7.2
Documentation
A clear documentation system and systematically laid down documentation simplifies the internal and
external communications and facilitates project management, for example, in the case of the temporary
absence or illness of someone in charge.
Documentation is essential for leading, defining, planning, organizing, controlling, and closing a project.
Too much documentation is as much of a problem as too little. A balance must exist, depending largely
on the size and importance of the project.
Good documentation serves as an excellent communication tool. It provides an audit trail for analysis
and project reviews. It lends order and structure to the project by giving direction and setting parameters.
It increases efficiency and effectiveness and it gives team members confidence, especially when things
appear chaotic or there are too many unknowns.
Project documentation may consist of the following items and those marked in bold type, which play
the most important roles, will be described in more detail: