How to create an effective construction phase plan

Laying the foundations: Creating clarity

The execution phase of a construction project is a critical stage in which planning is turned into reality. A well-structured construction schedule is a reliable companion to ensure that your project is completed on time, within budget and to the desired quality.

Before you start drawing up the construction schedule, however, it is extremely important to first get a clear picture of the overall project scope and objectives. First define the individual phases and their dependencies precisely. A comprehensive understanding of the construction processes, the required resources and the defined milestones is the cornerstone for successful planning. Then divide your project into detailed work packages. Each package should be clearly defined and contain all the necessary information so that everyone involved knows exactly what needs to be done. Also take into account the required resources such as materials, personnel and machines.

Visualize dependencies: The network diagram

Not all tasks can be carried out at the same time. Some are dependent on others. These dependencies should be visualized in a network plan. This allows you to quickly recognize which tasks build on each other and adjust your schedule accordingly. Here are the main reasons why this is so important:

Avoiding delays:

Dependencies show which tasks can only be started after previous steps have been completed. Delays are minimized because bottlenecks and waiting times are made visible and can therefore be avoided.

Optimizing the use of resources:

By clearly displaying dependencies, personnel, machines and materials can be scheduled in a targeted and timely manner, making optimal use of resources and reducing costs.

Early risk identification:

A network plan helps to identify critical paths and potential bottlenecks. This allows project managers to take measures at an early stage to mitigate risks and safeguard construction progress.

Optimize resources: Avoid bottlenecks

Plan your resources carefully. Make sure that the required materials, machines and manpower are in the right place at the right time. This will help you avoid bottlenecks that could hinder the progress of your project. Resource allocation also has a direct impact on project costs. Clear planning helps to avoid overloading and over-procurement and ensures that budgets are adhered to and unnecessary costs are avoided.

Set milestones: Monitor progress

Identify potential risks and develop strategies to minimize them. A dynamic construction schedule, which is regularly reviewed and adjusted if necessary, helps you to remain flexible even in the event of unexpected events.

Early risk assessment and continuous target/actual comparisons of the target parameters are the prerequisites for smooth project progress in the management of large construction projects and are also the basis for effective problem solving.

The PMMR expert tips

Years of experience in managing large investment projects have shown that it makes a decisive difference how well your construction schedule actually comes to fruition if too little attention has been paid to these areas:

Wishful thinking vs. reality

Realistically estimate the duration of each task. Draw on experience from previous projects, but also allow a certain buffer for unforeseen events.

Top down vs. integrative

In our experience, implementing such a complex project with so many stakeholders rarely succeeds with a top-down mindset. In order to maintain motivation and communication, we have found that a systemically integrative approach is more likely to lead to success because it gives each person a platform for their expertise.

Micromanagement vs. transparency

The communication effort can very quickly become unmanageable for a client or project manager if the management of the construction schedule remains in their own hands. A digital construction schedule that is accessible to everyone, on the other hand, facilitates communication, makes everyone accountable and ensures that everyone knows what needs to be done and when.

Conclusion: A construction schedule is more than just a to-do list

A well-structured construction schedule is THE planning tool par excellence for successful project implementation. By clearly defining tasks, taking dependencies into account and planning ahead, you can ensure that your construction project is completed on time, within budget and to the desired quality.