How to Simplify Construction Scheduling in 4 Easy Steps

The construction schedule acts as the foundation for a successful construction project. Like maps that guide drivers towards the right road, the construction schedule details

• Who needs to complete what tasks
• Where on the jobsite tasks are assigned
• When tasks need to be finished
• What order tasks should be completed

A well-structured construction schedule enables construction professionals to manage resources more efficiently and prevent potential setbacks before they become major issues. An alarming 75% of commercial construction projects are delayed or overbudget, often due to mismanagement of construction schedules. But those schedules also hold the potential solution. Construction companies unwittingly collect significant amounts of valuable data through scheduling tools [1].

Whether you’re a dispatch manager, project manager or superintendent, you know the pivotal role project schedules play. Effective scheduling is the backbone of a successful job. However, the complexities of construction scheduling can be overwhelming and there are many different factors to consider when developing a construction schedule. To help alleviate some of the challenges, CrewHQ is detailing four easy steps you can take to simplify this process.

Key Takeaways:

• Using construction scheduling software helps provide visibility into the jobsite.
• To streamline scheduling, foster a collaborative approach among team members.
• Establishing task sequencing and creating task dependencies in the construction schedule can be beneficial.
• Setting up a real-time alert system makes it easier to make schedule changes on the fly.
• CrewHQ is a labor resource management app that prevents the overallocation of crew and equipment.

1. Use Construction Scheduling Software

Construction scheduling software provides visibility into what’s happening on the jobsite. By detailing the inner workings of the construction jobsite such as where tasks need to be completed and where crews are working on the site, allows for visibility across project progress. Software also allows for greater control over the schedule by having access to it on your device. This can allow you to shift schedules around with a click of the button and adjust timelines in seconds.

Using advanced scheduling software can help you:

• Stay organized
• Communicate schedule changes effectively with your team
• Track the progress of the project by the tasks that are completed

Contractors looking to avoid project delays should invest in advanced scheduling software designed specifically for the construction industry. These tools provide a centralized platform that allows for collaboration in real-time, helping to align crew schedules with changing project needs.

Most software contains features such as automated task assignment, resource tracking and customizable calendars to simplify the scheduling process. Access to these resources not only reduces the likelihood of errors but also enhances overall efficiency.

2. Implement Collaborative Communication

Construction projects involve multiple crew members, each with their own set of responsibilities. To streamline scheduling, foster a collaborative approach among team members by encouraging open communication and information sharing on the jobsite. Whether that’s a centralized chat dashboard, a communication messaging app or an email chain, this will help to keep crew members up to date.

Establishing a single communication hub can help facilitate the exchange of accurate information amongst team members. This collaborative mindset ensures that everyone is on the same page regarding project timelines, resource allocation and potential project changes. This helps prevent double booking crew members, overuse of limited resources and keeps tasks completed up to date. Regular meetings and status updates can significantly improve coordination and mitigate scheduling conflicts.

3. Prioritize Task Sequencing and Dependencies

One of the difficulties about completing a construction project is that often times certain tasks can’t be completed until others are. Which is why task sequencing and creating task dependencies in the construction schedule can be beneficial.

For example, pouring the foundation must precede framing because a structure needs a solid base to support the framework. Understanding and managing task dependencies are crucial for creating an organized and efficient schedule, ensuring that each activity is performed in a sequence that optimizes resources.

Clearly outline the relationships between different project tasks to avoid bottlenecks and delays. Prioritize tasks based on their dependencies, ensuring that each step is completed in the most efficient order to avoid complications. This strategic approach minimizes jobsite downtime and helps accelerate project timelines.

4. Set Up an Alert System

Setting up real-time alerts makes it significantly easier to make schedule changes on the fly. Real-time alerts monitor the construction schedule, sending timely warnings about potential delays, resource conflicts and budget overruns before they derail a project. This early awareness empowers you to react swiftly, taking corrective action to mitigate issues, save costs and keep your project on track.

Real time alerts can also help keep the team notified and up to date on changes. With the improved communication these alerts provide, you can increase accountability across the jobsite while maintaining project timelines. This will help contribute to the overall success of construction projects by promoting a well-organized scheduling environment.

See How You Can Improve Your Construction Scheduling with CrewHQ

Simplifying construction scheduling requires a combination of technology, collaboration, strategic planning and adaptability. By implementing these four easy steps, you can enhance efficiency, reduce errors and contribute to the overall success of your projects, all while staying within your set timeline.

And if you’re looking for a labor resource management app that allows you to prevent overallocation of crew and equipment, stay in control of distributions with improved resource management and automatically notify employees of jobs, you need CrewHQ!

[1] Pink, M. (2021b, November 7). Unlocking the true power of Construction Schedule Data. Construction Executive Technology. https://constructionexec.com/article/unlocking-the-true-power-of-construction-schedule-data