Key Takeaways
- Five techniques with different cost and risk profiles.
- Compare delay cost vs. recovery cost before deciding.
- Not every delay warrants recovery.
- Forced recovery compromising quality costs more than the delay.
Advanced techniques for compressing schedules to recover lost time.
Five Compression Techniques
Crashing (overtime, 25-50% premium), Fast-Tracking (overlap tasks, coordination risk), Scope Reduction (cut non-critical work), Resource Substitution (faster crews), Re-sequencing (rearrange non-critical tasks).
Recovery Decision Framework
Compare delay cost (holding/day × days) vs. recovery cost. Calculate marginal cost per day recovered. Choose technique with best cost-effectiveness.
When Not to Recover
Accept delay when: recovery costs exceed delay costs, quality would be compromised, task has float, or delay provides beneficial opportunity (selection time, marketing).
Common Pitfalls
Defaulting to overtime for every delay
Risk: Costs 25-50% more, fatigue causes defects
Analyze all five techniques first
Fast-tracking without coordination plan
Risk: Painters damage floors, electricians cut drywall
Detailed coordination plan for all overlapping tasks
Ignoring small schedule slips
Risk: 2-day/week slip = 2 months over 16 weeks
Address every variance at weekly review
Best Practices Checklist
Sources
- PMI Practice Standard for Scheduling(2025-01-15)
- RSMeans/Gordian Construction Scheduling Data(2025-01-15)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Defaulting to overtime for every delay
Consequence: Costs 25-50% more, fatigue causes defects
Correction: Analyze all five techniques first
Fast-tracking without coordination plan
Consequence: Painters damage floors, electricians cut drywall
Correction: Detailed coordination plan for all overlapping tasks
Ignoring small schedule slips
Consequence: 2-day/week slip = 2 months over 16 weeks
Correction: Address every variance at weekly review
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Test Your Knowledge
1.What are the two primary methods of schedule compression?
2.When is crashing most cost-effective?