Price, quality, speed – choose two. We’ve seen this “rule” written and rewritten in different ways since the 1950’s, when the Project Management Triangle first appeared. Also known as the Triple Constraint or the Iron Triangle, it is a simple way to define the complex mix between time, cost and quality. “You get what you pay for” is a cliché everyone knows, but people keep trying to change the dynamic in their favor.
We’ve all seen signs and internet meme’s stating something like this;
We offer 3 kinds of service
Good – Cheap – Fast
You can pick any two
Good service cheap won’t be fast
Good service fast won’t be cheap
Fast service cheap won’t be good
For many building materials buyers, this “rule” is an absolute fact. However, I believe that with proper planning and the right vendor relationships, it doesn’t have to be.