Construction Project Scheduling

It is generally a mechanism for communicating about the tasks has to do and the organizational resources that will be assigned to complete all those tasks in the given time.

In simple words, a project schedule is a kind of document that gathers all the important works so that project can be delivered on time. A project is a collection of many tasks where each task has a fixed start and end to complete it in time though people have different schedules and their every detail need to be documented in order to successfully plan those tasks.

In past time, the project schedules were printed on calendars on a shared wall in the water-cooler room or shared spreadsheets via email buy in today’s scenario, most of the teams use online project scheduling tools.

As in the current scenario, most of the projects have many moving parts and they are continuously changing; so project scheduling software automatically upgrades tasks which are dependable and can’t completed on time. Besides that, it also provides automated email alerts so that team members can be aware about their scheduled tasks’ time and manager will know when someone’s availability has changed.

Methods to schedule a project: The following steps will discuss how a project is scheduled -

• Specifying Activities: there are lot of activities in every project and at first the important ones need to be listed, here a Work Breakdown Structure or WBS and a deliverable diagram will help to start these activities and to arrange them by projecting the necessary tasks to fulfill them in a right order.

• Make the estimates: After having the defined activities and dividing them into tasks, the project manager has to decide the time and effort to complete them in order to calculate the right schedule.
• Design dependencies: Tasks should be only started after completing the existed ones and it is the task dependency that is reflected in the schedule through these linked tasks. So make sure that the important ones should be on the top of the schedule to complete the project on time.

• Assign resources: At last, the project manager has to finalize the planned schedule as per the needed resources to complete those tasks on time. Make a team; assign them in the project so that all the tasks will be completed together on time.
Maintaining the schedule after the project is started: After scheduling every little object in a project, they need to be manually punched into an Excel Spreadsheet and any project management software can automate much of the process for the manager. There are some programs on the market that are useful for easy scheduling duties and while a project; the managers often need a tool that can fit with the variety of scheduling issues that need to track.

• Scheduling tasks: The project manager has to know about smart software that help to give enough flexibility for controlling many responsibilities attached with every tasks in the project. He can either add tasks and dates into the Gantt chart to keep a visual image of each task’s duration and if the dates change, they can be automated by simple drag and drop with the changes. The email notifications are a great way to keep the track of completing task and the update will be done automatically.
• Scheduling people: To complete all the tasks on time a project manager should assemble all the tasks at first and assemble a team which must be scheduled as per the task list to manage the project. A manager should be aware that team members may take holidays, personal vacation or days and he should schedule the project’s task list so that other team members can pick up the slow in their absence so that the schedule will not suffer. He can keep the task scheduling view on the Gantt chart with resource and workload scheduling features.
• Scheduling projects: Making a project dashboard will help to manage the tasks to be completed in a clean and easy way without any interruption or problems, in addition that he can also use the graphs and charts the dashboard that generate to drill down deeper and customize the results to provide the right information on the right time.

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Duties of a Construction Manager

Construction sites are risky and full of responsibilities and as a construction manager, it is his responsibility to set and keep right schedules, auditing finances and keeping eye on everyone about their work and needs. The manager has to make sure about the workers that the workplace is free of safety hazards and work with different working relationships in a job site.

And for securing it properly, the managers need to overlook and lead a range of building projects from start to end. Construction works on the design between the smaller renovation and remodeling jobs for larger commercial projects such as office buildings, hospitals and schools.

In America it is seen that nearly 75% of the construction managers are free contractors and hired by various clients in need of managers with definite work experience. The number of that kind of clients are increasing and demanding an educational background for their managers included a bachelor’s degree in the related field.

Difference between Construction Manager and General Contractor: Though both the terms are generally used interchangeably, they have specific differences. Generally the construction managers are associated in a given project from start to end, help their clients with basic planning with the selection of the project’s general contractor and architect. Construction managers sometimes serve in a separate capacity as the general contractor. In other hand a general contractor is responsible to provide all kinds of material, labor, engineering vehicles and tools and services which are crucial for the construction of the project. They hire professional subcontractors for doing all or parts of the construction work.

Responsibilities of a Construction Manager: A construction manager has to perform certain tasks or responsibilities like:

Quality management: Sometimes some contractors and subcontractors need to involve in construction projects. Most importantly a construction manager has to ensure the quality work of everyone without cutting any corners.

Quality management: It is important to keep an estimate of the cost and a good construction manager will always works on the costs and makes the needful adjustments if any unexpected complications or issues become arise.

Safety management: It is important to keep the capability for identifying and eliminating possible safety hazards in th4e job site for everyone’s good.

Contract administration: A good contractor need to take care that every arrangement as per the contract should be met and the involved parties are also happy.

Besides all of these things, a construction manager has to keep involved all the parties and well informed during the whole project. It will include the client, the architect and contractor or sub contractor also and in case of any rising issue the manager has to take his position to deal with the things instantly.

Becoming a Construction Manager: A construction manager has to be involved in more things, than only reading blueprints or spot-checking the quality of the work that has done. A good manager must have knowledge about all kind of standard building codes and understand the importance of green culture. The managers have to be adept with the industry-specific software with a good working knowledge of all kinds of the job. As work experience is not enough, the managers should have a bachelor’s degree in construction science, civil engineering or construction management.

They also should keep knowledge over statistics, mathematics, and architecture and information technology with specialized training in designing and planning, enforcement of building codes, scheduling and cost estimation. They possess awesome communication skills with a leading capability of a diverse team where will be different people like from site workers to the client to the designers, architects and tradesman. As the construction site is a hazard place the managers need to have the ability to do multitask works.

For more information please visit thebalance.com

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Published By
Rajib Dey
www.constructioncost.co
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FreeCPM – A web based, easy to use online scheduling solution

FreeCPM is a web based, free, completely operative and strong CPM scheduling application toward the Construction Industry. This construction application can enhance construction schedule management process. FreeCPM facilitates several project members to access, interact, manage and create project schedules without any difficulty. The users can access FreeCPM through any device and transfer schedule information directly to the jobsite and at the same time transfer updated information directly from the jobsite, in real time.

FreeCPM can reduce project costs and enhance the ROI of any Construction Project

With FreeCPM, the construction team can remain on track by making updates automatically in real time.

To get more information on this newest scheduling application, visit www.freecpm.com

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Published By

Rajib Dey

www.constructioncost.co

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Balancing Risk and Cost to Make Projects Survive Severe Weather

Buildings collapsing due to storms, heavy rainfall, floods and other natural calamities highlight the significance of the steps that require to be incorporated in building projects that can actually withstand and survive severe weather conditions. Contractors need to focus on the precautionary steps that must be taken in order to protect buildings from natural hazards.

It is important to invest money on the prevention measures than at remedial works after a calamity. Just as Network Rail that has been asked by the Office of Rail Regulation to make sure that each region of the UK offers climate resilience plan by September this year, it is essential that proper plan is followed and remedial factors are focused. According to the Highways Agency, preventive measures are a priority now in relation to climate change adaptation.

The precautionary measures should strike a balance between risk and cost. It is of course a matter of debate as to check the probability of an event to take expensive preventive steps or the same expense should be invested elsewhere. With the increasing problem of heavy rain and floods recently, clients want to ensure the safety and protect their assets.

Contractors can take various steps to help-out clients. For an attractive bid, contractors should make it clear to the potential client that the whole-life cost of a project has been calculated and the weather conditions have been modeled and considered.

They can also set their business apart by offering advice on strengthening all kinds of construction projects against adverse weather conditions. Thus they can leave behind a legacy for the future generation with a bridge, rail, road, infrastructure system etc. that have survived the worst weather conditions.

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Published By

Tuhin Maity

www.quantity-takeoff.com

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Labour Cost Estimation

Labour cost estimation helps in understanding how much hiring and paying a labour influences the employer’s benefits costs, insurance premiums, payroll tax contributions and others. Estimating direct cost estimation includes various methods following which the entire procedure becomes much simpler. Following the below mentioned instructions would help in estimating labour charges accurately and preparing a precise budget for a project:

• It is crucial to estimate the number of labour required to complete the project. The estimation should be created with regard to each phase of construction.
• Apart from number of labour, labour hours required for the completion of each phase of the construction, should also be estimated. Labour hours should be multiplied by the number of workers required to complete each steps. This would help in attaining a detailed list of each step and the probable time needed for completion of each.
• Calculation of the wages paid to the labour ought to be done as wages are a part of direct labour cost. Wages vary for each labour, like an experienced and skilled framer would receive higher wage than an inexperienced helper. Labour hour should be sorted as per wage level and should be assigned to each worker performing the work.
• Before preparing a labour estimation, cost estimator should always consider unforeseen issues that may arise. This helps in handling unknown issues and saves expenses and prevents delay in completing the project. It is one of the most critical part of estimating, one cannot judge what kind of issues may arise and at what level of the construction. If certain material is unavailable, labours at work may not be able to work but nevertheless, they must be paid their wage.
• Non- building labour hours that include, workers sent to get extra materials like, paint, nail etc. should be considered while estimating labour cost and hence a reasonable number of hours for non-building requirements must be added.

