How to Master the Critical Path Method in Construction: Steps and Examples
Maintaining deadlines and budgets when managing complex projects with many variable conditions and flexible delivery dates can be challenging. There is a wide range of PM tools that can be helpful in achieving these goals. One of them is the critical path method (CPM).
In this article, we’ll delve into the significance and effectiveness of CPM in one of the fastest-growing spheres.
To illustrate the theory, we’ll demonstrate the use of the method in construction through a user-friendly tool for visualization of a Gantt chart critical path.
The role and strength of the critical path method in construction
The Critical path method in construction is used to schedule and manage complex projects. It identifies the sequential tasks required for on-time project completion, healthy prioritization, and proper resource allocation.
Construction PMs highly value the CPM approach, as it is essential for their career growth and getting professional certifications. The method serves as a recognized legal standard for evaluating project delays.
What are the benefits of the critical path method in construction?
The roots of the critical path method go back to the late 1950s, when its creators, Morgan R. Walker and James E. Kelly, Jr., were looking for a solution to optimize complex construction projects.
This method rapidly gained widespread recognition and found application across various sectors, such as engineering, aerospace, product development, manufacturing project management, and more.
Today, CPM holds significant advantages in the realm of construction project management for various compelling reasons. Below you can see a list of the evident benefits of CPM and the factors that make the approach suitable for construction projects.
5 steps to create a critical path in construction
Tools with an uncertain reputation will not help you identify a critical path correctly. Consequently, project managers in the construction industry consistently seek optimal PM software solutions to enhance the associated processes.
GanttPRO stands out as one of the finest tools for efficiently automating the critical path method.
GanttPRO is well-known for its professionally designed Gantt chart elements and advanced features that allow construction specialists to apply the CPM method and create effective critical path examples.
This critical path software is useful for various construction projects. Teams can oversee several projects simultaneously without switching to additional tools.
The platform is widely used by distributed workers thanks to GanttPRO mobile apps available for iOS and Android.
Also read: Gantt chart architecture https://ganttpro.com/gantt-project-planner-for-architecture/.
After a quick introduction to this tool, it’s time to move on to the specific steps to apply the critical path method in construction.
To find a critical path, you should go through the following steps.
Step 1. Project initiation
Let’s start with creating a new project. In GanttPRO, establishing a new project requires just a few clicks.
We’ll consider the example of a new college campus construction.
After creating your project, you can add tasks.
Step 2. WBS and construction tasks’ organization
Your tasks will automatically appear on a timeline, where you can set start and end dates and task duration.
In GanttPRO, you can use a work breakdown structure WBS to break down complex projects into manageable chunks.
This construction project management software allows for assigning tasks to your construction team members. You can also estimate the time needed to complete all tasks. It’s possible to measure this in days, weeks, months, or even years.
Now all of your tasks are divided into smaller subtasks with their own characteristics.
Next, you should determine the relationships between these activities.
Step 3. Adding task dependencies and highlighting milestones
Establishing task dependencies is the next important step in the CPM process. GanttPRO allows for utilizing the drag & drop feature for this aim.
Then you can designate the most significant tasks that demand special attention. In the realm of project management, they are typically known as project milestones.
Step 4. Critical path visualization
The moment has arrived.
When your tasks are identified, dependencies are set, and milestones are marked, you can find a critical path in construction.
To find it, project managers typically use an online network diagram with boxes and arrows to view their projects broken down into separate tasks.
It is essential to assess the time needed for task completion. Usually, in identifying a critical path, teams establish key task parameters:
- Earliest Start Time (ES) — when a task can begin after the preceding dependent tasks are finished.
- Earliest Finish Time (EF) — the duration required to complete a task.
- Latest Finish Time (LF) — the latest possible completion time for a task without delays.
- Latest Start Time (LS) — the duration needed to complete a task.
Pay special attention to the float time between ES and LS or between EF and LF. During this timeframe, a task may experience a delay without affecting the project’s final deadline.
In GanttPRO, you can visualize a critical path in seconds by clicking on a designated icon in the upper left corner. The chain of your vital tasks will be colored in red.
Step 5. Timeline updates & progress reporting
Updating your chart is crucial for recalculating a critical path.
Prioritize reporting to extract project data, share insights, and gauge performance. Detailed reports offer a comprehensive overview of your project’s progress. By following these sequential steps in constructing a critical path, you’ll gain a more accurate project perspective and ensure timely delivery.
Conclusion
The critical path method CPM in construction is not a complex concept. Whether you’re a project manager or a team member, it’s crucial to identify the critical tasks for successful project completion. Any delays or modifications affecting these critical tasks can have a significant impact on the overall project timeline.
Fortunately, there’s no need for manual calculations to determine a critical path. Such tools as GanttPRO professionally assist and visualize it within seconds.
Dive into more details about the critical path method in construction projects by reading the full version of this article here: https://blog.ganttpro.com/en/critical-path-method-in-construction/.
Also read:
