How to Track Progress and Solve Problems on a Construction Site
Tracking progress and solving problems on a construction site is no small task. In this blog, we’ll explore the most effective systems available today — not just the traditional ones, but those that actually help field teams execute better and faster.
This topic came from a listener question, and it’s one I’m especially excited to answer because so many teams struggle with ineffective methods.
What Doesn’t Work and Why:
Before we dive into what does work, let’s quickly cover what doesn’t:
- Critical Path Method (CPM): It doesn’t provide real-time or accurate feedback and leads to pushing work rather than planning it intelligently.
- Earned Value Management (EVM): Measures cost efficiency, not actual production or quality.
- Labor tracking: Doesn’t account for productivity or actual output.
- Drone flyovers and worker movement tracking: Promising, but still evolving.
- Baseline comparisons: Lock you into plans that can’t adapt to field realities.
- Percent Plan Complete (PPC): Useful only when paired with Takt and continuous improvement otherwise, it’s just a lagging indicator.
The KPIs That Actually Matter:
To really understand progress and proactively solve problems, focus on these KPIs:
- Roadblock Removal Average: Measures how many days before impact you resolve roadblocks identified in your look-ahead planning. The higher the number, the more proactive your team is.
- Remaining Buffer Ratio: Tells you how much schedule buffer you have left compared to what you should have at a given point. If it’s under 1, you’re at risk.
- Perfect Handoff Percentage: Tracks how often trade-to-trade handoffs go smoothly. A high score here (ideally over 80%) reflects clear coordination and preparation.
The Mother of All Tracking Systems: Zone Control Walks:
The best way to monitor actual progress? Visual control.
Set up zone maps and logistics boards on the wall of your conference room. Do daily zone control walks each morning to inspect handoff areas. These handoffs are the heartbeat of progress.
Then, before your afternoon foreman huddle, mark problems visually on the zone maps with red dots or magnets. These problems become the only agenda. You’re not asking how many people are on-site — you’re solving issues before they stall work.
The Two Keys to Progress and Problem Solving:
- Know your handoff status every day through zone walks.
- Solve problems visually with the trades before they impact tomorrow’s work.
If you implement this system, not only will you track progress more accurately, but your team will actively solve problems in real time a true game-changer.
Key Takeaway:
Tracking progress through daily zone walks and solving problems visually with the trades is far more effective than relying on outdated metrics like CPM or EVM — real-time visibility and proactive collaboration are the keys to project success.
If you want to learn more we have:
-Takt Virtual Training: (Click here)
-Check out our Youtube channel for more info: (Click here)
-Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: (Click here)
-Check out our training programs and certifications: (Click here)
-The Takt Book: (Click here)
Discover Jason’s Expertise:
Meet Jason Schroeder, the driving force behind Elevate Construction IST. As the company’s owner and principal consultant, he’s dedicated to taking construction to new heights. With a wealth of industry experience, he’s crafted the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp – intensive training programs engineered to cultivate top-tier leaders capable of steering their teams towards success. Jason’s vision? To expand his training initiatives across the nation, empowering construction firms to soar to unprecedented levels of excellence.
On we go