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Published by Tuhin Maity
CAD Drafter & Designer
www.quantity-takeoff.com
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Gantt Chart and its various applications in construction projects

Gantt Chart is considered as a most powerful tool that can be applied to a construction project for efficient planning and scheduling. It is one kind of bar chart which demonstrates the schedule of a project along with start and end dates of activities & a synopsis of activities.

With Gantt chart the project managers get assurance that the project schedule is sustained at a logical pace, and the individual assignments that frame the work breakdown schedule reasonably developed in a efficient way ensuing the successful completion of the project in timely manner.

The diversified applications of Gantt chart range from outlining a marketing strategy or setting up a building project.

The Gantt chart can provide the following benefits:

• Gantt chart is utilized to highlight phases and activities associated with a project.
• The critical points on the chart are pointed out with bold or colored outlines of the bars.
• An updated Gantt chart facilitates to deal with the project efficiently and solve the schedule issues.
• Computer software can streamline the process for creating and updating a Gantt chart.

The Gantt chart can be applied to set up superiority network that finds out the priority level of each assignment concerning the project. Besides, the chart also appraises the dependency relationships of all the tasks. Both these features can lead to successful execution of the project by arranging and projecting the completion time of diverse tasks in a superior manner with a logical progression.

The chart also assists to characterize the tasks to be accomplished in tandem and identify the tasks which cannot be addressed unless other tasks are completely finished. This function facilitates to project both the sequence and the extent of each task associated with the project.

There are various applications of Gantt charts in construction sectors. Gantt charts should be applied by undergoing the following conditions:

• To convey plan or status concerning a construction project.
• To supervise tasks inside a project.
• To communicate the sequence and extent of exact tasks or process from a construction project,
• To reveal which tasks rely on execution of earlier tasks.

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Published by 
Rajib Dey
Content Writer
www.quantity-takeoff.com (Get all types of estimating sheets, softwares, directory, news, building codes)

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Substantial growth and opportunities for Florida contractors with the Construction Management Development Program

Construction Estimating Institute (CEI), who offers construction training programs nationwide, had acquired a contract with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), to initiate the Construction Management Development Program (CMDP) and Bond Guarantee Program (BGP). The programs are intended for small businesses and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), who are looking for bid and executing construction work, to give them proper training and assistance.

The training will commence on Tuesday, September 24th in Orlando, repeated on Thursday, September 26th in Fort Lauderdale with the launch of “Your Road to Working with FDOT” seminars. Attendees will acquire knowledge on how to make their companies get ready to participate in competitive bidding on FDOT construction projects.

By attending this seminar one can learn how to bid public work, finding jobs in your area, gaining access to the FDOT website as well as achieving FDOT backed bonds. There will be also arrangement for training towards small businesses in the arena of plan reading and estimating, constructing and submitting bids, project planning and scheduling, and elementary business operations.

In order to register your seat, contact with CEI at phone: 1-800-423-7058, fax: 1-941-346-0221

email: info@estimating.org

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Published by 
Rajib Dey
Content Writer
www.quantity-takeoff.com (Get all types of estimating sheets, softwares, directory, news, building codes)

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Corecon Technologies offers free licence for newly launched cloud based construction software alias Corecon V7

Colleges and Universities that offer Construction Management or similar specializations now have the opportunity to avail the free Corecon V7 cloud-based estimating and construction project management software from Corecon Technologies Inc which is a leading provider of web based construction software. With this, engineering students will be able to use the latest construction technology, even before they turn professionals.

According to the Company, this software will empower the students to acquire the competitive edge when it comes to vying for their first jobs with respect to other applicants as companies who are hiring would naturally be inclined to employ those candidates having technological experience and instantly put their skills in practice.

