How to make a project schedule

A clear project plan is in order, because during construction, not everything will go according to plan. It’s important that everyone knows what their responsibilities within the project are and what is expected from them. The project schedule keeps the team informed of all future tasks, deadlines and goals for the project.

A project schedule is distinctly different from a project plan. You start with creating a project plan, in which you determine the scope of the project. At the end of this project plan, you’ll create a schedule, right before you set up a communication plan.

Project scheduling is more than just a schedule. In addition to dates, it also takes into account important factors such as project goals, comprehensive scheduling, resources needed and possible milestones. In this way, you don’t just create a schedule, you create in-depth insights into everything related to your project and what your team needs to know for future work.

What are the benefits of using a project schedule?

A simple schedule management plan makes the team more organized. With it, you can be sure that everyone is on the same page in terms of tasks, responsibilities and deadlines. This way, you avoid confusion and everyone can get started right away.

There’s nothing worse than discovering you don’t have enough materials or resources in the middle of a project. The risks involved are high, but they also carry a high cost. It’s better to be safe than sorry. With a simple project plan, you can easily avoid such problems.

How can you create a clear project schedule?

You can choose from several options for a well-defined format of project plan. Choose from a simple project plan or a comprehensive project plan with visual elements. You can use a Gantt chart to view the progress of jet tasks and add simple task lists. Calendars are a great way to visualize a project throughout its duration.

How do you make a good project schedule?

When creating a project schedule, there are six steps to consider:

1. Define the project and activities.
2. Put the project activities in the right order.
3. Calculate how many resources/materials are needed.
4. Make a time estimate of the project activities.
5. Work out the project schedule.
6. Track the progress of the project schedule and make adjustments if necessary.

Tips for creating a good project schedule

• Write down why you are making certain time estimates. This will help you improve your estimates in the future.
• Take into account the amount of time people go on holiday, otherwise you are likely to fall behind on your schedule.
• Put important milestones in the schedule, such as the start, implementation, and end of the project.
• Consult with your stakeholders to get input on the tasks, materials, responsibilities, and time frame of the project.

Which software can I use for project scheduling?

There are numerous tools for project planning and scheduling. You can easily create a basic Excel schedule, but then you’ll quickly run into the fact that Excel is a static program. The moment someone makes a change, your project partners will not see it. That means you’ll have to keep sending documents back and forth, but that’s not efficient either.

What schedule management software to use highly depends on your preferences. You could choose to use KYP Project as a project scheduling tool. KYP Project’s construction management software offers an interactive and visual project schedule that connects project partners, improves your insight and allows you to plan with ease. You get more project schedule control, without any of the efforts of having to create an entire schedule for project management yourself in another software.