What it means
Each task in a schedule depends on others. Walls must be framed before they are boarded, boarded before they are painted. Tasks that can slide without affecting the finish date have float. Tasks on the critical path have none, so any delay there delays the project.
The critical path can change as work proceeds, and a task that had float can become critical.
Why it matters
Knowing the critical path tells you where to focus. A late delivery of switchgear, a slow permit or a late decision on finishes might be on it. Others will not matter. A team that watches only the overall percentage complete can miss a looming problem.
Clients influence the path too, through the speed of their approvals and selections.
How HSM handles it
HSM builds the schedule with its trades in the room, and we update it regularly. Because our electricians, mechanical crew, interior systems, carpentry and painting teams are all ours, we can resequence and move people without negotiating with outside companies.
We also identify long lead items and approvals that sit on the critical path, and we tell you which decisions need to be made by which date. Regular updates show where the project stands against the target.
What to plan for
Ask to see the schedule at the start and at each progress meeting. Agree on turnaround times for your approvals so they are built into the plan.
Tell us about any fixed dates, such as an opening event or a lease deadline. We will plan the critical path with those dates in mind.