Category: CPM Scheduling

The Consequences of Restricted Access to Native Schedule Files for Subcontractors

Effective communication and transparency are essential for each shareholder’s project success. Unfortunately, a trend has emerged where prime contractors restrict access to native schedule files, such as .xer and .mpp formats, substantially impacting subcontractors’ capabilities. This practice constrains the information available to these crucial project participants and hinders their ability to manage their timelines and… Read more »

Understanding the Benefits of CPM Scheduling for Multifamily Construction Developers

Construction projects, especially multifamily developments, require precise planning and execution. One of the most effective tools for achieving this is the Critical Path Method (CPM) scheduling. This method helps manage the project timeline and enhances collaboration and communication among various stakeholders. Let’s explore why CPM scheduling is an essential management and planning tool for multifamily… Read more »

Seamless Consultant Collaboration: How Our CPM Scheduling Consultants Empower Project Teams for Success

Effective project management is essential for completing projects on time and within budget. Scheduling plays a crucial role in construction management, making our consultant collaboration vital to achieving these goals. Together, we ensure that projects stay on track and within financial limits. Moreover, our consultants work closely with project teams to develop and maintain the… Read more »

Data Centers Project Scheduling – Complex Projects Requiring Robust Project Controls

The increasing development of data centers has paralleled a heightened demand for effective project scheduling. The surge in reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) contributes significantly to this need. Organizations seek to harness AI’s capabilities for data processing and storage. Applications of AI, including machine learning and deep learning, necessitate substantial computational power. This prompts governments… Read more »

Understanding the Impact of Change Orders on Project Schedules

Construction projects often rely on precise timelines. However, change orders can disrupt this delicate balance. These formal modifications to the original contract can stem from various sources, including unforeseen circumstances and client requests. Understanding their impact is crucial for project success and compliance with contractual obligations.  The Nature of Change Orders Change orders represent adjustments… Read more »

The Dirty Truth About Construction Schedules (And How to Fix Them)

Let’s be honest—most construction schedules resemble fiction more than fact. They may look polished in Primavera or Microsoft Project, presenting neat bars and optimistic finish dates. However, behind these Gantt charts lies a tangled web of wishful thinking, overlooked risks, and last-minute chaos. At Precision Scheduling Consultants LLC, we do not just create schedules. We… Read more »

Safeguarding Electrical Contractors: Strategies for Shielding Against Construction Disputes Caused by Design Changes

Electrical contractors often grapple with disputes arising from their contributions and factors preceding their work. Design changes, late alterations, and design defects pose significant risks. Electrical contractors must understand how these elements impact timelines and garner effective strategies to protect against disputes. This article will explore how to navigate the consequences of design changes and… Read more »

Initial CPM Schedule: What You Need to Know

Do I need a proposal schedule, a preliminary schedule, and a baseline schedule? My specifications are asking for an initial schedule. Is this the same as a baseline schedule? My specifications are asking for the first 90-day schedule. What is this? Awaiting Award – Project Bidding Found a new project that suits you and our… Read more »

Best Practices for Developing and Maintaining Daily Logs—Documenting Progress and Issues

When daily logs are executed properly, these entries can transform from simple records into powerful tools that streamline communication, enhance transparency, and safeguard against potential disputes. Here, we delve into the best practices for developing and maintaining effective daily logs, highlighting the significance of accurately documenting key information and the implications of delays.  1. Keep… Read more »

The Role of Critical Path Method (CPM) Scheduling in Dispute Resolution

Construction Disputes often arise over scheduling delays, cost overruns, and resource allocation. One effective tool that can significantly mitigate these issues is the Critical Path Method (CPM) for scheduling. CPM helps in planning and executing projects efficiently. It also plays a pivotal role in dispute resolution. In this article, we’ll explore how effective CPM scheduling… Read more »

Deadly Sins of Construction Scheduling – Part 2: Changes to Original Duration and Duplicated Activity Names

The Deadly Sins of Construction Scheduling The “Deadly Sins of Construction Scheduling” series spotlights common errors I’ve encountered throughout my career as a scheduler, schedule analyst/reviewer, and claims expert. These mistakes can significantly affect the credibility of the schedule and the project’s overall success. Below, I outline two major pitfalls to avoid: changes to original… Read more »

Understanding the Basics of Project Scheduling

Project scheduling involves two crucial words: “project” and “scheduling.” Understanding a project forms the foundation for effective scheduling. If you grasp what a project entails, you can appreciate the scheduling aspect even more. Therefore, let’s delve into the importance of scheduling in project management. Defining Project Scheduling So, what exactly does scheduling mean? In simple… Read more »

Important CPM Scheduling Considerations

In CPM scheduling, every task has a relationship with every other task. Understanding this interconnectedness is crucial for efficient project management. One effective way to identify a task’s relationship with another is by using the “Start/Finish” label. There are four primary variations of this relationship, and they go as follows: Finish to Start—In this scenario,… Read more »

What if Something Happens that You Don’t Plan For?

Good question. The answer? Plan for it. In construction, thorough planning and scheduling significantly increase your chances of success. Lessons from The Art of War You might not immediately associate The Art of War with construction scheduling, but consider this quote: “Victory belongs to the side that scores most in the temple of calculations before… Read more »

Effectiveness of Overtime in Construction Scheduling

Understanding Overtime as a Schedule Acceleration Strategy The use of overtime as an effective construction schedule acceleration strategy often appears straightforward. Many view it as a simple means to add hours to the workweek and shorten activity durations. However, to achieve the desired results, you must identify and analyze the long-term effects of overtime in… Read more »

Easy CPM – Understanding the Basics of the Critical Path Method

To understand anything complex, one must first understand something simple, like easy CPM. That’s a basic fact. After all, if you can’t understand the sentence “Dogs bark,” how can you understand the past several sentences, this entire post, or a novel? The “Dogs bark” example offers a great lens to understanding the easiest way to… Read more »