Everybody is responsible for Progress!

Schedule update and progress report (as accurate as possible) is one of the key responsibilities of the Project Control & Planning team. To some individuals, progress reports mean nothing; for them, the project is either not completed (0%) or completed (100%).

On the contrary, for many, the schedule update and progress provide much more insight than just a number. This data can be used for various types of analysis that are vital for a Project Manager to make appropriate and accurate decisions.

Common Progress Practices

01. The "Data Entry" Approach

The planner requests progress figures and dates, then simply types them into the software. Usually, the schedule is not resource-loaded, and the planner uses Duration % Complete. They often have no clue how the software calculates the summary level progress.

02. The "Physical %" Shortcut

The planner relies on team input but uses Physical % Complete. While they may claim the schedule is resource-loaded, a quick review reveals it's just Duration × Working Hours. The weight values remain hidden or misunderstood.

03. The Excel Manual Sheet

The planner develops an Excel sheet using cost or man-hours to calculate weight values. However, they still rely entirely on the project team to provide the subjective progress data without a verified measurement system.

04. The Integrated PMS (Recommended)

The planner develops a quantitative Progress Measurement System integrated with the schedule, resource loading, and contract earning rules. In this system, the entire team is responsible for data collection, meaning they own the results and strive to improve the output.

Despite improvements in certifications and training, many planners and PMs still don't grasp the concept of PMS weight values, their relationship with resource loading, or the impact of incorrect practices. As long as a number is reflected in a report (even one nobody reads), they assume the planning is functional.