Graphical Planning Method for Real-Time Schedule Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional project scheduling methods, such as the Critical Path Method (CPM), are inefficient for real-time modifications and optimizations, leading to unworkable or illogical schedules, as they require laborious planning and trial-and-error approaches due to their batch processing nature and disconnection from user interactions.
Innovation Solution
The Graphical Planning Method (GPM) provides an object-centric, graphics-driven approach that consolidates planning and scheduling, offering evolving dates, floats, resource profiles, and cost curves in real-time, allowing users to interactively perform resource leveling, schedule optimization, and time/cost tradeoffs through a kinetic linkage between visual and abstract representations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If CPM batch processing mode is used, then scheduling calculations can be completed, but real-time modification and optimization become inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static batch processing to dynamic real-time processing. The scheduling engine continuously recalculates and updates the schedule as users interact with the graphical interface, rather than requiring separate batch processing cycles. This dynamic approach allows immediate reflection of modifications without waiting for batch processing completion.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where schedule modifications are immediately reflected in the graphical display and recalculated by the scheduling engine. Users receive real-time feedback on the impact of their changes, enabling iterative optimization without the delays inherent in batch processing modes.
2Ease of manufacture
If disconnected planning and scheduling approach is used, then initial schedule can be created, but realistic and workable schedules难以 to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the planning and scheduling functions into a unified interactive process. Users simultaneously perform both planning activities and scheduling calculations through the graphical interface, eliminating the disconnect between these previously separate phases. This integration ensures that schedules are developed with practical considerations from the outset.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables users to directly manipulate and optimize schedules without requiring separate planning and scheduling steps. Through the graphical interface, users can drag, drop, and adjust schedule elements while the system automatically recalculates and validates constraints, allowing non-experts to create realistic schedules independently.
3Reliability
If trial and error through CPM applications is used, then realistic schedules can be achieved, but laborious planning is required
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous schedule calculation and validation as users interact with the graphical interface. Rather than requiring discrete trial-and-error cycles with batch processing, the scheduling engine continuously evaluates constraints and updates the schedule, eliminating wasted time from invalidating attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical trial-and-error process with an automated intelligent system that continuously validates constraints and optimizes the schedule. The scheduling engine performs real-time constraint checking and conflict resolution, substituting manual iterative attempts with automated intelligent processing.
Data Source
AI summary
A graphical planning and scheduling system is described. The system is based on the Graphical Planning Method and object oriented principles. The system is graphics-driven and may support gestural and surface computing. The system may allow resource leveling, schedule optimization, and time/cost tradeoffs to occur interactively on a display and in conjunction with network construction. The system may allow forward and backward planning and scheduling of projects. The system may also allow project stakeholders to interactively participate in collaborative planning and scheduling sessions.