Knowledge‐Based Approach to Project Scheduling System Selection

Abstract

Selecting a project scheduling system is one of the most time consuming choices architects, construction managers, and contractors make. Although there are many different sources of information on scheduling software, they do not explain the importance of specific scheduling system features to construction management practice. Published reviews may also not be effective since reviewers make assumptions which may not be appropriate for a particular office. As a result, many firms purchase systems that do not provide the correct combination of features. Even though, in some cases, the correct system is chosen, it may not be used because office characteristics were not considered prior to purchase. This paper presents an approach to selecting a scheduling system which explains the assumptions behind the selection process and indicates those constraints which will have to be addressed as the program is implemented.