Schedule Compression

Reasons for schedule compression

• Unrealistic schedule plan.
• Resources were not delivered on time.
• Unforeseen risks
• Force Majeure
• Client changes delivery date
• Business opportunity or advantage

After reviewing the Critical Path to identify sequential tasks can be done in parallel, ensure that another path has not become the critical path. Dealing with multiple critical paths increases risk, as it increases the opportunities for delays to creep into the schedule.

Fast tracking does not incur greater expense, in theory, but it does increase the risk of rework, particularly if it means monitoring efforts must be split among several branches.

Crashing

In this technique, extra resources are allocated to the project in order to deliver earlier. This technique may alter the critical path (or create others). Examples of Crashing include: expanding work schedules, the addition of limiting resources and motivational techniques. A critical path analysis is performed to determine the relative cost and benefit of crashing each activity. Resource allocations are increased for activities with the most efficient schedule compression. Potential risks associated with Crashing are ramp-up times if new workers are on-boarded, fatigue-related mistakes and insufficient monitoring.

Differences

Fast tracking vs Crashing

• Re-planned vs Adding resources
• No extra cost vs Extra cost
• Increase risks vs No significant increase in risks

1. https://pmstudycircle.com/2012/09/fast-tracking-crashing-schedule-compression-techniques-in-time-management/