Tony Lowery’s Post

Planning and Scheduling are closely related subjects, but the processes are different. The terms are often misleading too. Adding to the confusion, many schedulers (in most cases, P6 schedulers) have been given the job title ‘Planner’, while in fact, they should be called ‘Scheduler’. At the outset of the project, Planning is the art of deciding the best strategy for designing, implementing and operating the project. More specifically, Construction Planning is to define the best construction methodology, constraints, logistics, risks, production rates, assumptions, construction sequences and programme to deliver the project on time and budget. While Planning is considered an art, Scheduling, on the other hand, is more of a science, as it usually involves input of planning data into the scheduling software. Schedulers use software like P6, TILOS, Asta Power, Microsoft Project etc to determine the project parameters, e.g. durations, milestones, logic links, working calendars, critical paths, floats, resources, and to integrate multi-discipline programmes. A schedule can be presented by a Gantt chart or a Time Chainage Diagram. Planning and Scheduling must be collaborated well together in any construction project. Both of these form a foundation of Project Control. Hope the above is useful based on my own experience. Many of London Bridge Associates’s Construction Planners have both skill sets, i.e. construction planning and scheduling, which formed the USP of the company. #LondonBridgeAssociatesLtd

Resource Leveling in Construction Projects Using Primavera P6: A Detailed Guide

What is an S-Curve? S Curve is a simple graph that plots project costs, hours, units, or other values depending on the need and the requirement. S-curves can be plotted for each of these quantities. Then, we can compare the different S-curves devised during the lifetime of a construction project to provide valuable insights into the project's current status. Construction managers commonly use the S-curve because it provides insights into the cumulative budget and actual and remaining values during the entire lifecycle of a construction project. Please take a look at the blog post below to learn about what it is and how it is used: https://lnkd.in/evaMjE_Z #primaverap6 #constructionindustry #projectmanagement #schedulingsoftware #scheduling

Budgeting in EPC (Engineering, Procurement, and Construction) Projects: *Budgeting Process:* 1. Define project scope and objectives 2. Identify cost elements (labor, materials, equipment, services) 3. Estimate costs using historical data, industry benchmarks, or expert judgment 4. Develop a detailed budget breakdown (WBS - Work Breakdown Structure) 5. Establish budget contingencies for risks and uncertainties 6. Review and approve budget with stakeholders *Budget Components:* 1. Engineering costs (design, drafting, engineering services) 2. Procurement costs (equipment, materials, services) 3. Construction costs (labor, equipment, materials) 4. Project management costs (PMO, coordination, oversight) 5. Quality control and assurance costs 6. Safety and environmental costs 7. Commissioning and startup costs 8. Contingency funds (unexpected expenses) *Budgeting Methods:* 1. Bottom-up estimating (detailed estimates for each activity) 2. Top-down estimating (high-level estimates based on similar projects) 3. Parametric estimating (using historical data and statistical models) 4. Analogous estimating (comparing to similar projects) 5. Expert judgment (using experienced professionals' opinions) *Budgeting Tools:* 1. Spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel) 2. Project management software (e.g., Primavera, MS Project) 3. Cost estimation software (e.g., CostOS, Esticom) 4. Earned Value Management (EVM) systems *Budget Monitoring and Control:* 1. Regular budget reviews and updates 2. Variance analysis (identifying deviations from budget) 3. Cost reporting and tracking 4. Change management (approving and documenting changes) 5. Forecasting and re-estimation *Challenges in Budgeting:* 1. Uncertainty and risks 2. Complexity and scope changes 3. Inaccurate estimating 4. Inflation and currency fluctuations 5. Stakeholder expectations and communication *Best Practices:* 1. Develop a comprehensive budget plan 2. Use multiple estimating methods 3. Establish clear budget responsibilities 4. Monitor and control costs regularly 5. Communicate budget changes and variances to stakeholders By following these guidelines and best practices, EPC project teams can develop accurate and comprehensive budgets, ensuring successful project delivery.

