In the ever-evolving landscape of project management, maintaining a robust and reliable schedule is crucial. To meet this need, FSH Tech Solutions has developed the SMACT (Schedule Management and Control Tool), a comprehensive web application designed to optimise schedule management. One of SMACT's key features is the Fundamental Check Analyser (FCA), a powerful tool that rigorously evaluates project schedules against essential criteria, ensuring they meet the highest standards.
The FCA is a sophisticated analysis tool within SMACT that scrutinises project schedules, ensuring they align with fundamental scheduling principles. Inspired by the DCMA 14 Point schedule check, the FCA offers a comprehensive examination, identifying potential weaknesses and areas for improvement.
Test: Number of activities with negative float.
Threshold: 0
Significance: Indicates potential missed deadlines and necessitates a documented recovery plan.
Test: Number of activities with hard constraints.
Threshold: 0
Significance: Limits schedule flexibility and must be documented and validated.
Test: Number of activities with ALAP constraints.
Threshold: 0
Significance: Can create false Critical Paths and should be used sparingly.
Test: Number of activities with invalid dates.
Threshold: 0
Significance: Ensures activities are statused correctly with respect to the Data Date.
Test: Number of activities with dates matching the Data Date.
Threshold: 0
Significance: Indicates potentially missed activities during status updates.
Test: Number of activities with suspend and resume dates.
Threshold: 0
Significance: Suggests incomplete or misunderstood schedules.
Test: Percentage of incomplete activities with high float.
Threshold: < 15%
Significance: Indicates potential structural issues in the schedule.
Test: Percentage of incomplete activities with high durations.
Threshold: < 5%
Significance: Ensures detailed and manageable activities within the rolling wave period.
Test: Percentage of incomplete activities without assigned resources.
Threshold: 0
Significance: Ensures activities are appropriately resource-loaded.
Test: Number of activities without a predecessor.
Threshold: 0
Significance: Ensures a coherent sequence of activities.
Test: Number of activities without a successor.
Threshold: 0
Significance: Ensures a coherent sequence of activities.
Test: Number of activities with open ends.
Threshold: 0
Significance: Ensures a coherent sequence of activities.
Test: Number of activities with leads.
Threshold: 0
Significance: Ensures accurate total float calculations.
Test: Number of Start-to-Finish relationships.
Threshold: 0
Significance: Prevents unnecessary complications in network logic.
Test: Percentage of incomplete activities with lags.
Threshold: < 5%
Significance: Avoids misuse of lags that can distort critical path analysis.
Test: Number of relationships with lags.
Threshold: 0
Significance: Avoids misuse of lags that can distort critical path analysis.
Test: Percentage of Finish-to-Start relationships.
Threshold: > 80%
Significance: Promotes a clear understanding of the project’s critical path.
SMACT, with its FCA tool, stands as a cornerstone for robust schedule management, offering unparalleled insight into project schedules. By adhering to stringent thresholds and performing meticulous checks, FCA ensures schedules are logical, resource-efficient, and capable of meeting critical deadlines.
For project managers and organisations aiming to elevate their schedule management practices, integrating SMACT into their workflow is a strategic move. Not only does it provide a thorough analysis, but it also empowers teams with actionable insights to refine and optimise their schedules.
Incorporating the Fundamental Check Analyser into your project management toolkit ensures that your schedules are not just plans but precise, reliable roadmaps to success. Explore the capabilities of SMACT and experience the future of schedule management today.
For more information and to see how SMACT can transform your project management, check out our resources and connect with us on LinkedIn.