9 Reasons to use a project schedule.

Construction planning is a fundamental and necessary activity in the management and execution of construction projects. It involves the choice of technology, methods of construction, the definition of work tasks, the duration of the tasks and the resources to perform the work. The construction plan is the basis of the budget and schedule of the project. The project schedule is the formalizing of the work tasks and sequence of work needed to complete the project in a specified timeline. Nine reasons that a construction project should use a formal schedule are as follows:

1) Reduce total construction time.

The development of a schedule involves determining the work tasks required, the resources necessary and the sequence of work. A properly developed schedule will be able to predict the completion date of the project with a high degree of accuracy. Different work scenarios can then be developed and modifications can then be made to shorten the project schedule.

2) Force Detailed Thinking and Planning

During the construction planning stage much thought must go into determining the work activities and sequence of work. The details necessary to execute the project are put down on paper. The project is executed on paper before the first shovel in the ground resulting in a much higher probability of a successful project.

3) Reduce the costs of labor, overhead, interest on loans and capital

As the construction time is shortened so is the requirements for labor and capital. The schedule will help determine exactly when important resources are needed resulting in better use of capital.

4) Provide a more continuous work flow

The schedule will provide advance warning to important handoff events between key subcontractors enabling the work of the various subcontractors to flow efficiently contributing to a shorter timeline.

5) Increase productivity, give employees and subcontractors a goal to work toward

When a schedule is used, the entire team will have a common goal for employees and subcontractors to work towards. Many projects have developed an incentive plan based on the schedule performance of the project.

6) Improve your company Image – Makes you look professional

The use of a project schedule will improve your company image. You will look more professional in the way you execute your projects. More importantly the results that you are able to achieve for your clients will improve the reputation of your firm.

7) Meet Owners’ Requirements

Many project owners require the use of a schedule as a requirement of the job. Sometimes a third party that oversees the project such as a bank will require the use of a project schedule.

8) Quantify Delays

The use of a construction schedule is a very important tool to be used to quantify delays. A properly constructed and updated schedule is an invaluable tool in determining the effects on the final completion date delays no matter what party is responsible.

9) Improve communication

The project schedule is a very important communication tool for key team players. The schedule can be used to communicate with all key team members including subcontractor, architect, owner and any other parties as needed. Subcontractors will know well in advance when activities must start.

A project schedule is an invaluable management tool that should be a requirement of any construction project no matter the size. The information that the project schedule gives to the management team is an essential part of the management of a construction project.