How To Track Construction Progress

In this blog, I’ll share the real way to track progress on your construction project and what you should focus on for accurate measurements. You’ll also learn what not to do and why certain traditional methods can actually harm your progress. Let’s dive in!

Why Critical Path Method Isn’t Helpful

Measuring the critical path of a project might seem helpful, but it’s not. A critical path creates a network of activities, but it doesn’t support trade flow. Instead, it increases the work in process, which will extend the project’s overall duration.                                                                                             

It’s also not easily visible and will change multiple times. The fallacy is that you can always identify your most critical activities and apply extra resources to speed them up, which isn’t realistic.

What you should be using is the Takt production system, along with Takt plans, never CPM. This method allows for smoother operations and better results.

Why You Shouldn’t Use Earned Value Management (EVM)

EVM might seem like a good way to measure project progress based on money spent, but this isn’t effective. It encourages spending more money quickly, which leads to production losses—too many people on-site, too many materials, and a rush that causes panic. These problems inevitably slow the project down.

Other poor measurements include float trends and slippage reports. Float trends, especially in a CPM schedule, are inaccurate as they can dissolve logic and gain false float. Slippage reports just tell you what you already know—you’re behind schedule. They don’t offer any solutions or measurements to help recover.

Avoid These Other Useless Measurements

• Percent Plan Complete (PPC): This metric can be helpful in the right context, but not in CPM. It doesn’t provide real data or help measure progress within a production system.
• Budget: Measuring based on budget can cause teams to cut costs and overlook proper planning. The lowest bid is rarely the lowest cost, and cutting costs doesn’t equal project success.
• Few Issues: If a team reports having few issues, it often means they’re hiding problems, which will only create bigger issues later.
• Baselines: Baselines are static and unrealistic. They force the project to stay locked into an outdated schedule that doesn’t reflect the reality of the field. If you change the schedule, you can no longer compare it to the baseline, rendering the comparison meaningless.
• Emotional Measurements: Basing project success on how the owner or architect feels about progress is a flawed metric. Real-world success should be measured by data, not emotions.

What You Should Measure

Now, let’s focus on what actually works.

1. Manage Handoffs in the Takt Production System

A handoff occurs when one trade finishes in a zone, and another takes over, ensuring a smooth flow from zone to zone. A great way to measure progress is to track the percentage of successful handoffs. Ideally, you want this number to be above 80%.

2. Track Roadblocks Removed

Tracking the removal of roadblocks is crucial. Look ahead at least six weeks and identify any potential roadblocks. Measure how far in advance you can remove them before they impact the project. Aim for a removal average of five to 15 days, which helps maintain flow and prevents delays.

3. Monitor Milestones and Inch stones

Milestones help track progress on a larger scale, while inch stones track smaller markers along the way. Monitoring both ensures you’re on track and can adjust if necessary. This method allows you to see how well you’re hitting your milestones and inch stones, providing a more detailed look at your project’s progress.

4. Measure Production or Trade Flow

In a Takt system, monitoring the flow of trades from one zone to another is vital. If one activity overruns, it will cascade down to the next, creating delays. Tracking repetitive activities allows you to spot issues early and make adjustments before they escalate.

5. Ensure Work Is Made Ready

One of the most important aspects of progress tracking is ensuring work is ready to go. This involves making sure the necessary labor, tools, equipment, materials, and permits are available when needed. A project that’s well-prepared is more likely to stay on track and meet its deadlines.

Conclusion

By focusing on these real metrics—successful handoffs, roadblocks removed, milestone tracking, production flow, and readiness—you’ll have a much clearer picture of your project’s progress. These metrics provide actionable insights, allowing you to make necessary adjustments and keep things moving efficiently. Avoid the flawed traditional methods and stick to a data-driven approach. It’s all about thinking, not guessing!