Why We Picked Phoenix CPM to Handle Scheduling for Our Clients' Multimillion-Dollar Commercial Construction Projects

No construction vendor wants to stand up and say a build is going to take an extra two months and cost an extra million dollars—and nobody on the project ownership team wants to hear it.?

Not having these conversations in the first place is one of the primary aims of better schedule management. Careful planning is foundational to Scott-Long Construction's approach; since 1961 ????'???? ???????????? ?????????????? ???????????????????????? ???????????????????? ?????? ?????????????? ??????????, which means a good night's sleep for many a project owner or member of a committee that approves a big project. This is why we rigorously vet scheduling and project management tools.

While "stuff happens," rigor in the planning stage and discipline on the ground are how we mitigate pitfalls on big commercial builds, complicated renovations, and other redevelopment initiatives. It's how you account, communicate, plan, and respond to the unknown ???????? ???????? ?? ?????????????? ???????????????????????? ?????????????? ?????????? from the company you engage when you're under pressure and out of options.

Why Scott-Long Went With Phoenix CPM

We tested and adopted Phoenix CPM, a focused construction project scheduling solution, because it supports our methodology and our cultural focus. It's an old story in commercial software: Software engineers don't necessarily understand your business. They optimize a version of your workflow that has nothing to do with what you need on the ground, and all of a sudden your processes are subordinated to the tool. It should be the other way around, which is why we went with Phoenix.

Here's More About the Why:

? It's a standalone tool that focuses intensely on scheduling and supports the Critical Path Method; it lets us build on our existing scheduling methodology and tools without having to disrupt our workflow; sequencing of outcome-critical components—??????????????, ????????????????????, ??????.—?????? ???????? ?????????????? ?????? ?? ?????????? ?????????? ????????.

? It didn't take a bunch of painful training; the interface was easy to get running with, easy and smooth for disparate teams to use in the field or at the office.

? We liked features such as those that ?????? ???? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????? ????????????????, ???????????? ?????? ???????????? ?????????????????? ???????? ?? ???????????????????? ???????? ????????,and resource allocation functionality that quickly graphs usage, as well as over- and under-allocations.

? Of particular note: The status-on-master view, which meant ???????? ?????????????? ???????? ?????????????? ????????????, which is critical for when you have several teams onsite, each working on different systems or phases, and a stakeholder needs a quick, understandable view of how it all rolls up at a given point in time. "What's happening, where are we, and why?" is a question you want to deliver an answer to, quickly.

? Whether we're giving direction to a subcontractor or helping somebody on the ownership level, we found the timescaled network diagram also helped us communicate schedules more clearly, —???????? ???????? ?????????????? ???????????????? ???????????????????? ?????? ??????????????.

??Lag-to and unlimited comparisons ???????????? ???? ???????????????? ???????????????? ?????? ????????????????????????.

We also admired the central value proposition of Phoenix: Get projects done early. This isn't always possible, but seeing and ?????????????????? ?????? ?????????????? ????????-?????????????? ???? ???????? ?????????????? brings you as close as possible to what you promised and ???????????? ?????? ?????????? ?????????????????? ???? ?????????? ????????-???????? ?????? ????????-????????????, with no end in sight.

To emphasize the transformative impact of PhoenixCPM on construction scheduling, founder Jay Poulsen reflects on the software's unique advantages. He shares, "Once our users adopt PhoenixCPM, the fog of complex scheduling clears. Even the newest scheduler can grasp project timelines at a glance, which has been a game-changer. Plus, the cost savings from not needing an army of IT support for database issues? Priceless. It's like PhoenixCPM was built by people who actually know what construction feels like from the trenches…. Because it was. I’m excited for the release of Version 6 in 2025."

This approach fits perfectly with Scott-Long Construction’s long-standing focus on careful planning and clear communication—principles we’ve prioritized since 1961. Using tools like PhoenixCPM helps us stay on track, keep projects within budget, and continue our commitment to reducing risks while delivering meaningful results for our clients.

Ready to experience the difference that meticulous planning and advanced tools like PhoenixCPM can make on your next project? Contact Scott-Long Construction today to discuss how we can help bring your vision to life—on time, on budget, and with confidence.

Visit www.ScottLong.com