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The benefits and the challenges of location-based scheduling
Location based scheduling has been the preferred method of scheduling in many of the major construction companies in the Nordics for quite some time. Linear schedule methods, such as line-of balance and flowline, have been developed over the last 30 years to enhance the quality of the construction schedules. Construction work, especially in building construction, is generally characterized by continuous or repetitive work, where the same activities are executed at various locations of a building. Combining time and location in a single view gives the scheduler a possibility to optimize the workflow, and thereby reduce both waiting time and interruptions in production.
There are 3 main benefits of location-based scheduling:
- Improved schedule overview
- Better work continuity
- Enhanced project control
There are several academic articles published on this topic, and most studies confirm the three statements above. However, more recent studies carried out by the Aalto University in Finland, show that good planning does not automatically ensure an effective production. Even though the location-based planning method decreases the number of obvious mistakes and defiantly gives a better schedule overview, it often fails to ensure the continues undisturbed flow of production. The main reasons pointed out: the line-of balance schedule has not been detailed enough and/or the schedule has not been adopted by the construction workers.
To solve these two problems lean scheduling methods have been introduced to support location-based scheduling. Last Planner methods are used to get the construction workers involved in the planning of the work and ensuring commitment to the schedule, and Takt-planning is taking the planning level of detail to its extreme.
Two fundamental problems remain:
- Not all locations in a construction project can be hierarchically defined (as required in the line-of-balance schedule), and not all construction works can be conducted in the same order of locations.
- As the schedule becomes more detailed, the interpretation becomes harder. Both Last planner and Takt often fail to easily visualize where exactly a specific work is supposed to be conducted, and in what environment.
Zeitmaps brings to the market a unique solution for location-based planning and coordination of trades. As the software does not require a hierarchical structure of locations, all activities can be visualized exactly where they will take place. This gives the planner a possibility to visualize both the critical activities proceeding systematically along a specific given order of locations, but also to visualize other supporting activities that may not follow the same pattern. For example, it’s not unusual that the MEP contractors need access straight across a building floor to conduct cabling, or that their work is proceeding vertically in a shaft. These activities are almost impossible to visualize in line-of-balance.
When it comes to Takt planning the main activities in the repetitive locations are planned on a high level of detail. However, the non-repetitive works and locations are often left outside the plan. It’s therefore not unusual that it is those non-repetitive works that cause the full schedule to fail. In Zeitmaps all activities are shown in their real locations, helping the planner, and any party involved in the construction to easily visualize the progress of work. The fact that Zeitmaps can read (and update) an excel sheet of Takt activities with thousands of lines, automatically and in seconds, is a nice additional benefit.
What are the absolute main benefits of this new tool:
- Visualize all activities in their real location directly on the floorplan.
- Use the tool to first coordinate all trades in production, then to communicate your plans to all parties.
- Work online, real time and in a multi-user environment
Even though scheduling has become a respected profession often conducted by consultants with decades of experience, it does not always have to be complicated. Sometimes clear communication is all that is needed on site. Just answer the question: who works where and when?
Author: Johan Appelqvist
Do you want to try using Zeitmap in your own projects? First, click on the tutorial here to learn how to use the app through an easy demo and proceed to the example project. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us, we will be happy to help.