P6/MSP Scheduling

Draper Provides Best Practice in Database Scheduling

Draper has extensive experience utilizing the industries latest scheduling software including Primavera P6, Microsoft Project, Asta Power Project, Phoenix, Rubix and others.

Over the 35 years of Draper & Associates, the power and functionality of database driven scheduling software has increased exponentially while the costs have decreased making their use more prevalent. We understand the power of utilizing database schedules for performing project planning and analytics. We also understand the pitfalls inherent in utilizing a database schedule that can impact project success.

The quality of a database schedule is directly correlated to the quality of the information that goes into the software. Issues such as logic flaws can be hidden within the database and not readily apparent to the users. The result can be schedule busts that are not discovered in a timely manner and result in negative budget impacts.

To assist our client utilizing database schedules, Draper has developed a set of best practice procedures and standards to help our clients navigate the complicated process of managing database project schedules.

OPS Development – we strongly encourage our clients to develop the initial OPS utilizing the Graphic Network Diagram format. The graphic format provides a tool to allow the project team to clearly see how the project is planned to be built and the inherent logic.
P6 Conversion – once the graphic OPS has been finalized, the Draper consultant will convert the graphic schedule to a P6 schedule utilizing the work breakdown structure, work flow and logic from the graphic version.
QA/QC – once the conversion is complete, the Draper consultant utilizes a peer review process to test validity of the schedule. Our consultants utilize tools such as Aegis-Rubix analyze the logic of the schedule and identify risks before the impact project success.
Status Updating/Reporting – during the update meetings, the Draper consultant will gather information (actual starts, actual finishes, logic changes, etc.) from the project team required to perform the P6 status update and produce reports. Draper has developed standard reporting templates to communicate to the project team the key data associated with the latest status update. Additionally, our consultants utilize s standard narrative template to tell the client what the schedule is saying.
File Management/Integrity – a key to a successful project utilizing P6 is the process for managing the file and ensuring the integrity of the data within the schedule. For projects utilizing P6, the Draper consultant will maintain historical versions of the .XER file anytime significant changes are made to the schedule which will allow the client to capture changes if an as-built version is required. Additionally, we adhere to the policy that the Draper consultant is the only person allowed to make change to the master P6 file.

In many cases, the Draper consultant will maintain both the database schedule and the graphic schedule concurrently over the life of a project. This process allows for the graphical schedule to remain current and used to communicate project status in addition to providing a tool for validating the data being reported from the P6 schedule.

Whether you choose to use a Graphic Network Diagram, Database Schedule or a combination for your project, the primary factor for success is the skills and experience of the Scheduling Consultant. At Draper, our consultants have a diverse knowledge of construction and expertise a broad range of tools to help deliver successful projects.

Our CPM Scheduling Services Includes

Pre-Construction Planning – Summary Project Schedule (SPS)

Construction Schedule Development – Overall Project Schedule (OPS)

Schedule Monitoring & Controlling

Project
Reporting

Schedule Delay Analysis/Recovery Scheduling

P6/MSP
Scheduling

Pull Planning /
Lean Scheduling

Clients’ Testimonials

“Draper has been an invaluable asset to our organization, assisting Kast with its preconstruction service needs, project strategy, scheduling services and other aspects of our business. Frankly, I’m not sure what we would have done in the absence of having Draper serve as a member of our team. Clearly I would recommend Draper to any firm who is seeking high caliber professional scheduling services.”

Mike NealCEO, Kast Construction Company, LLC

“The value add that Draper & Associates provided on our replacement hospital project was well worth the money. While we did not have in-house scheduling resources, the Draper process proved to be flexible and functional for our project team and subcontractors. The scheduling experience, ability to adjust “on the fly” with our changes, projections through the OPS, and detail provided by the NTS format, proved to be an asset to the project. I would highly recommend Draper’s services, and consider engaging with them for another project.”

Matt WellerSenior Project Manager, Tonn & Blank Construction

“Every project that the Draper system was fully implemented on was delivered on time or early. Every project they were not on or fully implemented those projects did not deliver on time. Financially it is a no brainer when you measure the cost of their services versus the costs of delivering one day late.”

Scott JeraldVice President, W.G. Yates & Sons Construction Co.

“I’ve been using Draper on all of my projects for the last 3 years. They work with our in-house teams to set up the OPS and then work throughout the project with our team and our Subcontractors to make sure everyone is working efficiently towards meeting the project’s goals. Draper’s scheduling makes it very easy for me to look at a monthly report to quickly know the status of every project I have under construction, and the look-ahead schedules are very easy for everyone in the field to know where they are and where they need to be at any given time.”

Matt ChesserPresident of Construction, Trammell Crow Residential

“Draper has been an integral part of our team for the last few years. Their schedules are very easy to read and make the field team’s job much easier when scheduling the subs. The bi-weekly meetings are a great tool to use for keeping the subcontractors engaged with the flow of the job. I firmly believe that Draper is one of the most important tools we use in keeping the jobs on schedule.”

Doug KuykendallGeneral Superintendent, Trammell Crow Residential

A project that is scheduled with Draper affords the user the flexibility to present the data to the Subcontractor’s and the Development Team in multiple formats (both overall and near term projections). The schedules are logic-based like primavera and other predecessors, however, they are much more visually appealing and easy to decipher for field personnel. Draper’s hands-on tailored approach lends itself to production in the field, reduces the opportunities for miscommunication, and ensures your project has a strong administrative base to support all functions of the construction process.

Lee HornerSenior Project Manager, Gables Construction- Atlanta

P6/MSP Scheduling

Draper Provides Best Practice in Database Scheduling

Our CPM Scheduling Services Includes

Pre-Construction Planning – Summary Project Schedule (SPS)

Construction Schedule Development – Overall Project Schedule (OPS)

Schedule Monitoring & Controlling

Project Reporting

Schedule Delay Analysis/Recovery Scheduling

P6/MSP Scheduling

Pull Planning / Lean Scheduling

Clients’ Testimonials

Find Out How We Can Help Make Your Project a Success

Project
Reporting

P6/MSP
Scheduling

Pull Planning /
Lean Scheduling