Crashing vs Fast Tracking: What is the difference?

Last Updated on July 29, 2024 by andrewshih

Are you facing tight project deadlines and wondering how to accelerate your schedule without compromising quality?

In project management, Crashing and Fast Tracking are two critical techniques used to speed up project timelines. But how do you decide which method is best for your situation?

This comprehensive guide will explore the ins and outs of Crashing and Fast Tracking, helping you understand their applications, benefits, drawbacks, and how to effectively use them to keep your project on track and meet your deadlines.

What is Crashing?

Crashing is a schedule compression technique where additional resources are allocated to critical path tasks to reduce their duration. This method often involves adding more personnel, increasing working hours, or utilizing more efficient equipment. While Crashing can significantly shorten project timelines, it usually increases the overall project costs.

Purpose of Crashing

The primary goal of Crashing is to expedite project completion without altering the project scope. It is particularly useful in scenarios where project deadlines are non-negotiable, and delays could lead to significant penalties or lost opportunities.

When to Use Crashing

Crashing is appropriate in the following situations:

• Tight Deadlines: When project deadlines are stringent and cannot be adjusted.
• Budget Flexibility: When there is room in the budget to accommodate the additional costs of extra resources.
• Availability of Resources: When additional resources (personnel, equipment, etc.) are available and can be mobilized quickly.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Crashing

Steps to Implement Crashing

1. Identify Critical Path Tasks: Determine which tasks are on the critical path and have the most significant impact on the project timeline.
2. Assess Resource Availability: Evaluate the availability of additional resources and their potential impact on the project.
3. Calculate Cost and Time Impact: Analyze the cost implications and the potential time savings of adding resources.
4. Implement Resource Allocation: Allocate the necessary resources to critical path tasks.
5. Monitor Progress: Continuously monitor the progress of crashed tasks and adjust the plan as necessary.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Implementing Crashing

Overestimating Resource Availability: Ensure that additional resources are actually available and can be efficiently utilized.
Ignoring Team Capacity: Be mindful of the team’s workload to avoid burnout.
Lack of Detailed Cost Analysis: Thoroughly assess the cost implications to avoid budget overruns.

Example of Crashing

Consider a software development project with a critical task estimated to take 10 days with 2 developers. By adding 2 more developers, the task can be completed in 5 days, albeit at a higher cost. This accelerates the project timeline but increases the budget.

What is Fast Tracking?

Fast Tracking is a schedule compression technique where tasks that were originally planned to be done sequentially are executed in parallel. This approach does not increase costs but can introduce higher risks due to overlapping activities.

Purpose of Fast Tracking

The main purpose of Fast Tracking is to reduce the project timeline without incurring additional costs. It is particularly useful when budget constraints prevent the hiring of more resources.

When to Use Fast Tracking

Fast Tracking is suitable in the following situations:

• Budget Constraints: When the project budget is tight and cannot support additional costs.
• Logical Overlap: When some tasks can logically overlap without causing significant issues.
• Slack Availability: When the project schedule has inherent slack or buffer that can absorb potential delays from overlapping tasks.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fast Tracking

Steps to Implement Fast Tracking

1. Identify Overlapping Tasks: Determine which tasks can be performed in parallel without significant risk.
2. Adjust the Project Schedule: Modify the project schedule to reflect the overlapping tasks.
3. Communicate Changes: Clearly communicate the changes to the project team to ensure alignment.
4. Monitor and Manage Risks: Closely monitor the progress of overlapping tasks and manage any risks that arise.
5. Adjust as Necessary: Be prepared to make adjustments based on ongoing feedback and issues.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Implementing Fast Tracking

Overlapping Incompatible Tasks: Ensure that overlapping tasks do not cause conflicts or dependencies.
Poor Communication: Maintain clear and frequent communication among team members to avoid miscoordination.
Inadequate Risk Management: Be proactive in identifying and mitigating risks associated with task overlaps.

Example of Fast Tracking

In a construction project, starting interior design work before the building’s structural completion can fast track the schedule. This approach assumes that no major structural changes are expected that could impact the interior design.

Crashing vs Fast Tracking Comparison

Alternatives to Crashing and Fast Tracking

While Crashing and Fast Tracking are popular techniques, other methods can also help accelerate project timelines:

• Resource Leveling: Adjusts start and finish dates based on resource constraints, balancing workload without significantly altering the project duration.
• Scope Reduction: Decreases the project scope to meet deadlines, focusing on the most critical deliverables.
• Extended Work Hours: Temporarily increases working hours to speed up task completion without adding more resources.

Tools for Crashing and Fast Tracking

Various project management tools can assist in implementing Crashing and Fast Tracking:

• Microsoft Project: A comprehensive tool for detailed scheduling and resource management.
• Primavera P6: Suitable for complex project schedule management, particularly in large-scale projects.
• Smartsheet: A collaborative project management tool that facilitates tracking and communication among team members.

Conclusion

Both Crashing and Fast Tracking are valuable techniques for project managers seeking to accelerate project timelines.

Crashing involves adding resources, which increases costs but can significantly reduce project duration.

Fast Tracking, on the other hand, involves overlapping tasks, which can maintain costs but introduce higher risks.

Understanding the applications, advantages, and disadvantages of each method allows project managers to make strategic decisions that align with project goals and constraints.

By carefully implementing these techniques and leveraging appropriate tools, project managers can effectively manage project schedules and deliver successful outcomes.

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