2.4.1 Setting the Target Schedule

The optimized and agreed plan is used as a baseline for future comparisons. The software can record the original plan dates, which are often called Baseline dates, for comparing the actual progress during the life of the project. These planned dates are stored in the Target date fields and displayed as bars which are in the lower bars in the picture below:

2.4.2 Tracking Progress

The schedule should be Statused (updated or progressed) on a regular basis and progress is recorded at that point in time. The date on which progress is reported is known as the Data Date in SureTrak. (The Status Date is often used in Microsoft Project). Whatever the frequency chosen for statusing, you will have to collect the following activity information in order to status a schedule:

• Completed activities

  • Actual Start date and

  • Actual Finish dates

• In-progress activities

  • The Actual Start Date

  • Percentage Completed

  • Remaining Duration

• Un-started work

  • Any revisions to activities that have not started

  • New activities representing scope changes

  • Revisions to logic that represent changes to the plan

The schedule may be statused after this information has been collected, and then the recorded progress compared to the Target dates, either graphically or using columns of data:

2.4.3 Corrective Action

At this point it may be necessary to further optimize the schedule to bring the project back on track. Options that may be considered are:

• Reducing the contingent time allowance.