product breakdown structure? Did you receive other benefits? Wondering how to implement one in a project? Share your tips and questions in the comments section.