CPM Scheduling in Construction

The Critical Path Method (CPM) is the most commonly used technique for construction scheduling. The critical path refers to the longest stretch of the activities. The duration of the critical path method represents the time required to complete a construction project.

The critical path method helps to decide the following things:

• The duration to complete an activity
• The dependencies between the activities
• The tasks required to complete the project

Why is CPM scheduling important?

The use of CPM scheduling is essential in construction projects. CPM schedules will help you identify the activities required to complete the project. It will help to determine the critical activities that can’t be delayed.

The CPM schedule also indicates float for each activity that identifies how much the activities can be delayed without causing the project delay.

CPM Schedule Elements

To understand the critical path method scheduling, it is essential to understand the elements of a CPM schedule. The important elements are:

• Earliest Start Date
• Latest Start Date
• Earliest Finish Date
• Latest Finish Date
• Total Float
• Crash Duration

Earliest Start Date

It is the earliest date a specific task can begin in a project. The earliest start date for the first activity in a project is usually the project’s overall earliest start date.

Latest Start Date

It is the latest date a task can start without causing a delay to the project. The whole project will be affected if an activity doesn’t start at the latest start date.

Earliest Finish Date

The earliest date a task can be completed is the earliest finish date.

Latest Finish Date

It is the latest possible date that each task can be completed such that the project finish date remains the same.

Total Float

The total float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without causing a delay in the project’s deadline. Total float is the difference between the project’s late and early dates. Total float is calculated using the formulas given below:

Total Float = Late Finish Date – Early Finish Date

Total Float = Late Start Date – Early Start Date

Crash Duration

It is the shortest time necessary to complete a task. Crashing is done by enhancing the project’s resources, which helps make tasks take less time than planned.

CPM Scheduling Software

Project management software will help to create a CPM schedule efficiently and accurately. Manual scheduling is impossible in construction projects as the number of activities is enormous. Popular CPM scheduling software includes:

• Primavera P-6
• Microsoft Project
• Smartsheet

The software will assist in breaking the project down into tasks and setting important task details. These programs will automatically create a network diagram and the Gantt Chart.

End Notes

CPM scheduling helps manage all types of construction projects. Leopard Project Controls should be your priority if you are looking for cost-effective CPM Scheduling Consultation, including baseline schedule development, resource & cost schedule management, progress update & reporting, earned value management, and schedule review support.