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Stay on Top of Projects With Project Management Software
 Project scheduling is about setting goals, establishing a plan for achieving them and communicating the goals and plan to a construction team so that the team can stay on top of the project from beginning to end.
In construction management, the schedule should integrate with weekly reports, requests for proposals, requests for information, the budget and the scope of work.
An array of software programs — from Microsoft Project to tools created specifically for the home building industry — can help builders create effective scheduling.
Once the projects are scheduled, they then can be “stacked” on a chart, such as a Gantt chart, a sort of enhanced timeline. Scheduling this way shows the relationships between various tasks and other details — such as how long the various tasks are projected to take, who will perform the work and the “critical path” of essential tasks — and gives a clear picture of when tasks must be finished in order to successfully complete the project.
A key benefit of project management is that the software enables users and project managers to view everything relevant to the project at once. It also enables managers to view and explore project specifics from a variety of perspectives.
Specifically, the scheduling software and resultant charts enable managers to visualize:
- Milestones or significant events (for example, permits, selections, inspections) that must be completed before a project can move forward
- Potential bottlenecks, such as crews or trades that may be overcommitted
Project management software also can help managers:
- Even out work flow.
- Plan better for future jobs.
To read about how one builder uses scheduling software to build communication, improve planning and increase profits, visit Biztools™, NAHB’s business management resource for members, by the clicking here. (This is available to members only.)
NAHB Biztools™ Has Nearly 300 Resources to Help You Run Your Business More Profitably
Go to NAHB's Business Management Tools Web pages (available to members only) for instant access to nearly 300 timesaving, moneymaking and cost-cutting business resources to help you run your business more profitably. Get guidance on accounting and financial management, business strategy, computers and information technology, customer service, human resources and more.
Resources are added weekly, so bookmark www.nahb.org/biztools to go directly to these vital business management resources.
Local and state home builders associations can link directly to www.nahb.org/biztools from their Web site and give their members instant access to these resources. It will make your HBA's Web site the place to go for the information and guidance that members need to succeed.
 NAHB Kit Gives Builders Back-to-Basics Tips in Cooling Market
With the current cooling of the nation’s housing market expected to persist into the middle of next year, NAHB has developed a comprehensive online toolkit geared to providing association members with information that will help them prosper in today’s changing business environment.
To access the “Back to Basics” toolkit, you must be an NAHB member and have a login to www.nahb.org. To create a login, go to www.nahb.org/login or click on the log-in button on the main menu bar.
For assistance, call the NAHB Member Service Center at 800-368-5242.
Subscribe to NAHB’s Business of Building e/Source
NAHB’s Business of Building e/Source is your monthly electronic guide to the hot issues and emerging trends in home building business management.
You’ll find practical advice, tricks of the trade and sound business guidance — all delivered monthly, straight to your desktop, in a quick and easy-to-read format. Business of Building e/Source is available free to NAHB members and their employees.
To subscribe, click here on the Members Only side of the NAHB Web site.
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