Compressing a project timeline primarily involves applying techniques to shorten the project's overall duration without reducing the project scope.
One significant method for reducing a project's overall duration is Fast Tracking. Fast tracking can significantly reduce the overall duration of a project. By overlapping tasks that were initially planned to start one after the other, project managers can shave days, weeks, or even months off their original schedules.
Key Techniques for Project Timeline Compression
Project managers employ specific techniques to accelerate project completion. The two most common methods are Fast Tracking and Crashing.
Fast Tracking
Fast tracking is a schedule compression technique where activities that would normally be done in sequence are performed in parallel or overlapped.
- How it works: Instead of waiting for one task to finish completely before starting the next, the subsequent task is started as soon as possible, even if the preceding task is not fully completed. This changes dependencies from 'Finish-to-Start' to 'Start-to-Start' or 'Finish-to-Finish' with a lead.
- Example: In software development, coding for Module B might begin before coding for Module A is entirely finished, provided the necessary interfaces or dependencies are available.
- Considerations: While effective, fast tracking increases risk. If upstream tasks change significantly, downstream tasks already in progress may require rework. This can lead to increased costs and potential quality issues. It requires strong communication and careful coordination between teams.
Crashing
Crashing is another schedule compression technique that involves adding resources to project activities to shorten their duration.
- How it works: This typically means assigning more people to a task, paying for overtime, or bringing in additional equipment or technology to complete the work faster.
- Example: If a design review is taking too long, the project manager might add more reviewers to complete it in half the time. If construction is behind schedule, hiring an extra crew can accelerate the process.
- Considerations: Crashing almost always increases project costs due to the additional resources. There is also a point of diminishing returns; simply adding more people to a task doesn't always make it go faster and can sometimes even slow things down due to increased coordination complexity (Brooks's Law).
Practical Considerations and Best Practices
Compressing a timeline isn't just about applying a technique; it requires careful planning and execution:
- Focus on the Critical Path: Compression efforts should focus primarily on activities on the critical path, as these activities directly impact the project's overall end date. Shortening non-critical path tasks won't compress the total timeline unless they become critical path tasks.
- Assess Risks: Both fast tracking and crashing introduce risks (rework, increased costs, reduced quality, team burnout). A thorough risk assessment is crucial before implementing compression techniques.
- Evaluate Costs: Crashing explicitly adds costs. Fast tracking can indirectly add costs through potential rework. Always weigh the cost of compression against the benefit of an earlier completion date.
- Ensure Resource Availability: Confirm that the necessary resources (people, equipment, materials) are available and can be effectively utilized for the compressed schedule.
- Maintain Quality: Ensure that accelerating the schedule does not compromise the quality of the deliverables.
- Communicate Clearly: Keep stakeholders informed about the changes to the schedule, the reasons for compression, and any associated risks or increased costs.
Summary of Compression Techniques
| Technique | Method | Impact on Schedule | Impact on Cost | Risk Level | Typical Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fast Tracking | Overlap sequential tasks | Significant Reduction | Potentially Low (initially) | Higher | When time is critical and risk is manageable |
| Crashing | Add resources to critical tasks | Potential Reduction | Significant Increase | Moderate | When budget allows and resources are available |
By strategically applying methods like Fast Tracking and Crashing, projects can successfully navigate tight deadlines and meet critical time constraints, provided the associated risks and costs are carefully managed.