Since 2011, Corecon Technologies has been providing software and training support to construction management programs at universities and colleges in the U.S. and Canada at absolutely free of cost. Illinois State University and Mohawk College of Applied Arts & Technology are some of those Colleges and Universities that are offering practical training to its students on Corecon V7.

Student users say that they choose Corecon because it comes up with an all-inclusive package that is more intuitive than some of the other platforms that are available. They are also being exposed to the latest technology for managing every aspect of the business from estimating to project close-out. The software consists of various modules useful for business development, estimating, vendor bid management, contract administration, procurement, time tracking, document control, correspondence and scheduling amongst others.

Corecon’s online TeamLink Portal facilitates the students to work together with remote project team members competently by getting access to Corecon’s online TeamLink Portal. Irrespective of their location, team members can get precise project information in due course. In short this software enables the user efficiency in his operations. On learning this software, the student would be able to understand how information flows from the estimating department to project management and finally accounting thus gaining an overview of the project management process and adding immediate value to the organization he is going to work for.

Corecon V7 is compatible with other electronic devices like a netbook, laptop computer, tablet or smart phone which allows users to gather & communicate information from jobsite, office as well as construction trailers.

Teachers at Colleges and Universities that offer Construction Management are in favor of teaching this software to their students as they believe that the software provides an all-in-one package that is more intuitive than some of the other platforms that are available.

For getting more updates contact with Corecon Technologies at 1-866-258-6698

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Published by 
Rajib Dey
Content Writer
www.quantity-takeoff.com (Get all types of estimating sheets, softwares, directory, news, building codes)

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Trimble makes an integration among all its estimating software applications

Trimble just introduces software data assimilation aptitude connecting its all planning, estimating and management software applications. The general contractors as well as capital construction project owners will now be capable of developing more preciousness and clarity regarding conceptual, detailed time and cost-modeling estimates. Trimble is introducing most updated five new software versions under Trimble Buildings' Design-Build-Operate (DBO) portfolio offering huge scopes to plan, record and acquire cost and work frameworks before, during and after construction projects. These newly launched products will facilitate the general and building contractors to retain their projects on track, on schedule, and within budget.

The details of the newly launched software applications are given below :

• WinEst 15.0 -- It is a database-motivated software that includes a extremely adjustable spreadsheet for generating, fine-tuning and providing cost estimates.

• Modelogix 3.2 – It is ideal for accumulating and evaluating past-project data and creating extensive cost models for forthcoming projects.

• Prolog 9.6.1 – It is a project-management and cost-control software which provides great benefits to general contractors (GCs) and construction managers by systematizing project workflows and giving access to information from any place.

• Proliance 5.5 Office Application Pack – Microsoft Office extensions for Proliance software, amalgamating capital planning, program as well as project management skills. 

• Vico Office 4.2 – It is a virtual construction software, expanding 3D models with constructability analysis and coordination, location-based quantity takeoff, 4D (time) scheduling and production control, and 5D (cost) estimating.

These new versions of WinEst, Modelogix, Prolog, Proliance and Vico Office and any further information regarding these products can be accessed at www.meridiansystems.com. Updates on Vico Office will be available at www.vicosoftware.com.

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Published by Rajib Dey
Content Writer
www.quantity-takeoff.com (An information hub for construction estimating)

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Construction Scheduling Tips and Tricks’ Webinar

American Institute of Architects (AIA) learning units has approved this webinar. The webinar will happen on August 1, 2013 at 1.00 PM (EDT)and continue for 3 hours.

Some key players within the construction community like architects, engineers, public and private owners, construction managers, contractors, subcontractors, and designers will find the event very useful for them to get acquainted with various “tips and tricks” which can be applied to scheduling their construction projects.

The renowned construction expert and scheduling author Saleh Mubarak will share his personal experience with two dozen tried-and-true techniques brought from his 20-plus years of construction scheduling experience which can provide a serious impact on construction schedules’ quality, finish date, cost, or liability.

The webinar will focus on the following topic :-

Baseline Schedule Essentials -- This category highlights the planning phase and facilitates attendees to explain project scope, manage risks, and hire schedulers.

Creating the Schedule -- It will provide information on the Project Breakdown Structure, Work Breakdown Structure; number of activities; activity IDs and titles; and repetitive activities.

