Schedule Compression: The Silent Killer of Project Schedules with Michael Pink

Watch or Listen on Youtube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

Challenge

You’re a VP overseeing multiple projects, and no matter how well things start, they always seem to fall apart near the finish line. Despite detailed planning and scheduling, everything looks good—until the final stretch. Suddenly, tasks stack up, trades collide, and deadlines slip. You’ve noticed this trend across your portfolio and need a way to get ahead of the problem. This episode of Beyond Deadlines features Michael Pink , CEO of SmartPM Technologies, Inc. , as we break down schedule compression and how to use it as a proactive tool instead of a reactionary fire drill.

Key Takeaways

1. Schedule Compression is Inevitable – Due to resource constraints and optimism bias, schedule compression happens whether you plan for it or not. The key is understanding where it’s occurring and if it’s feasible with available resources.
2. Float Isn’t a Safety Net – Many assume that float will absorb schedule changes, but without an actionable plan to create float, it’s just a number. Removing logic ties or stacking trades without the workforce to back it up leads to silent project killers.
3. Different Project Types Require Different Strategies – On repeatable projects (like office buildings), historical data can highlight critical trade performance. On unique projects, focus on behavioral patterns of managers and schedulers to identify risk indicators.
4. Compression as a KPI – Instead of waiting until a project is in trouble, track compression levels month over month. When compression crosses a critical threshold (e.g., 15%), it’s time to investigate resource allocations and schedule feasibility.
5. Three Metrics to Validate a Schedule’s Plan – Missing logic, high float, and long durations can disguise real schedule risks. Ensuring schedules have logical ties, manageable float, and realistic activity durations prevents blind spots.
6. Proactive vs. Reactive Compression Management – The best teams track delays in real time, analyze how they responded, and maintain ongoing discussions with stakeholders. This prevents last-minute blame games and builds trust across project teams.

Tactical Takeaway

Start tracking the percentage of activities that should have started or finished each period but didn’t. If that number consistently hovers around 50% or lower, you’re in trouble. Even without sophisticated tools, this simple check can highlight whether your team is keeping up with the plan or setting up for a major schedule overrun.

Watch or Listen on Youtube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.

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Impactful Strategies for Advancing Your Construction Career

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