When it comes to managing construction, many project managers and general contractors utilize techniques called “schedule compression” that aim to complete the work faster than planned and get the job done faster without compromising its quality. This list includes two methods: fast-tracking and project-breaking. These methods are often used to change a project’s plan when it is behind schedule or needs to be finished early.
In this article, let us examine fast-tracking, how it works, and how it differs from other ways of managing a project’s plan and scope.
What is Fast Track Construction?
In a nutshell, when you fast-track, you do project tasks simultaneously instead of one after the other to finish them faster. This is a way to compress your project plan and complete it earlier than planned without skipping steps. It often works as an emergency plan in case they get behind schedule. This helps teams finish project work faster than planned in the project schedule.
Since a construction project involves a million moving parts, there are some tasks in a project that depend on others and can only begin once the work comes before it is finished. In this case, you might need help fast-tracking these tasks. However, if project activities do not overlap, fast-tracking is a good option because it generally has a small cost impact. This is different from project crashing, which uses more resources like labor, machinery, or equipment to finish tasks faster.
However, moving tasks around in your project to get them done faster can make it more dangerous. Now that all the functions are being done at once, project managers may need to rethink the project and how they assign work and resources. If the project is sped up without careful planning, it could lead to more risks, delaying the end deadline.
When Should You Consider Fast Tracking Your Project?
Yes, the goal of every project manager is to complete the project on time or even earlier. However, before you speed up a project timeline, ask yourself five questions:
- Does the project schedule include all of the jobs that are part of the project’s scope?
- Have the links between project tasks been found?
- Could you list the project’s goals, resources needed, and priorities?
- How well do you work with stakeholders?
- Does the project have control, governance, and a way to handle problems?
A Comprehensive Guide to Fast Tracking a Construction Project
Now that you have decided to fast-track your project let’s examine the steps you need to take to complete it more efficiently and effectively.
Finalize Your Project Goals
The first step in fast-tracking is to list the goals and what can be done. Before you can move forward, you need to know what you can do and what the job’s goal is.
Find Your Critical Path
Start by reviewing your weekly schedule and listing all the critical path tasks that could be completed simultaneously.
That being the case, the longest time that those jobs could take to finish would be the longest time that they could take to finish.
Identify Task Dependencies
Next, find any tasks in the project that depend on each other. If one job has to end or start before another can, you cannot possibly work on them at the same time. Identify your critical path and check which tasks are essential for completion.
Find Areas Where You Can Fast-Track
After that, look at the project plan and find areas where you can speed things up, like tasks that can be done simultaneously without harming the project. You can also identify which tasks can be compressed and finished faster. You can do this by writing down all your options, such as which things can be changed and which cannot. Think about these things as you plan the project’s schedule and decide what can be sped up and what can’t.
Consult With Your Team
It would help if you didn’t make these choices by yourself. Before moving forward:
- Make sure everyone on the team and in the situation agrees.
- Before you start, get buy-in and make sure everyone is on the same page.
- Utilize technology such as construction project management software to help bridge the gap between the office and the field.
Monitor Progress and Performance
Finally, monitor progress and performance as you would with any job. Identify problems as they occur and act quickly to fix them.
Pros of Fast-Tracking Construction Projects
Fast-tracking does have some advantages, but project managers would not even consider using it when they need to get things done faster.
Better Use of Resources
One reason why project managers speed up projects is to make better use of resources more efficiently. Fast-track projects can help make up for lost time or get the job done faster if that is what is needed. This will allow you to meet specific goals that might have yet to be possible with the original plan.
Cut Down Costs and Schedules
Fast-track building is a good idea because it can reduce costs and project times. If you plan this well, your job can be finished faster and for less money without compromising its quality. Getting jobs done faster is a great way to reach your money goals.
Speed Up Project Delivery
With fast-track construction, different project parts can be worked on simultaneously, even before the plan is finished. Some parts do not have to be done in order, and they can be done simultaneously. Shortening the building schedule can help get things to market faster and meet needs earlier.
Competitive Advantages
If the company releases projects early, it has a better chance of coming up with ground-breaking ideas and standing out from the competition.
Cons of Fast-Tracking Construction Projects
While fast-tracking has many advantages, it also has some disadvantages.
Problems with the Critical Path
When you work on several things at once, you need to know a lot about the critical path and have a lot of different skills and information. Even experienced project managers can make mistakes if they plan fast-tracking and need to remember to include some tasks that are very important to the project’s progress.
Repeat Work
Sometimes, tasks get out of order because someone is busy or needs more time to understand the job thoroughly. There is also a chance that mistakes will be made when one of the jobs is carried out, putting the whole project schedule at risk. You must coordinate with your team regarding the expectations for their work and help them understand the big picture.
Stress and Burnout
Stress and burnout can happen when you work on too many things simultaneously. Most projects, especially in construction, have to-do lists complete with goals and due dates. The project team will have even more work to do if the project is fast-tracked. The person in charge of the project must work to keep the team motivated while keeping the plan tight. Before you change the critical path, make sure you are a good leader.
Problems and Risks
No one has the time or energy to properly oversee and control the whole process when things are busy and in a hurry. It is a real risk that makes projects hard to work on, even when they are moving slowly. And risks usually go unseen until they do damage because they are not being checked on often enough. Construction software can help you keep track of your project’s quality and see which areas may need some assistance.
Skills You Will Need to Be Able To Fast-Track Construction Projects
The idea of fast-tracking construction projects may seem intimidating at first, but the benefits can outweigh the risks in the long run if you plan and implement them well. Finally, we made a short list of skills that project managers should have to plan and carry out fast-tracking well.
Optimism
It takes work to finish projects smoothly. During the process, one must stay upbeat and be open to what is going on.
As we try to move the job along quickly, some problems are bound to arise. It is critical to be optimistic and keep an open mind when evaluating the project.
Motivate The Team
Stress, problems, and roadblocks can make the team lose motivation and ruin their chances of success if they get angry or upset. A good leader can always keep the team’s spirits high and help them through tough times.
Communication and Collaboration
A project manager’s job is to talk to everyone. They will have to work with many people for an extended period, including the team, vendors, clients, business users, and trade partners. With fast tracking in play, it is also essential to be able to talk, bargain, and explain everything quickly and clearly.
Key Takeaway
Fast-tracking is a great way to shorten your schedule when you need to get ahead of the game, especially in construction. Its strengths are that it is easy to use and focuses on saving money by not requiring extra resources. However, this method does have its disadvantages, and it could lead to some problems. It is critical to be able to plan efficiently and effectively to make it work and keep your project from failing.
