How to Finish Projects on Time

As with any large undertaking, properly planning and scoping how long a construction project will take is crucial to success.

Last month, we saw how data analytics can help improve everything from project efficiency to workplace safety.

This week, we will explore the Critical Path Method and how it can help project stakeholders properly plan out complex construction projects.

Finding the Critical Path

As the name implies, the Critical Path Method is a project management philosophy that focuses on identifying the "critical path," which is the sequence of activities that must be performed for the project to be considered a success.

This strategic approach to project planning treats all project tasks as interlinked and seeks to pinpoint the most pivotal ones while understanding their dependencies. To accomplish this, the entire project is visualized as a connected diagram that maps out every task and its interconnectedness.

Within this method, some activities, like laying the foundation, are fixed in the project timeline and are categorized as immutable on the critical path. Conversely, tasks such as installing fixtures have a more flexible timeline within the project's schedule, allowing for some margin of adjustment or slack.

Through CPM, project stakeholders can identify which tasks are a part of the critical path and which have float and can better plan construction projects accurately.

How CPM Efficiently Allocates Resources

Once all tasks and their dependencies are laid out in the chart, it is much easier for stakeholders to not only understand their project timelines, but also make any necessary adjustments as the project moves along. It also helps stakeholders efficiently schedule the start and end of vital activities since they can see how changes in dates for individual tasks will affect the end date of the overall project.

With a better understanding of which tasks are crucial for project completion, the proper resources can be allocated towards them, contributing to increased productivity and operational efficiency.

Ideal for Large Projects

In large construction projects, the huge amount of tasks, materials, suppliers, and workers make staying on top of the critical path a top priority. Any hiccup in any of these areas, when it affects the critical path, can throw off the whole timeline. Through CPM, project managers and stakeholders can ensure the correct resources are allocated where they are needed when they are needed to keep a project on track in spite of the inevitable changes along the way.

However, while CPM is an effective tool, like all project management methodologies, it isn't infallible. Its effectiveness largely depends on the accuracy of time estimates, resource availability, subcontractor schedules, and continued updates and maintenance as the project progresses. It also cannot predict unforeseen delays and disruptions.

Linarc's Critical Path Method Helps You Manage Projects Better

As a tool for project managers and stakeholders in the construction industry, CPM is invaluable for planning project timelines, allocating resources efficiently, and adapting to changes as they arise.

Linarc's collaborative construction management software platform provides real-time scheduling, resource allocation, and advanced analytics, all of which aid in implementing the Critical Path Method in construction projects. In addition, Linarc's critical path analysis and help with building a project timeline ensure that a project starts off on the right foot and is able to handle the bumps along the way.

To see how Linarc's software can help you implement the Critical Path Method to manage your construction projects more efficiently, sign-up for our 21-day free trial.