Delays are par for the course in the commercial construction industry—but they don’t have to be. The intricacies of commercial construction and land development require meticulous planning, coordination, and execution. Effective schedule management is pivotal in ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards.
Here are some creative yet impactful strategies developers and project managers can follow to keep projects on track.
1. Use a risk-based approach
The longer your development timeline, the more inherent risks there are. Rather than simply reacting to them, proactive developers use a risk-based approach. This strategy relies on identification of potential risks, a thorough assessment of their likelihood and potential impact, and mitigation strategies to help avoid them.
For example, there might be a risk of supply chain delays. By identifying this risk early, developers can source alternative suppliers or adjust schedules to accommodate evolving lead times, to safeguard the project timeline.
2. Embrace collaboration
Identifying and involving relevant stakeholders ensures that project schedules are transparent and collaborative. This approach requires input from all parties: the client, architect, contractor, and subcontractors. Understand each party’s interest and expectations, and build them into a transparent plan that everyone understands.
For instance, when developing a commercial project, the client might have certain opening dates in mind, while the architect might need time for design adjustments. By collaborating at every point of the process, all parties can align their timelines to ensure realistic, mutually agreed-upon schedules.
3. Use technology to your advantage
Modern project management tools can help industry professionals monitor progress, identify bottlenecks, and communicate in real-time. Some of the game-changing technologies developers are embracing include:
- Building Information Modeling (BIM). BIM is indispensable in modern construction. It allows for 3D visualization of a project, making it easier to identify potential conflicts or design issues early in the process. Additionally, BIM can integrate with other tools, providing real-time data and updates, which assists in proactive schedule management.
- Drone technology. Drones offer a bird’s-eye view of sites, allowing project managers to monitor progress without having to be present. This can be especially useful for master-planned communities or developments in challenging terrains. Regular aerial inspections can identify bottlenecks or areas falling behind schedule, for quick intervention.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning. AI algorithms can predict potential delays by analyzing vast amounts of project data. For instance, by examining past projects, weather patterns, and worker productivity, AI can forecast potential slowdowns and help developers preemptively adjust their schedules.
- Internet of Things (IoT). IoT devices can monitor equipment, track material shipments, and even gauge project progress. Smart sensors can send alerts if machinery needs maintenance, preventing unexpected breakdowns that can delay a project. Additionally, IoT can track the real-time location of shipments, ensuring materials arrive on time.
4. Stay proactive
A hallmark of seasoned project managers is their proactive stance. Rather than waiting for disruptions, they’re constantly on the lookout for potential problems. This proactive management might involve speeding up certain tasks, reallocating resources, or revising the schedule. In a land development project, this might mean proactively securing certain permits or approvals in anticipation of regulatory changes or foreseeing potential community concerns and addressing them in advance.
5. Use a collaborative scheduling platform
The sheer number of stakeholders involved in commercial construction—from architects and engineers to contractors and site managers—necessitates a unified platform where everyone can access the project’s timeline. Collaborative scheduling platforms serve this very purpose, helping stakeholders view, discuss, and edit the schedule in real-time. They’re a great tool for keeping everyone involved in a project on the same page.
6. Prioritize regular progress check-ins
Establishing regular progress check-ins ensures that projects remain on track. By holding weekly or bi-weekly meetings, stakeholders can discuss progress, address concerns, and recalibrate schedules as needed. On a mixed-use development project, for instance, delays in laying down the underground utilities might impact the timelines for foundational work. Regular check-ins would provide a platform to communicate these delays, allowing other teams to adjust their schedules accordingly.
7. Develop a comprehensive contingency plan
Even with the best planning, unforeseen challenges can arise. Whether it’s sudden regulatory changes, unforeseen site conditions, or unexpected resource shortages, these disruptions can derail a project’s timeline. By developing comprehensive contingency plans, project managers can prepare for such uncertainties.
Sandbox Development is committed to your project timeline
Effective schedule management is more than just plotting tasks on a timeline; it’s about proactive planning, real-time collaboration, and an agile response to challenges. This is the approach Sandbox Development takes to land development. We show our total commitment to delivering on promises through our ability to stick to schedules, maintain budgets, and ensure seamless development from start to finish.