Dear Members.  

Here are some words from one of our supporters and sponsors.  We'd very much like your opinion(s)...

Resurrecting Collaborative Planning

As of late, collaborative planning has fallen by the wayside when it comes to project planning and scheduling. But collaborative, network-based planning can be resurrected by utilizing a Logic Diagramming Method (LDM) approach.

By taking advantage of the LDM’s ability to combine the strengths of both Arrow Diagramming Method (ADM) and Precedence Diagramming Method (PDM) in a unified diagramming technique, schedulers and project managers can bring planning back to the forefront of project scheduling.

The Casualty of Collaborative Planning

Industry experts agree that collaborative planning has become a casualty of Critical Path Method (CPM) programs and scheduling for a variety of reasons, including these:

• Fewer people use logic or arrow diagrams. The method of using arrows of non-scaled lengths to denote activities, then connecting related activities at common nodes to denote finish-to-start relationships is no longer popular.
• The personal computer. Now, savvy CPM schedulers can take scheduling shortcuts with very little planning.
• Manual calculation for PDM is often impractical. Especially in the field. So many people default to ADM, which is easily calculated.
• Difficulty in time-scaling PDM. As a result, schedulers rarely use PDM and communication issues increase.

LINK: Read the Full Article

Improving Budget Control with Job-Shop Scheduling

Even the most powerful computers with software that can solve problems can become quickly overwhelmed when balancing multiple jobs and limited resources. But in scheduling, one of the fundamental challenges is juggling the conceptual world of mathematics and the tangible world of job-shop manufacturing – and producing jobs in the shortest amount of time.

The main question that needs to be answered is always this: What is the best way to complete the work that needs to be done in the quickest time period? In job-shop scheduling, two separate groups of people are in play. Mathematicians see the problems from the ivory towers, while the management team tries to meet production schedule demands on the ground.

Oftentimes, the disconnect between these two groups causes delays and confusion in scheduling jobs and tasks. The mathematicians are focused on solving the math-based issues using determining devices, like a Turing machine. Even though there is a strong focus these days on solving issues with technology and devices, the jury is still out as to whether a computer can solve job-shop scheduling problems when multiple machines are involved. Frequently, job-shop scheduling that involves three or more workstations is labeled as NP-complete, which creates problems that take an extremely long time to calculate, and in turn delay the scheduling process.

The second group — the ground-level managers and workers — is interested in practical answers to job-shop scheduling issues – answers and solutions that will help achieve the goal of completing work more efficiently in the field.

LINK: Read the Full Article

Announcement: PMA and NetPoint at AACE International’s 2014 Annual Meeting

Visit our Exhibitor Booth #107

PMA and NetPoint® will be attending the 2014 AACE International Annual Meeting on June 15-18 at the Sheraton Hotel in New Orleans, LA. NetPoint experts Tim Mather and Renee Woolley will be on hand to conduct a technical session, demonstrate the latest 4.2 features, and answer questions.

Technical Demonstration

EXH1784 – NetPoint: The power of real-time graphical planning and scheduling Monday, June 16, 2014 @ 10-11 a.m. in the Maurepass Room Join us for a live NetPoint demonstration to learn how to get more from your team with real-time, intuitive planning that engages all project stakeholders. Observe how this unique graphic interface nurtures collaboration, teamwork, and schedule buy in. This demonstration will highlight NetPoint’s ability to:

• Engage in calculation-driven, electronic, full-wall scheduling that allows alternating between forward and pull planning
• Import a base plan from an Excel, P6, or MSProject source template
• Clarify plans using planned dates to maintain critical path integrity
• Build multiple views of one plan based on codes placed into swim lanes using automated layout
• Produce meaningful schedule graphics to 1) build and combine summary and detailed schedules into one deliverable; 2) post in the field; 3) submit an executive report

Learn more: Read all about it here