In the world of digital development, timelines are everything — until they aren’t.
Recently, we estimated a 30-hour window to complete a set of planned changes across a client’s digital platform. These changes were routine on the surface: minor content edits, module enhancements, and logo updates. The scope was well-documented, and the strategy seemed sound. Yet, despite a solid plan, we ended up clocking nearly 38 hours, and we’re not done yet.
Why the discrepancy? One word: manuals.
During the execution phase, it became clear that 70 to 80 landing pages required individual attention. Automation options were limited due to variations in layout and styling across those pages. What we assumed would be a batch update turned into a granular, page-by-page process.
This experience serves as a powerful reminder that project estimates are living things, not static promises. No matter how experienced the team, you’re bound to encounter hidden layers — legacy code quirks, CMS limitations, untracked dependencies — that extend the hours needed.
Buffer time isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. Always build a cushion into your timeline.
Documentation should go beyond listing tasks. Identify how those tasks will be executed (manual vs. automated).
Transparency with stakeholders prevents surprises. We updated our client immediately when we saw the hours climbing, and it maintained trust.
You can’t always predict what’s beneath the surface of a “simple update.” But you can prepare for the unexpected — with flexibility, honest reporting, and a mindset that values quality over speed.