Schedule Updates -- In this category there will be discussion on frequency, procedure, “warning signs,” and “percent complete.”

Other Topics -- Additional topics consist of project acceleration issues, change orders, scheduling in an international environment, and software issues.

To register, visit http://tinyurl.com/melps8q

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Published by Rajib Dey
Content Writer
www.quantity-takeoff.com (An information hub for construction estimating)

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TRAKware provides end to end solution for your construction estimating process

TRAKware is a business management solution that contains an extremely instinctive synchronized scheduling system to recreate the production schedule graphically and convey it to all the personnel engaged with the project.

TRAKware provides great benefits to a large number of industry sectors that range from Retail Environments / Store Fixtures, Architectural Woodworking / Architectural Millwork, Cabinets & Casegoods, Doors & Windows, Furniture, Equipment, Oil & Gas (Rigs, Pressure Vessels, Piping, Separators, Tanks, Skids), Metal Fabricators, Plastic Injection Molding, Solid Surface, Truck Mounted Equipment and Electronics, contract, engineer-to-order (ETO) manufacturing, fabrication, and construction companies

TRAKware's ground-breaking and proven parametric configuration engine offers huge benefits for estimating, manufacturing, and engineering, during the complete project lifecycle.

TRAKware is mostly applied by metal fabircators. TRAKware can resolve particular issues and generate an incorporated, powerful, consistent and time-tested solution scalable to any size custom metal fabricator.

TRAKware can automatically find out instantaneous labor and material consumption from quoting/estimation through to delivery and installation, finish with start-to-finish traceability.

TRAKware plays a proactive role for midstream corrections when necessary for fabricators. TRAKware can be useful from estimation to project completion. It’s exclusive parametric quoting engine provides quicker, precise estimating to effortlessly capture all valuable project information required to drive material, labor & work order management, purchasing, receiving, inventory, scheduling, invoicing, and change-order management from the original estimator’s "take-off".

TRAKware can be set up over the divisions of the company reorganizing core business verticals as well as financials, inventory and production management.  Real-time information assimilation from the shop floor - to the top floor facilitating constant visibility and control over all dimension of daily operations. This leads to well-timed and significant decision making.      

Features : -

• Closed-loop estimating (real time effectual feedback from estimating to production to installation)
• Parametric configuration (to deal with the real world of three-dimensional manufactured products)
• Job costing (compatible with any accounting software like Quickbook)
• Project management
• Inventory management
• Production management
• Change management and releasing
• Labor scheduling and tracking (shop floor and field)
• Work order formation
• Warehouse/inventory/material management
• Automatic generation of Bills of Material (BOM's)
• Capacity management and planning
• Work flow / business process management / process optimization
• Fully automated shop floor data collection
• TimeTrack mobile that assembles and reports location, time and job information from any GPS-enabled mobile device

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For any kind of construction cost estimating and quantity takeoff services, please visit us at www.quantity-takeoff.com

Construction Takeoff and Estimating Software

If you are in the construction industry then you should consider using construction estimating and takeoff software to help you come up with a more accurate estimate for the cost of a project. When you are working in construction, building, and making estimates as to the cost of any building project then you will really benefit from software with on screen takeoff, and digital takeoff capabilities.

Construction estimating software can help you gain a competitive advantage by facilitating your preparation of detailed, profitable bids while managing job costs and subcontractor bids. Construction Takeoff Software for estimating has not been around forever and there are still a lot of construction companies doing estimates, and takeoffs the old fashioned way, by hand or with maybe an excel spread sheet. 

Features of the Estimating software include:

- Excel integration

- Excellent customer support & training

- Takeoff prints with a color coded legend

- Easy to set-up parts & assemblies for materials and labor

- Easy plan navigation for zooming and panning, including sort cut keys

- Powerful reports

- Fully customizable

A quality construction estimating program can prepare and monitor outgoing bids as well as many other tasks that constitute the daily business functions of a busy contractor.

Download for Construction Takeoff and Estimating Software:

http://www.planswift.com/takeoff-estimating-software/request-trial.html?sr=1&button=text_link

For more information about the Plan Swift, please visit http://www.planswift.ie/

Posted by Manoj Kumar Singh

Web Developer
Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Overview of construction scheduling techniques

The construction industries should form accurate construction schedule techniques to ensure the effective coordination of work.

