Schedule Optimization

Print Version

by Mike Dow and John Patridge
Scheduling is always a challenge for contractors. Some provide schedules to owners, to meet contractual requirements, but don’t use them as a planning tool. Others use available technology half-heartedly: the output makes for good wallpaper - impressive, logical-looking adornments for a job trailer.

Recently, however, BCG has noticed a growing appreciation among clients for the value of Construction Project Management (CPM) scheduling and a substantial increase in investment in scheduling technology industry-wide.

Recently, BCG reviewed a new scheduling add-on from Clevor Technologies called “schedule optimization.” The system enhances the scheduling and resource choices of larger self-performing GCs, civil contractors and trade subcontractors, maintenance operations, manufacturers, and professional services companies. Clevor’s product gives the scheduler the option of applying “intelligence” about external elements (such as liquidated damages) that cannot be captured in off-the-shelf scheduling software.

Clevor’s President & CEO, Ravi Maithel, enthusiastically demonstrated the power of the technology, running different scenarios against a CPM schedule and presenting their effect. It is fascinating to consider how this can help a project manager to review options that may not only reduce the risk of delays but could also save thousands or even millions of dollars on a given project.

Ravi demonstrated a real-world example for us: A sample project - resourced with man-power and equipment - was entered into the schedule. However, in the scenario used, the Project Manager knows that an early-completion bonus is on the table and that additional resources are locally available for a limited time. The Clevor technology can incorporate this additional knowledge, rapidly producing schedules and cost comparisons that show the economics and time benefits of each scenario.

It was a very powerful demonstration. Anecdotal evidence points to 15-25% improvement in time and profit for companies using this technology, which is a significant improvement.

During our review of the product, we learned about significant assumption for this technology to really work: scenarios do not return good data unless the logic of the schedule is already accurate. Without that accuracy, the complex formulas and programs will not generate an accurate presentation of the alternatives. As many companies struggle with this issue, Maithel and Clevor have developed another solution: Clever Technologies can also act as a schedule service bureau, and they’ll do your schedule for you.

AREVA/COGEMA Resources recently contracted with Clevor Technologies to provide schedule optimization for various projects associated with the shut-down of their McClean Lake Operation in Saskatchewan. We expect other success stories for this new approach to scheduling in the future and will continue to study this technology and report our findings. More information on Clevor Technologies is at www.clevor.com