Job Description of a Planning Engineer Below is a typical job description of a Planning Engineer requiring 5-6 years of experience   "Prepare Baseline Schedule and maintain the critical path and project milestones in Primavera. Prepare Planning Package, Engineering Document Register (EDR), Procurement Tracking Register (PTR), Construction Progress Measurement Register (CPR) as per contract. Prepare manpower and equipment histogram and highlight resource constraint that affect project progress. Prepare and issue weekly progress reports. Continuously monitor the critical path, perform delay analysis and risk analysis and highlight to project team. Alarm the Project Managers and other stakeholders and facilitate resolving issues related to progress slippage"   Here are some suggestions to decode the JD and prepare the initial planning documents. ·  Background : Most companies utilise a Standard Schedule template for new projects created based on their knowledge base and experience. If you have worked earlier on similar set up in another organisation, it will be easier for you to adapt as the planning practices will be more or less similar. ·  Baseline Schedule : Read the Scope or work, identify the Key milestone dates and Prepare synopsis. Facilitate Internal Kick off meeting. Collect inputs from the team and update the schedule template to prepare draft baseline schedule. Sit with the team in planning workshops and finalise the Baseline Schedule. ·  Schedule Narrative : The narrative will explain the high level work flow as depicted in the schedule, highlighting the execution methodology and how the work will be accomplished in phases. It also emphasizes the critical path and critical activities and the intermediate milestones that must be achieved. ·  Schedule Basis : It will document the assumptions, constraints, uncertainties, agreements and concerns related to the schedule. It will also indicate the maturity level of the schedule depending upon the scope definition. The basis will indicate the calendars, working hours, holidays, productivity and peak /low periods of work. ·  Progress Registers : Review the registers of existing projects and add/remove the columns required based on the contract or team inputs. Populate the left hand side based on the scope of work and the dates on the right hand side based on the schedule. Carefully go through the file and correct if there are mismatches in sequencing and logic. Get the file reviewed by the team before you publish the registers. Please share your feedback.... #planningengineer #Planning #civilenginering

Reviewing a large construction schedule can be a daunting task, but a thorough analysis is crucial for project success. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process: PART (1) (1) Understanding the Basics: 1.1 Familiarize Yourself with Scheduling Software: Understand the software used to create the schedule (e.g., Primavera P6, Microsoft Project). 1.2 Define Review Objectives: Clearly outline the purpose of the review (e.g., identifying critical path, assessing resource allocation, evaluating risk). 1.3 Gather Relevant Documentation: Collect contract documents, drawings, specifications, and other related documents. (2) Key Areas to Review 2.1 Project Scope and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS): * Ensure the schedule accurately reflects the project scope. * Verify that the WBS is logical and comprehensive. * Check for missing or duplicate activities. 2.2 Activity Duration and Logic: * Evaluate the reasonableness of activity durations based on historical data and expert input. * Review activity relationships (FS, FF, SS, SF) to ensure logical sequencing. * Identify potential bottlenecks and areas for improvement. 2.3 Critical Path Analysis: * Verify the accuracy of the critical path. * Assess the impact of potential delays on the overall project duration. * Identify float and buffer times. To Be Continued ...........,

The use of mandatory start and finish constraints is discouraged in the #construction #scheduling industry. Mandatory start and finish constraints may artificially change the critical path, make proper examination of float values difficult, interrupt a continuous path through work activities, and cause differing float values from one activity to the next activity within a given logic chain. This article addresses problems created when using mandatory constraints and recommends more reasonable constraint type alternatives. #constructionindustry #projectmanagement #constructionmanagement #constructionlaw

