Most A&E firms aren’t short on data. They have project reports, time tracking, billing records, and financials. Everything needed to understand profitability seems to be right there.
So why can’t most firms confidently answer one simple question: Which projects are actually performing well — and which ones aren’t?
The problem isn’t access to data. It’s how that data is structured, connected, and delivered.
Many firms rely on revenue, backlog, or billed amounts as their primary performance signals. It’s understandable — those numbers are visible and easy to track.
But they don’t tell the full story.
True project profitability depends on accurate labor cost allocation, real-time visibility into project progress, tight alignment between financial and project management systems, and consistent tracking of budgets versus actuals. When these elements aren’t connected, profitability can become a delayed and often misleading indicator.
When profitability isn’t clear, companies face unseen risks. Projects that seem successful may actually be underperforming. Margin erosion goes unnoticed until it’s too late. Forecasting becomes unreliable. And as firms grow, complexity increases — but control doesn’t.
These issues aren’t limited to individual projects. Over time, they impact a firm’s ability to scale, plan strategically, and stay competitive.
Firms with true control over project profitability usually share a few key traits:
The goal isn’t more data — it’s aligned information that people across the business can act on.
If you can’t confidently name your three most profitable projects right now, it’s time to find out where the visibility is breaking down.
Paul Prickett leads Aktion Associates’ AES division, working closely with clients and Deltek to shape strategy, growth, and long-term vision. He also partners directly with clients on business planning, technology strategy, and execution roadmaps to support stronger operational performance.
With more than 25 years of executive leadership experience, primarily in Professional Services, Paul brings deep expertise in technology, operations, and business transformation. He joined Aktion in 2024 and has led the AES division since January 2025.
