The Scheduler - Introduction

The Scheduler: A civil engineer, an architect, a computer whiz, a mathematician, a project manager, an artist, or a communicator? An increasing trend—in all industries—is to use computer software and other high-tech tools. These software packages cover the entire spectrum of all industries, including some generic types of software, such as word processors and spreadsheets that everyone uses. However, specialized software requires knowledge of both the software and the discipline. Scheduling is no exception to this rule.

Let us distinguish among three types of knowledge that a scheduler must have:

• Knowledge of computer software (and perhaps hardware as well)
• Knowledge of the principles of scheduling and project control (as part of project management)
• Knowledge of the specific technical field, such as commercial building, industrial, transportation, and so forth

To efficiently operate a scheduling and control program, such as Primavera Project Manager (P6) (Primavera Systems, Inc., Bala Cynwyd, Pennsylvania, now part of Oracle), the scheduler must have the first two types of knowledge. The third type is a plus. Just because an individual knows computers and can surf the Internet does not mean that he or she can operate a scheduling and project control program. Even if the individual can operate it, he or she may not understand its language and may have problems relating to and interpreting the technical information.

Currently, many high-tech innovations such as PCs, PDAs, digital cameras and scanners, and the Internet are available. They have become useful tools and an essential part of our daily life. Nevertheless, the human factor should never be underestimated.  The combination of good tools and an educated, experienced operator is the only path to success in project planning.

Certification

Several organizations now have a process and exam that lead to certification in project scheduling. The most prominent ones are:

The AACE International’s Planning & Scheduling Professional (PSP)

The PMI’s Scheduling Professional (PMI-SP)

Usually, an applicant to a certification exam has to fulfill certain conditions:

• Minimum education requirements
• Minimum experience requirements
• Pass the certification examination
• Submit application and fees

Such certification is important in giving the confidence in the qualifications of the scheduler, particularly to a potential employer. A certification from a reputable organization, however, cannot alone guarantee good results. It is just one component in the scheduling system.

Unfortunately, the author has seen people who carried the title scheduler but lacked the fundamentals for the position. In one incident, the author met the ‘‘scheduler’’ with a construction company who never had education or experience relevant to his job. He was chosen for that position because of his computer skills!

The Tripod of Good Scheduling System

1. The Human Factor: A proficient scheduler or scheduling team that understands the concepts, definitions, and applications or project scheduling
2. The Technology: A good scheduling computer system (software and hardware) along with capable IT support
3. The Management: A dynamic, responsive, and supportive management that believes in the use of scheduling as part of the management effort

If anyone of the above three ‘‘legs’’ is missing, the system will fail.

Keywords:  The Scheduler, Tripod of Good Scheduling system, Human Factor, Technology, Management, PMI Scheduling Professional, Primavera Project Manager (P6), Primavera Systems, Civil Engineer, Principles of Scheduling