A recent survey found that only 30% of construction project managers finish their projects on time and within the allocated budget. 70% of these managers say delayed project completion is due to poor job site coordination.
Other reasons include poor communication with sub-contractors, lack of accurate project tracking, and non-adherence to the construction schedule.
Using a construction schedule can help you stay ahead of any potential delays, keep all stakeholders informed, and complete the project on time. You can check out the article written by Bridgit on good construction scheduling software platforms.
Then, collaborate with your workforce in real-time using the same software and ensure adherence to the schedule. In this guide, we discuss the benefits of using a construction schedule.
What is a construction schedule?
A construction schedule is a timeline of activities that determines the sequence in which resources, materials, and labor will be used in a construction project. It typically includes:
- Activity descriptions
- Start and end dates
- Interdependencies (logical relationships between activities)
- Resources required
- Assumptions & constraints
The construction scheduler should consider numerous factors to develop the schedule, such as labor availability, material lead times, and weather. For example, the scheduler should look at the weather forecast to determine when the weather will be most favorable for certain activities, such as pouring concrete or installing a new roof.
7 benefits of using a construction schedule
There are many benefits of using a construction schedule. Here are seven of them:
#1 Fewer surprises down the line
Construction is a messy business, especially without proper planning and scheduling. Without pipeline planning, the crew could be making decisions on the fly. Consequently, the project will face delays and incur extra costs. This highlights the importance of project production management, which involves strategic planning, efficient resource allocation, and meticulous scheduling to ensure smooth project execution and minimize the risk of unexpected delays derailing the entire project.
With a construction schedule, all the assigned tasks are calculated ahead of time. It helps construction managers and crews anticipate issues and make adjustments before they happen.
#2 Maximize quality control
Quality control is an important aspect of construction management. When you schedule a project, you can sequence the work properly, ensuring you have the right personnel, materials, and resources available at the right time.
#3 Enhance coordination efforts
Everyone on a construction site, from the construction managers to the subcontractors and vendors, need to work together. But it cannot really happen if all parties do not know what to do or when to do it.
A construction schedule eliminates this issue. It sets the tone for the project, letting everyone know when they have to fulfill their designated roles on the construction site.
#4 Gives planning time to stakeholders
Designers, architects, vendors, and subcontractors are some of the parties working on a construction project. When you create a schedule beforehand, you give everyone enough time to plan their tasks and materials.
For example, if the schedule has already highlighted when the materials need to arrive on-site, the vendors and subcontractors have enough time to prepare the resources.
#5 Gives lead time for buying materials
If you do not have a construction schedule, you might need to buy materials on the spot. You might have to pay a higher price for these materials. Or they may be unavailable.
But scheduling the project in advance gives you enough lead time to buy materials at a reasonable price. You can also research and find better options.
A construction schedule also helps you save on materials costs by ensuring all ordered materials are used correctly and not wasted.
#6 Improved safety
Scheduling allows you to plan tasks in such a way that hazards can be avoided. You can also plan for certain safety measures to be taken during the construction process, such as providing protective gear, maintaining proper hygiene, etc.
Moreover, you can also include breaks and rest periods into the schedule to ensure that everyone is well-rested for their shifts.
#7 High productivity levels
When people don’t know what to do next, they tend to get antsy and lose focus. But a construction schedule outlines all the tasks in advance. It gives each team member something to plan and prepare for.
For instance, the crew can use the schedule to identify areas where they need additional help or equipment. They can also prepare themselves for intensive tasks like welding or roofing.
How to schedule a construction project
Gone are the days when paper-based scheduling was the norm. Today, construction scheduling software is a must for any successful construction project. The global market penetration of scheduling apps saw a rise of 20% in 2021 and 2022. Here are some reasons to choose construction scheduling software.
A central hub of information
Construction projects generate a lot of information regularly. While some of this information has to be shared with other parties, the rest needs to be documented or tracked in one place.
Scheduling software provides a central hub of information, making it easier to share and track project-related data. Everyone can also get real-time project updates.
Integrations
Many scheduling software platforms allow integrations with other data management tools, like Excel and MS Project. Some may also let you use in-app video conferencing integrations with popular video streaming platforms like Zoom and Skype.
These integrations make it easier to share project-related information with team members and clients without having to switch between different tools or platforms.
Project management
Scheduling software keeps track of tasks, resources, and the overall progress of a project. It allows project managers to focus on the details and make sure all tasks are completed on time. It also enables secure document sharing among team members, which reduces the risk of miscommunication and delays.
Cost analysis
Construction managers can use scheduling software to analyze cost data such as labor costs, equipment rentals, and subcontractor expenses. They can use this information to avoid cost overruns and stay within budget.
Conclusion
Having a construction schedule streamlines project completion and keeps everyone on the same page. It also increases productivity and reduces waste or delays.
Construction scheduling software is handy in helping your team stay organized and on track. It offers a central hub of information, integrations with other data management tools, project management options, and cost analysis to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.
