Resource Smoothing
Resource smoothing is a resource optimization technique that adjusts activities within their available float so that resource requirements do not exceed predefined limits, without changing the project end date.
Explanation
Resource smoothing is a gentler form of resource optimization compared to resource leveling. While both techniques aim to optimize resource usage, resource smoothing works within the constraint that the project end date and critical path cannot change. Adjustments are made only to non-critical activities that have available float.
The goal of resource smoothing is to reduce peaks and valleys in resource demand, creating a more even distribution of resource usage over time. For example, if a project has periods where five developers are needed followed by periods where only one is needed, resource smoothing would shift non-critical activities within their float windows to create a more balanced workload across all time periods.
Because resource smoothing only uses available float, it may not fully resolve all resource over-allocations. If the over-allocation involves critical path activities or activities without sufficient float, resource smoothing cannot help, and the project manager must use resource leveling (which may extend the schedule) or other strategies such as acquiring additional resources. Resource smoothing is preferred when maintaining the project end date is a higher priority than perfectly balanced resource usage.
Key Points
- •Adjusts activities within their float to even out resource usage
- •Does not change the project end date or critical path
- •Less aggressive than resource leveling
- •May not resolve all resource over-allocations
Exam Tip
The key distinction: resource leveling may extend the schedule; resource smoothing will not. Smoothing only uses available float and preserves the critical path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Topics
Resource Leveling
Resource leveling is a resource optimization technique in which adjustments are made to the project schedule to keep resource usage at or below a defined limit, often resulting in a longer project duration.
Float (Total Float and Free Float)
Total float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed from its early start without delaying the project finish date. Free float is the amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the early start of any successor activity.
Develop Schedule
Develop Schedule is the process of analyzing activity sequences, durations, resource requirements, and schedule constraints to create the project schedule model for project execution, monitoring, and controlling.
Critical Path
The critical path is the longest sequence of activities in a project schedule network diagram that determines the shortest possible project duration.
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