Time Line Forecast

• Contractors try to create a time line for how long the project will take. The forecast comes from taking the amount of labor available for the project and multiplying it by the amount of productivity that the contractor can get out of the labor. Since the project doesn't always move at the expected rate, with problems in the construction process leading to delays, contractors predict the deviations that may occur during the construction process.
  
  

Progress Assessment

• As contractors build, they must assess how well they're progressing through the construction process using measurement techniques, such as performing inventories of supplies and having construction workers estimate how long a task will take. By providing updates of the project process, clients can make decisions regarding the project, such as moving events farther into the future.
  
  

Estimation Software

• When using appropriate software, contractors can not only more efficiently simulate how long the project will take but can also provide simulations to help both the client and the builders understand the construction process through animations. Estimation software tracks planned dates and compares them to estimated dates. The software also predicts what will happen when managers make changes to the schedule. For example, if a client wants an additional feature added to the project, the estimation software can predict if the changes will put the project ahead or behind.
  
  

Progress Monitoring Systems

• To avoid running behind schedule, contractors often use progress monitoring systems that help them identify problems that can potentially lead to delays. Progress monitoring systems can include diaries of actions carried out at the work site, formalized reports and meetings held with various members working on the project. The manager asks questions to get an accurate assessment of the project's progress. Contractors must determine whether or not preventing the delay would be cost effective. Sometimes the problem that causes the delay leads to more expenses, while other times the effective best action can lead to expenses that are too high for the project. Progressive monitoring systems are not effective if the contractors don't notice a detail that could potentially become a problem.
  
  

Data Collection

• Those performing schedule management must continually collect data so that they can make predictions about potential mishaps. For example, project managers should collect data on weather patterns to determine if storms might prevent workers from carrying out the project or might even damage the project. By knowing the weather forecast, workers can take measures to protect the project in the event of a storm, such as putting tarps over the roof of a building to prevent water damage. Incorrect or unavailable information will make accurate forecasting more difficult. Data collection comes from various sources such as materials vendors, labor and managers assessing the site.
  
  

Schedule Adjustment

• Sometimes businesses need to change schedules. However, there's paperwork and approvals necessary to allow for this change. Schedule change control systems dictate how an individual goes about requesting a change. For example, workers might have managers that they must receive approval from before making changes to the project. They might also need to fill out appropriate paperwork and enter data into a database. The schedule change control system prevents workers from making changes that could damage the project.
  
  

Representative Bar Graphs

• Representative bar graphs can display the current project progress and the estimated project performance so that both contractors and clients can identify when slippage has occurred so that necessary steps can be taken to resolve the slowdown. Delays can come from problems such as bad weather, unexpected supplies shortages and human error, such as workers incorrectly mixing concrete material in the mixer.