Understand What Truly Drives Completion.
Mattis examines the driving logic, path continuity, constraints, float and schedule changes that influence key contractual and operational milestones.
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- Best for
- Any project where the forecast is moving or disputed
- Typical outputs
- Critical and near-critical path findings, narrative
- Engagement
- Single review or each update
The critical path you report may not be the one driving the job.
Schedule settings, constraints, calendars and open ends can make software report a critical path that does not actually drive the milestone. Near-critical paths with only a few days of float are often ignored until they take over. Without a clear view of the driving logic, recovery effort goes to the wrong activities.
Signals you need this
- The reported critical path jumps between unrelated areas from one update to the next
- Milestones are driven by constraints rather than logic
- Total float values look unrealistic, too high or deeply negative
- The longest path and the critical path give different answers
- Recovery actions have not moved the forecast
How we trace what drives completion
- 01
Confirm the settings
Review calculation settings, calendars and constraints that change how float and the critical path are calculated.
- 02
Trace the driving logic
Trace backwards from each key milestone through its driving predecessors to confirm path continuity.
- 03
Map near-critical paths
Identify paths within a defined float window that could take over.
- 04
Compare over time
Compare how the paths and float moved between updates and find the cause.
- 05
Recommend targeted actions
Point mitigation at the activities and interfaces that actually drive the milestone.
See what really drives the finish date.
Pick an activity and add a delay. Activities with float absorb it. Activities on the critical path push the ready-for-service date day for day.
What you receive.
Scaled to the project and its contract requirements. Assumptions and exclusions are agreed at kickoff, so there are no surprises later.
Critical path findings
The true driving path to each key milestone, with breaks and anomalies noted.
Near-critical path register
Paths within the float window, ranked by exposure.
Float trend review
How float has been consumed across updates and where.
Schedule narrative
What drives completion, explained for executives and field teams.
Targeted mitigation recommendations
Specific actions on the driving activities.
Not sure this is the right fit?
Talk it through with an experienced scheduler. You will get a first read on your schedule challenge and a clear recommended next step, at no cost.
- Speak with a scheduler, not a salesperson
- Bring your schedule questions, or just the problem
- No cost and no obligation
Built for demanding environments.
IND-01Data Centers & Mission Critical
Phased energization, long-lead electrical equipment, integrated systems testing and operational readiness.
IND-06Energy & Power
Utility interfaces, outages, equipment procurement, commissioning and milestone management.
IND-03Advanced Manufacturing
Equipment delivery, production systems, utility readiness, installation interfaces and start-up sequencing.
IND-05Healthcare
Phased occupancy, critical systems, operational continuity and complex commissioning requirements.
What is the difference between the critical path and the longest path?
The critical path is usually defined by total float. The longest path follows the driving logic to the project finish. Constraints, calendars and settings can make them differ. Our article on the topic explains when that matters.
How much float makes a path near-critical?
It depends on update frequency and project duration. A common practice is to monitor paths within one or two update periods of float. We agree the threshold with the team.
Can you analyse a schedule we already have?
Yes. Critical path analysis can be done on an existing schedule as a single review or as part of each update.
Often combined with.
Recovery Scheduling
Turn schedule pressure into a practical plan with tested options and clear tradeoffs.
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Schedule Health Assessments
An independent review that finds schedule weaknesses before they become delivery risks.
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Schedule Management & Updates
Disciplined update cycles that keep the forecast current, credible and decision-ready.
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Delay Analysis
Technical schedule analysis that explains what happened, why, and what it means for completion.
Explore →