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MS PROJECT FOR CONSTRUCTION SCHEDULERS
Copyright © January 25, 2011

by Ron Winter, PSP F. Burak Evrenosoglu, PE CCE PSP

Presented at The AACE International 55th Annual Meeting June 22, 2011 Disneyland Hotel, Anaheim, California, USA

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Table of Contents List of Tables List of Figures Abstract 1. Introduction 2. MS Project Differences 3. Tracking a schedule with MS Project 3.1.Schedule Set-up 3.2. Setting a Baseline 3.3. Updating the schedule 3.3.1. Updating Tasks 3.3.2. Observing the Status Date 3.3.2.1. Reschedule Uncompleted Work to Start After 3.3.2.2. Status Date Calculation Options 3.4. Comparing Schedules 3.4.1. Identifying Variances 3.4.2. Identifying Revisions 4 Conclusion Bibliography iii iv v 1 2 4 5 8 10 10 15 16 17 22 22 23 23 25

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List of Tables Table1, MSP Calculation Rules 11

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List of Figures Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Figure 7 Figure 8 Figure 9 Figure 10 Figure 11 Figure 12 Figure 13 Figure 14 Figure 15 Figure 16 Figure 17 Figure 18 Figure 19 Figure 20 Figure 21 Figure 22 Figure 23 Figure 24 Figure 25 Figure 26 Figure 27 Figure 28 Figure 29 Figure 30 Remaining Duration in the Past MSP observes Data Dateusing constraints Recommended Status Date Selection Setting Schedule Options Tab Calculation Options Tab Set Baseline Screen Sample 10-Day Activity Result of Entering % Complete Result of Adjusting Remaining Duration Update Tasks Form Task Information Form Task Details Form Tracking Table Update Progress Screen Update Date Screen Status Date Screen Sample Schedule with Future Actual Dates StatusDate Options Task with incomplete Work in the Past CPM Option to Move Incomplete Work Out of the Past Result of Moving Incomplete Work Out of the Past Additional CPM Option for Incomplete Work Result of Moving Complete Work to the Status Date Sample Schedule with Complete Work in the Future Future Options Result of moving end of complete work back to status date Sample Out of Sequence ProgressRetained Logic Effects of Zero Remaining Duration Gantt Chart Wizard 3 4 5 6 7 9 11 11 12 12 13 13 14 15 16 17 17 17 19 19 19 19 19 20 20 20 21 21 21 22

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Abstract Despite some detractor’s opinions, Microsoft Project (MSP) CPM scheduling software is here to stay as many contracts are now mandating its use. Most people using MSP on construction projects find that MSP is fine for planning thework but very difficult to use when maintaining the status and forecasting accurate project completion. MSP is also difficult to use when performing delay analyses. The good news is that you can ‘make’ MSP properly reflect the consequences of an update displaying proper Retained Logic. This paper will explain how to best use MSP in place of P6 or other more status-oriented scheduling software.

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Introduction

Over the last two decades Primavera products became the predominant scheduling software of the construction industry worldwide. Sadly, nothing lasts forever and many contracts have recently started to specify MS Project (hereinafter referred to as, “MSP”) as the required scheduling software.[1]

MSP has its advantages; it costs less than many of its competitors and itis ‘user-friendly’. It is easy to start scheduling activities immediately. MSP easily produces decent default graphics and reports. Another reason for MSP’s popularity is that a majority of US Federal Government PCs come equipped with MSP. It is difficult to justify requesting the authority to purchase another scheduling software when you already have one installed on your computer ‘for free’.Most construction contracts for construction projects require periodic schedule updates.

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schedule update is an assessment of the project status and prediction of how and when the project will be completed. Proper updating of the work schedule is an integral part of project management and a critical communication tool between the parties. The schedule update should reflect the current...