scheduling Archives - Page 2 of 2 - ContractingCoach.com

E506: Ask Coach – Dealing With Delays

July 25, 2016 TonyB 0 Comments

If you are having scheduling issues deal with them head on.

Q: The Prime Contractor is giving me a hard time about delaying the project. It’s not all my fault. How should I handle this.

A: Protect yourself at all times. Give notice when anything is delaying your progress, no matter how minor it seems.

We try to avoid it, but delays can happen
1. We plan to avoid them but sometimes things go wrong
2. Supplier ships the wrong materials or misses a delivery date
3. Prior sub does something incorrect that causes more work for you
Communication is key, your fault or not – be sure to let everyone know
1. Let you client know when something will impact the schedule
2. Don’t be a hero
3. Indicate possible impacts on all RFIs, Changes, Proposals, etc.
Correct course
1. If the delay is your fault do what you can to fix it
2. Keep progress moving forward, work with others to coordinate
3. Put in the extra effort to correct the schedule

E413: Managing The Schedule In The Field

March 16, 2016 TonyB 0 Comments

Good communication is key to managing a project schedule in the field.

Going from planning to execution
1. Gantt charts provide a high-level view of the schedule
2. Lack the details needed for proper field coordination
3. Make the connection and keep you projects on schedule
The troubles we encounter with typical Gantt chart schedules in the field
1. Overall project schedule is too vague for construction
2. Often lack the overlap and trade coordination
3. Misunderstood by the trades
Get it right with better communication
1. Field information needs more detail and is more task oriented
2. Field information needs to have milestones
3. Be clear on expectations

A great tool for this is a 3-Week Look-Ahead Schedule like the one provided in the resource tab.

E408: Work Sequencing And Trade Stacking

March 9, 2016 TonyB 0 Comments

Whan work sequencing fails we all lose. But, who’s to blame?

When work sequencing fails
1. Too many people in one area – too many cooks spoil the stew
2. Multiple mobilization
3. Lost production and further schedule slippage
Fix the problems not the symptoms – the root causes of most fails
1. Improper scheduling – no input or poor durations
2. Improper coordination on the front end and during construction
3. Communication breakdown when communicating schedule to the trades
4. Lack of accountability
Things we can all do to help (it’s a problem for all of us and will take all of us to fix it)
1. Planning
  1. Primes – get input from subs / trades
  2. Subs – give real feedback
2. Coordination
  1. Primes – Walk around and talk with subs / trades – engage communication
  2. Subs – work together as a team
3. Communication
  1. Primes – be clear about expectations
  2. Subs – be honest about durations and speak up early when there are delays
4. Everyone be more accountable – if you say something, do it

“Maximize your project schedule to maximize labor efficiency and profits.”

Let’s look at how we schedule projects for maximum productivity.

In today’s episode we review one of my favorite tools for managing a project, the 3-Week Look Ahead Schedule. This simple tool can help you keep your projects running smooth and on schedule. Best of all, it only takes a small amount of time to keep it up to date and accurate.

3Week Look Ahead Schedule

3Week Look Ahead Schedule Sample

Episode 28 Project Schedules

September 24, 2014 TonyB 0 Comments

Today we review the importance of having a project schedule and get into the basics of creating an accurate schedule for your projects.

Episode 27 Estimating Schedules

September 23, 2014 TonyB 0 Comments

In today’s episode we review the importance of maintaining a company resource schedule and comparing that to our estimating efforts to be sure we are bidding on the right projects at the right time.

scheduling