Worried About Your Construction Project? Here’s Why It’s Not Finished Yet!

Worried about your construction project? Wondering why it’s taking longer than expected? In this blog, we’ll explore why most, if not all, construction projects that rely on the Critical Path Method (CPM) often run into issues around the two-thirds mark, leading to delays and frantic recovery efforts. We’ll also provide insight into why trades are stacked and burdened, the problems this causes, and what alternative approaches can be taken.

The Issue with CPM Scheduling

When it comes to project scheduling, many teams use the Critical Path Method (CPM), bar charts, or similar scheduling methods that aren’t time-by-location based. This often creates a disconnect between planned trade flow and actual project execution. 

In contrast, scheduling methods like Takt, which means rhythm or beat, focus on maintaining a steady trade flow through predefined zones of the project.

 When CPM scheduling is used, we often find ourselves rushing toward deadlines, stacking trades, and burdening crews in an attempt to stay on schedule. This results in inefficiencies, delays, and a chaotic project environment.

The Disadvantages of CPM Scheduling

In a typical CPM schedule, time runs across the top of the chart, and deliverables are listed on the left. The method involves tying sequences together in a logical manner to determine the longest path to project completion, known as the critical path.

 Unfortunately, this critical path is constantly changing, making it difficult to stay on top of project progress. The more activities and dependencies you add, the more complex the schedule becomes—often leading to confusion, delays, and inefficiencies.

Even worse, CPM doesn’t offer a solution to the problem. The only recourse is to either add resources or extend the project timeline—both of which can cause further complications. When you try to add resources beyond what’s actually needed, you end up extending the project even more, compounding the delays.

Trade Stacking and Burdening

One of the most harmful side effects of CPM scheduling is trade stacking, which occurs when multiple trades are forced to work simultaneously in several locations on-site. For example, a trade might be expected to work in ten different areas with only one crew. 

This leads to inefficiencies, as the crew simply doesn’t have the capacity to meet these demands. The result is a delay in progress, as the crew struggles to keep up with the workload. As the project progresses, the effects of trade stacking become more pronounced, creating a cascading effect of delays and inefficiencies that further prolong the project.

How CPM Causes Delays and Chaos

The rush to complete projects on time often starts at the beginning, with crews being pushed to work faster. However, this causes delays right from the start, leading to a domino effect where more resources are added to recover lost time, exacerbating the problem. 

Schedulers and supervisors start to dissolve logic in the schedule, trying to cram more work into already strained timelines. By the two-thirds point of the project, it’s clear that things have gone off track, and trades are being stacked and burdened more than ever.

By the time you reach this critical point, the project is in chaos. The increased workload exceeds your team’s capacity to complete the work efficiently, leading to a crash landing. The result is a significant amount of wasted resources, money, and time, with morale and productivity plummeting across the board.

Avoiding Project Delays: What You Should Do Instead

So, what’s the solution? The key lies in adopting Takt planning techniques and avoiding the pitfalls of CPM scheduling. Takt scheduling focuses on creating a smooth and steady flow of work, ensuring that trades can operate efficiently and in sequence. Here are some essential practices you can implement to prevent project delays:

1. Time-by-Location Scheduling: Always use a time-by-location format, where zones and trade flow are clearly defined and protected.
2. Pull Planning: At the start of each phase, engage in pull planning to ensure your sequence of work is optimized and makes sense for the team.
3. Level Work and Resources: Ensure that your trades and zones are leveled throughout the project to prevent stacking and overburdening.
4. Plan for Buffers: Incorporate buffers into your supply chain to maintain rhythm and prevent bottlenecks in your trade flow.
5. Look Ahead Planning: Implement six-week look-ahead planning to identify potential roadblocks early and ensure that your work is prepared and ready to execute.
6. Focus on Quality: Throughout the project, emphasize quality in every phase to reduce rework and ensure that your team is performing at its best.

Conclusion: Slow is Smooth, and Smooth is Fast

The key to success in construction project management is maintaining a steady, rhythmic flow throughout the project. By adopting Takt scheduling, pull planning, and maintaining a focus on quality and flow, you can prevent the delays and issues that are so common with CPM scheduling. Remember, a smooth and controlled approach will always result in faster and more efficient project completion.
Feel free to adjust any sections to match your style or specific project focus!