When new TSP teams first use the detailed plans they produced during the TSP launch, they invariably find that they have left out some important steps, included activities that are not essential, improperly defined some tasks, or made some significant estimating errors. Although this is normal, it can make the plan hard to follow. To handle these problems, teams must generally make many plan adjustments almost immediately after they start the job. Although these changes are usually relatively small and easy to make, it is important to keep the plan consistent with the way you work. If you don’t, you will not be able to track your progress or see when you are falling behind. This makes it very difficult, if not impossible, to make credible management status reports or to get sufficient warning of problems to take corrective action.
Another important part of maintaining the team plan is the team relaunch. Even though the overall team plan may extend for several years, the TSP’s detailed plans extend for only a few months. Teams must therefore hold a relaunch every two to four months. A relaunch usually takes only two or three days, and it enables teams to update their plans based on what they have learned, to alert management and the customer to any problems, and to integrate any new members into the team.