The mostly used scheduling techniques in construction project is described below :-

Bar Charts and Linked Bar Charts
Network Analysis and Critical Path Method
Line of Balance
Q Scheduling

Bar Charts and Linked Bar Charts

Bar chart is nothing but a simple graphical method of scheduling activities in construction management to commune between management and employees about the accomplishment of the work on a given day. It is also known as Gantt Chart. Bar charts can be generated by a variety of software programs.

A typical Bar chart contains activities with the start, duration and finish of each activity exposed as a bar plotted to a time scale. The level of detail of the activities depends on the proposed use of the schedule.

The bar charts are also utilized for computing the necessary resources for the project. To put in the resources to every activity and total them vertically is known as resource aggregation. In order to estimate the work content regarding man-hours and machine hours, bar charts and resource aggregation charts are very much useful.

The linked bar chart illustrates the links between an activity and its preceding activities which should be completed prior the starting of this activity.

The bar chart includes a two dimensional chart. The x-axis of the chart represents the project timeline and y-axis contains a list of specific activities to be accomplished for completing the project. These activities are typically listed in order of earliest start on the project. The bar chart consists of bars which demonstrate the planned (and/or actual) start and end times for each task. In view of the fact that the tasks are generally organized from earliest to latest, most bar charts illustrate a pattern of bars that commence in the upper left of the chart and go on to bars that complete the project displayed in the bottom right of the chart.

Among the various methods available the least expensive methods is to employ the spreadsheet software programs.

Activities are listed on the Bar Chart in to the sequence that the activity should be completed. "Activity 1" becomes visible at the top of the y-axis. The length of Activity 1 is comparative to the required time for finishing the task.

Given below some checklist for generating effective Bar Charts:
Label the x-axis in working days or weeks
Use "ticks" to show working weeks or months
Y-axis shows the start of the project at time = 0
Skip lines between bars
Print the activity name above each bar, if possible
Free Online Bar Chart Construction Schedule


GNetwork Analysis and Critical Path Method

Network analysis produces more pragmatic models of the proposed work with its logic diagram. The following steps are applied for producing a network:

Listing of activities
Producing a network showing the logical relationship between activities
Assessing the duration of each activity, producing a schedule, and determining the start and finish times of each activity and the available float
Assessing the required resources

Now-a-days two popular forms of network analysis namely activity on the arrow and activity on the node are available in construction management practice. The latter now frequently described a precedence diagram. Each of these approaches offers virtually the same facilities and it seems largely a matter of preference which is used.

A critical path method refers to a network of events. Here e one of them linked to the following activities. Each activity is represented as a node on the network, and connecting lines are drawn to represent the time schedule to complete that activity.

The Critical Path Method schedule comes up with all work specified in the Contract Documents as well as all probable activities of subcontractors, vendors, suppliers and all other parties related with construction project.

Through the Critical Path Method(CPM), calendar days are ascertained and activities are allocated with an early date, first date that an activity can start; late start, specifying the last possible date that this activity must be started to avoid delays in the overall construction process; early finish, the earlier date that the proposed activity will be completed; and the late finish, that is the last date the activity must be completed without affecting the start of the next one, and subsequently affecting the entire construction schedule.

A critical path method represents a graphical view of the project. It will help you to have the required time for accomplishing an activity and find out the activities that may be critical if not performed within the specified time of a project.

A critical path method schedule must be completed using the following steps:

Identify the activities
Determine the sequence of the activities
Producing a network showing the logical relationship between activities
Assessing the duration of each activity, producing a schedule and Enter the completion time for every activity listed on step 1
Identify the critical path or the longest possible path to complete all activities
One important and valuable component is the CPM update progress, allowing to track closely the performance and time used to complete the activities

The network of activities should start at the time of all activities have been defined and interdependence of activities has been analyzed. All critical work sequence is linked with logical coordination and planning requirements. The CPM format must be based on calendar days as their main planning unit. Working days should be avoided when planning or preparing a critical path method schedule.

Line of Balance

The Line‐Of‐Balance Scheduling Technique(LOBST) can be termed as a linear scheduling method that permits the balancing of the operations such that each activity is continuously and efficiently performed in each consecutive unit.

Line of Balance scheduling technique (LOB) is nothing but a planning technique to allocate the resources to restrain the repeated operations for a project.

