Working on a new skyscraper? Overwater bungalow resort? Remodeling your home? Any construction project has what may seem like an infinite amount of parts to track.
But having all hands on deck and the proper tools makes it a heck of a lot more manageable.
Whether you’re a seasoned construction project manager or getting your first project off-the-ground, you probably know you can’t jump straight into a project. You need to first write-up a plan.
And we couldn’t agree more.
This is exactly why a construction scheduling software is the tool you didn’t know you need. But that changes here and now.
What is a construction project schedule?
When planning out a construction project, no matter how big or tall, a project schedule is one of the most important parts.
A well-executed construction project schedule lays out each step of the entire process – from filing permits and initial sketches to showing end dates.
Construction schedules help ensure that all parts of the project are completed on-time and without bottlenecks. Oftentimes certain deliverables rely on other parts to get done, such as a floor that needs to be completed before an interior designer can work their magic on it. Construction schedules help identify and manage the activities necessary to complete each task as well as the order in which each task must be completed.
As such, different kinds of construction projects require different types of schedule plans.
Benefits of a construction schedule — better informed decisions
No matter the type of project, the importance of scheduling in construction projects cannot be ignored. Scheduling plays a big role in a project’s success.
Proper scheduling can help ensure the completion of the project on time, and just as importantly, within the budget.
Not only does the construction schedule outline the pace of the work, but a good one should also outline how the tasks are executed.
Moreover, scheduling also defines the method and sequence in which the needed materials are delivered. A construction schedule also summarizes how adjustments can be made when needing to accommodate changes and unanticipated delays, which as you know, construction is no stranger to.
A well-built construction schedule can help manage materials, labor, and equipment.
Accessing real-time data and digital technology enables schedulers to make better-informed decisions around scheduling labor and materials for a particular project.
Having a schedule that grants everyone real-time access to data, such as staging-mondaycomblog.kinsta.cloud, helps prepare for adjustments to accommodate unexpected events, such as when a permit does not get approved on time, or if needing to use a crane for longer than expected.
By being better equipped to handle delays, you are better able to prepare for amendments and changes and are more likely to complete projects on-time and under budget.
Exceptional project scheduling goes beyond just listing potential possibilities for cost excessiveness or possible construction delays to include more up-to-date and forward-looking insights. Transparent and accessible schedules can provide actionable insights that can put projects back on track quickly. In fact, having state-of-the-art cost budgeting and scheduling tools and technologies is becoming a competitive advantage, according to Deloitte.
Construction scheduling software benefits:
- Avoid delays: See at a glance whether the estimated completion date of the project as stipulated by the client is obtainable or not
- Estimate costs: use a numbers column on a project scheduling software to easily view costs
- Utilize equipment and resources: Match equipment, materials, and labor with specific tasks and parts of the project so you don’t lose track
- Plan ahead: Enjoy a clear view of the sequence of tasks so everyone involved knows what parts they need to be working on – and to prepare themselves if there are any delays or changes
- Easily make changes: With an agile software, you can alter the sequence of specific tasks or assignments to better reflect your project
- Share progress and updates: Grant every team member and contractor the ability to see where everything stands and keep everyone in-the-loop
Planning a construction project schedule
There are a number of things that should be considered when planning a construction project schedule.
1. Who the schedule is for
This impacts the level of detail and media used to create the schedule. Will the schedule be open for only the team members? Will third-party vendors and contractors also be asked to keep updated with the schedule to change their plans according to any delays?
2. Determine task duration and owner
Schedules usually target 2 dominant aspects; determining how long each and every task will take to complete, and determining who exactly is responsible for completing each activity, and what equipment or resources they are going to need in order to efficiently complete their job.
3. Think of every detail
Designs, necessary permits, potential bottlenecks, and cost all have to be taken into consideration. The scheduling process helps you imagine how you will complete the project. It provides a blueprint process and helps create a clear plan that can and should be shared with every team member who is involved.
Sounds complicated? It doesn’t have to be, that’s what we’re here for!
Construction schedule templates
Easy communication with important stakeholders, sharing expectations with team members, and visualizing the entire project are all important parts of a construction scheduling software. With our customizable construction templates, they’re now easier to achieve than ever!
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