Firm Formwork, a rising star in the concrete formwork contracting industry, has demonstrated the transformative power of advanced scheduling consultant services. Founded by Joe Stone and Joanne Lawen Mrakic, this young company combines Stone's two decades of concrete formwork expertise with cutting-edge project management approaches.

This case study explores & evaluates how Firm Formwork, under Stone's leadership, successfully tackled its first major project using OverVue, an innovative scheduling software & consulting service, with the support of expert pull planning consultants.

Advanced Scheduling Software Empowers New Contractors

Overcoming Project Management Challenges

Joe Stone, despite his years of experience in concrete formwork as a manager, faced significant hurdles when launching construction schedules for Firm Formwork:

• First-time Scheduler: Stone had never created a comprehensive project schedule before, a critical skill for managing large-scale projects.

• Complex Project Demands: The 10-story Press Block building in Halifax required meticulous planning, precise resource allocation, and coordination of various elements, including a tower crane and a 15-person crew.

These challenges highlighted the need for robust solutions to bridge the gap between industry expertise and project management skills.

Implementing OverVue for Efficient Scheduling

To address these challenges, Stone contracted OverVue Planning Systems (OPS) to provide hands-on consulting and software support. The implementation of OverVue included several key features:

• Project Flow Diagram: A more intuitive alternative to traditional Gantt charts.

• Pull Planning: Working backward from the project end date to optimize scheduling.

• Color-coded Deliverables: Enhancing visual management of tasks.

• Resource Loading: Optimizing the use of equipment and personnel.

• Templates: Providing a solid starting point for first-time schedulers.

• Critical Path Method

Leveraging Pull Planning Consultants' Expertise

The pull planning consultants played a crucial role in helping Stone understand and implement OverVue effectively. Through their expertise and hands-on consulting, Stone quickly became proficient in using the software, translating his industry knowledge into an effective project schedule.

Executing an Optimized CPM Schedule

Resource Optimization and Progress Tracking

With a comprehensive plan in place, the project execution phase focused on implementing the schedule while adhering to the tight timeline. Key aspects included:

• Resource Optimization: Ensuring optimal use of the tower crane and crew.

• Progress Tracking: Visualizing project progress and addressing potential delays.

Managing Dependencies and Adapting to Changes

• Dependency Management: Managing complex interrelationships between tasks.

• Adaptive Planning: Making real-time adjustments to the schedule.

• Stakeholder Communication: Enhancing transparency and trust.

Mitigating Risks and Ensuring Quality Control

• Quality Control: Ensuring each phase met required standards.

• Risk Management: Anticipating potential issues and developing contingency plans.

Throughout the execution phase, Stone's expertise in formwork, combined with the capabilities of the scheduling software and guidance from scheduling services, enabled Firm Formwork to maintain a high level of efficiency and quality.

Remarkable Outcomes of Effective Scheduling Consultant Services

Client Ahead of Schedule and On Budget

The implementation of OverVue, combined with expert guidance for schedule development, led to extraordinary results for Firm Formwork's first major project completion:

• Ahead of Schedule: Completed one month early, showcasing exceptional efficiency.

• On Budget: Maintained fiscal responsibility despite project complexities.

• On Scope: Met all specified requirements without scope creep.

Enhancing Reputation and Stakeholder Communication

• Unprecedented Success: The general contractor praised the exceptional performance.

• Enhanced Reputation: Boosted Firm Formwork's standing in the industry.

• Improved Project Visibility: Maintained clear communication with all stakeholders.

• Efficient Resource Utilization: Optimized use of equipment and personnel.

Setting New Standards in Construction Project Management for Scheduling Services

These results underscore the transformative impact that advanced scheduling consultant services and software can have on project management. Firm Formwork's success on the Press Block project serves as a compelling example of how embracing innovative technology and expert guidance can elevate a company's performance. It demonstrates that with the right tools, guidance from experienced pull planning consultants, and a willingness to adapt, even new entrants can achieve remarkable results in the construction industry.

This case study highlights the importance of intuitive software design, effective resource management, and proactive problem-solving in managing complex construction projects. As the industry continues to evolve, the lessons learned from Firm Formwork's experience provide a valuable blueprint for effective project management, underscoring the value of investing in a reliable specialist when it comes to scheduling services and processes.

The success of Firm Formwork demonstrates that with the right approach to project scheduling and management, construction firms can not only meet but exceed expectations, setting new standards for efficiency and reliability in the industry.

To learn more about our Critical Path Method pull planning and scheduling services, contact us!