The line of balance technique is useful for construction work mostly to house building, jetty work, road works and high-rise construction. Consequently the Line-of-Balance diagram is an essential communication and productivity analysis tool for projects that have repetitive work areas.

In the context of construction projects, the LOB technique offers two main advantages:

It gives the ability to the project managers to verify whether they will be able to meet the schedule in the middle of a project, if they continue working as they have been.
It exposes process bottlenecks, allowing the project manager to focus on those points responsible for slippage.

Arrow and Precedence Diagramming are capable to model these types of schedules efficiently. The Line-of-Balance (also known as the Vertical Production Method) is a graphical technique to be applied together with Arrow or Precedence Diagrams.

In the Line-of-Balance diagram, the x-axis represents (as in the bar chart) the timeline of the project. The y-axis identifies the work areas that define the project. The blank chart is the starting point for the Line-of-Balance schedule.

Q Scheduling

Q. Scheduling is known as quantitative scheduling. In this technique quantities are accomplished at different locations of the construction project form the elements of the schedule. Q. Scheduling trades pass all the way through the diverse sections of the project in a queue sequence. No intervention between two activities is permitted at the same location. It is obtained mainly from the Line of balance technique making some amendments to allow for a varying volume of repetitive activities at different segments or locations of the construction project.

The Q Scheduling is the solitary scheduling technique that exposes a relation among the sequence of performing a job and the incurable cost.

Posted by Rajib Dey
Business Development
Global Associates
A pioneer company in construction estimating
Join our estimating forum

Construction Estimation is must for recent competitive era

One of the fastest moving jobs around now is that of Construction Cost Estimating. Construction is the largest industry to use cost estimators; but the manufacturing industry also employs cost estimators.

Now the question is what Construction Estimation is
Simply we can say Construction Estimation is just like a “budget”. And we all aware of the fact that budget is very important for every step of our life. It is as useful for maintaining our expenditure on our home world as maintaining the economic condition of our country. At first, we make a budget and then according to this we maintain our account. Just like that, in business world specifically which is related to construction or manufacture Construction Estimation is a very essential part of the business as it estimates the production cost before starting the project.

Necessity of Construction Estimation
Every construction project, no matter how big or small, is controlled each step of the way by adherence to the project's budget. This budget is developed before the first shovel of dirt is removed or the first brick is laid on the site. It was likely compiled by a construction estimator who put together pricing for all materials, labor, and miscellaneous costs and fees associated with getting the project built.

The estimation is made early in a project & it helps determine the scope of what can be built and whether cost saving measures or value engineering must be considered. Here is lying the cause of the necessity of Construction Estimation.

Main purpose of a construction estimating
The main purpose of a construction estimator is to develop a project budget based on proposed building plans and specifications. The owner and design team use these figures to determine if they can afford to build the project the way it was designed or if changes need to be made. Other estimators are responsible for completely different tasks. They are employed by contractors to prepare bids for projects. On most jobs, the lowest bidder is awarded the contract, although other factors like experience etc. may be considered as well.

Construction Estimator must be alert until the project is rightly done
There is no word of laziness in that kind of profession. It is that profession where employees must be attentive till the end of the project and they have to remain constantly on tight deadlines. The entire project bids will have to strict as dates and pricing must be submitted on time and in the proper format. The job is therefore incredibly stressful and action-packed. Additionally, there is pressure to not make a mistake.

Recent advanced technology makes you confident & efficient
No program can guarantee that you'll win every contract you bid on, but a quality program can help you manage your day-to-day functions, increase your productivity and in turn, raise your profit margin.

The in-depth construction estimating software reviews and side-by-side comparisons can help you quickly access the needs of your small business and find the software that can help you get organized and productive.

Below are the criteria Top Ten REVIEWS used to rank construction estimating software:

Feature Set
Construction estimating software should provide all of the features you need to make your job easier. Including the ability to track job costs and bids as well as perform general office management functions. It should also accept customized formulas and calculations, provide reports, import national cost indexes, and compare subcontractor and vendor quotes and track jobs by divisions and sub-divisions.

Ease of Use
Construction estimating software manages many variables and therefore can be quite complex, but using the software should be as easy as possible. It should be well organized and presented in a logical manner.

Ease of Installation and Setup
The software should install quickly and set up without error, regardless of your computer experience.