Job Description of a Planning Engineer Below is a typical job description of a Planning Engineer requiring 5-6 years of experience   "Prepare Baseline Schedule and maintain the critical path and project milestones in Primavera. Prepare Planning Package, Engineering Document Register (EDR), Procurement Tracking Register (PTR), Construction Progress Measurement Register (CPR) as per contract. Prepare manpower and equipment histogram and highlight resource constraint that affect project progress. Prepare and issue weekly progress reports. Continuously monitor the critical path, perform delay analysis and risk analysis and highlight to project team. Alarm the Project Managers and other stakeholders and facilitate resolving issues related to progress slippage"   Here are some suggestions to decode the JD and prepare the initial planning documents. ·  Background : Most companies utilise a Standard Schedule template for new projects created based on their knowledge base and experience. If you have worked earlier on similar set up in another organisation, it will be easier for you to adapt as the planning practices will be more or less similar. ·  Baseline Schedule : Read the Scope or work, identify the Key milestone dates and Prepare synopsis. Facilitate Internal Kick off meeting. Collect inputs from the team and update the schedule template to prepare draft baseline schedule. Sit with the team in planning workshops and finalise the Baseline Schedule. ·  Schedule Narrative : The narrative will explain the high level work flow as depicted in the schedule, highlighting the execution methodology and how the work will be accomplished in phases. It also emphasizes the critical path and critical activities and the intermediate milestones that must be achieved. ·  Schedule Basis : It will document the assumptions, constraints, uncertainties, agreements and concerns related to the schedule. It will also indicate the maturity level of the schedule depending upon the scope definition. The basis will indicate the calendars, working hours, holidays, productivity and peak /low periods of work. ·  Progress Registers : Review the registers of existing projects and add/remove the columns required based on the contract or team inputs. Populate the left hand side based on the scope of work and the dates on the right hand side based on the schedule. Carefully go through the file and correct if there are mismatches in sequencing and logic. Get the file reviewed by the team before you publish the registers. Please share your feedback.... #planningengineer #projectcontrols #projectmanagement

In Primavera P6, an Extension of Time (EOT) is typically utilized in construction or project management to account for delays beyond the originally scheduled completion date. An EOT can be requested when unforeseen circumstances or issues arise that impact the project's timeline, causing delays. Here's when and why an Extension of Time (EOT) might be used in Primavera P6: 1 Unforeseen Delays: When unexpected events occur during a project that are beyond the control of the contractor or project team (e.g., adverse weather conditions, delays in material delivery, changes in scope, etc.), an EOT can be requested to adjust the project schedule. 2 Contractual Obligations: In construction contracts, there are often clauses that allow for an extension of time in specific situations outlined within the contract terms. If the reasons for the delay align with these contractual terms, an EOT can be requested as a formal process to adjust the project timeline. 3 Maintaining Accuracy: Primavera P6 is a project management tool that helps in scheduling and tracking project activities. When there are delays, updating the schedule with an EOT ensures that the program accurately reflects the current status of the project, allowing for better planning and resource management.

Several Planning Engineers complain that they are not satisfied with the work they do, because often their tasks are unrelated to actual Planning activities. See, usually you are hired to fulfil different requirements. Such as -   Experience in Primavera scheduling -   Daily/Weeky/Monthy progress reporting -   Billing & Invoices -   Follow up and coordination cross depts -   Project Administration and governance -   Portfolio planning -   Proposals and Bidding Hence your key responsibilities align with one or more of the above requirements. Your role also depends on whether you work with a Client, Consultant, Main Contractor or Subcontractor. When you interact with other planners you may feel that you are lacking in many skills and knowledge. But it is not your fault. You need to understand that you are performing as per the job requirements. For example: Some companies hire only Planning Engineers with good P6 experience, that is because their clients are demanding for it. They need someone to utilise the software and satisfy the client’s needs or contractual requirements. These Engineers may not get exposure to other areas such as Estimating, Cost control, Bidding, Billing and Execution activities. But, this should not stop you from learning other aspects of project controls, as an organisation is the right place to gain exposure on projects. For that you need to build relationships and show that you are willing to help and contribute. You can work to gain good understanding of the scope of work, preparation of the project execution plan, establish the work sequence, study the resource allocation, go through the billing schedules, involve in understanding cost projections and funds requirements, identify the interfaces in the projects, learn how the organisation prepares/reviews claims and variations. You will be amazed at the knowledge and skills you have gained over a period of time. Do share your thoughts........ inspired from Linkedin