Project Management with March Charts
March charts, also known as linear schedules, line-of balance diagrams, or time-distance diagrams, are an excellent tool for Project Managers to graphically visualize the schedule and activities of linear projects such as pipelines, electrical transmission lines, fiber optic cables, tunnels, bridges, roadways, railways, and so forth. The progression of work and location of each work crew / activity at a given time can easily be understood from the March chart which ensures Project Managers fully utilize each work crew by minimizing interruption of or conflict between any on-going work activities.
While Gantt charts display the start and finish of activities realtive to each other, March charts show everything a Gantt chart shows plus distance. On a March chart the y-axis represents time and the x-axis represents distance. The time and location of activities relative to each other can easily be understood by examining the March chart. Seasonal restrictions such as reduced productivity due to high / low temperatures, the rainy season, or environmental restrictions can be plotted on the March chart. The productivity rate for activities can be easily understood from the slope of the line representing each activity with steep lines indicating low productivity.
More information on linear scheduling methods (LSM) can be found in the AACE International RP - 129R-23: Linear Scheduling Methods (LSM), a recommended practice that serves as a guideline for those wishing to increase their understanding of LSM and enhance their project management practices.
The next time you find yourself planning or executing a linear project, remember the March chart!
Special thanks to the contributors of RP - 129R-23:
Independent Consultant for Project Planning and Scheduling, Schedule Risk Analyses and also Co-Founder of Turbo-Chart
2 个月Thanks John Howlett Such charts are brilliant for presenting construction schedules, but bearing in mind that most projects are more than just the physical construction works (deign, procurement etc.). It's important to ensure these elements are also included when planning projects, and a hybrid mix of using CPM, but presenting this in LSM is, in my opinion, the best approach.
Principal Water Research Engineer @ ConocoPhillips | PhD in Civil Engineering
4 个月Very informative!