Help Documentation
Since this type of software involves many aspects; the developer should provide tutorials, training classes and/or online demonstrations to help you learn how to utilize all of the features in a productive manner. A phone number, email, FAQs and other contact methods should be available for technical support.

A small investment in a flexible construction estimating program that can handle your needs can increase your accuracy, speed up your bidding process and ultimately add to your bottom line.

Easiness with math & Computer, good communication skills & self-confidence- just need for a Construction Estimator

Being able to accurately project the cost of upcoming projects is vital to the survival of any company. Cost estimators provide this vital information by developing the cost information needed in order to determine if a proposed product will be profitable, or to make bid for a contract. This also works to determine which endeavors are making an adequate profit.

About the job of construction estimator
A construction estimator will be responsible for calculating quotes and proposals for your employer and making sure that these proposals offer a good return on investment for the company. Construction estimators also negotiate contracts and prepare estimated construction prices based on architect's drawings, the amount of employees needed for the job and also the amount of construction materials required.

Main Criteria of being a Construction Estimator
The main aspect of the job is to analyze and compile data you have at hand. It is important that estimators have an easy inclination for math and a well-rounded confidence in their determinations. You need to be computer literate, have knowledge of office system software (such as word processing and spreadsheet) and be familiar with blueprints. Excellent communication skills are a must as you will interact with many different people at all levels in the industry.

Often an estimator's job description states that a college degree is preferred. In reality, a person can start to work in estimating as an assistant to the estimator. Upon learning the trade, they can work their way up to become an assistant estimator, then an estimator.

Types of estimators
There are three main types of estimators. The first are employed by architecture and engineering firms. They price the project as it is designed to determine whether it fits within the preliminary budget. Next the job is put out for bid to general contractors and their estimators put together estimates on what they should charge to build the project. Once the job has been awarded, the blueprints are sent to subcontractors, where a new estimator prices specific tasks, such as electrical work or carpet installation.

One must fulfill the demands of Employers to become a Construction Estimator
Employers interviewing estimators will look for three specific areas of credentials to satisfy: Education, Experience, and how you present yourself.

Education: If you have a degree in construction engineering, civil engineering or architecture then you have a big advantage to start with. If you don't have a construction related degree then try to complete a Certificate Program in Construction Estimating.

Experience: Either you have it or you don't. Field experience doing the type of work you will be estimating is very good to have. Experience producing successful estimates is the gold standard. If you don't have experience then make darn sure you satisfy the other two requirements listed here (Education and Presentation).
How you present yourself is important on several levels. The personality traits of good estimators are considered by some to be at least as important as education. Estimators must have an eye for detail, they must understand the value of money, they must be competitive and they must have an aptitude for mathematics. They must be analytical, adaptable, and technically oriented. Estimators often meet with clients and company management so they need people skills too.

Tips for improving the skill of estimation
As the estimation should be accurate & systematic, it must be done carefully & efficiently. The following tips intend to improve the skills of a construction estimator/cost planner.

1. Understand the market in which the construction process will take place.
This is an important aspect of cost estimating as the construction of buildings often involves many different specialist trades carried out by separate contractors. Understanding how these contractors operate in the current market will help arrive at a realistic estimate figure.

2. Know how buildings stand up.
Basic knowledge about the process of building construction also helps estimators accurately estimate the Preliminaries component which involves labors, plant and equipment resources required by the main contractor (builder) to project manage and supervise the construction activities carried out by trade contractors. The difference in material and labor would bring about a difference in the cost of the project.

3. Request quotes from suitable trade contractors for each project.
Each construction project has its distinctive characteristics in terms of locality, site conditions, timing, building type, etc. When asking for a quote from a trade contractor, it is important to understand the business preference and specialty of the contractor to ensure a realistic quote.

4. Utilize estimating software to help with the estimate.
Advanced technology has already made it simple to work out the costs of construction. The specialized software simplifies the process of estimation of cost, quantities of labors, plant and materials involved with the project. So utilizing this software designed to handle multiple functions one can easily & quickly make accurate construction estimation.

Efficiency is the key word for the success
Underbidding a job may cause the company to lose money, which could cost millions of dollars on large projects. Overbidding could mean the job is awarded to another firm. There is constant pressure both to get the job done and to get it done right. So “Efficiency” is the key word for the success of a Construction Estimator.

Anurupa Roy
The construction estimating service