In Level 1 training, we learned how to set up both our locations and our location systems.  In Level 2, we used Task Manager to connect our cost assemblies and components to the labor.  WIth Level 3 training, we established our project calendar and created custom views for our scheduling data.

 

This fourth level focuses on some of the tactics we can employ to optimize our schedule: layered logic, crew size, lag, and paced vs ASAP tasks.

 

After watching these video tutorials on schedule optimization tactics, please navigate to the Schedule Planner FAQs to learn even more.  We also have a complete recorded Schedule Planner webinar for you to review, as well as a recorded webinar on LBMS and how it complements Last Planner.  And when you're ready, please feel free to advance to the next level.  You can also request to receive the entire video collection by completing the form on the Vico Office Training Videos page.

 

Vico Office Schedule Planner Level 4

 

Step One: The Five Layers of LBMS Logic

It is important to know that layered logic is applied equally, not in a hierarchy.  Therefore, it includes all the continuity requirements for location-based scheduling.  In this video, we define and include examples for external, external higher-level, internal, phase hybrid, and standard CPM logic.

 

We go into this level of detail because changing task details and their logic is one improtant way to further refine our schedules.

 

For a more complete discussion of layering CPM logic in location-based methods, we recommend pp 134-141 in Dr. Seppanen's book, Location-Based Management for Construction, available on Amazon.

 

  

 

Step Two: Defining the Layered Logic Using the Network, Gantt, and Flowline Views

There are many ways to define schedule logic in Schedule Planner.  This video shows how you can quickly update the logic in either the network view, the gantt view, or the flowline view.  We also walk through the dependency dialogue box and note the options we have for FF/SF/FS/SS/SS+FF, buffer delays, and location delays.  Finally, with a custom split view, we can review our logic relationships to check for errors.

 

 

 

Step Three: The Difference between Paced and ASAP Tasks

The goal of Flowline Scheduling is to keep crews flowing through the site locations without stops and starts.  With a clean and clear work location, they can work at their optimal productivity rate and do it safely.

 

So this brings us to the question of Paced tasks versus ASAP tasks.  ASAP tasks incorporate both external logic and CPM logic to start as soon as the location becomes available; whereas a paced task is continuous and uses internal logic to pull the task to the end date to force that continuous workflow.

 

Neither method is always right or always wrong.  But our goal is to de-risk the schedule.  So the more demobilization and remobilization efforts we can eliminate, the smoother our project will run.

 

 

 

 

Step Four: Edit the Sequence of Locations for Your Construction Project

We have already established the LBS for our BIM models in LBS Manager and now we see those locations along the y-axis of our Flowline schedule.  However, we can also see a disconnect in the tasks.  Since our goal is continuous flow for the crews, we can manually adjust the sequence of locations without impacting the work we've already completed in LBS Manager.  After all, we are simply sequencing the locations in a different order.

 

 

 

Step Five: Create More Custom Views with the Split Screen Option

There are several options for displaying corresponding scheduling data in Vico Office Schedule Planner.  One way is to create a custom split screen view.  This video shows how to create your own custom views including flowline/gantt and flowline/resource histogram.

 

With these custom views, you'll be able to work smarter by organizing all the information you need on one screen.

 

 

 

 

Now that you've seen that setting up a schedule using a BIM model first requires establishing locations and location systems to effectively organize the crews based on quantities by location; then mapping cost assemblies and components to their respective tasks, then creating the project calendar and organizing your custom views of the schedule data; and then learning optimization tactics related to logic, crew size, lag, pacing, and ASAP tasks, let's advance to Level Five Schedule Planner Training.  We will learn how to build out our estimate with additional data from previous projects.  You can also request to receive the entire video collection by completing the form on the Vico Office Training Videos page.

 

And remember, you can always jump over to the Vico Office Client tutorial videos.