When the project schedule goes off the rails and the dispute ends up in court, a schedule isn’t just a tool, it actually becomes evidence. And, you need it to be factual, reliable, and ultra-tight in its frequent adaptations, alterations, and forecasts for the myriad potential off-ramps we often encounter in project management on long-duration, mega-developments.
In fact, your schedule is often the first thing that’s scrutinized in a court case. An invalidated and poorly managed timetable can leave you vulnerable to substantial settlement costs. On the other hand, a validated and rock-solid schedule protects you by clearly demonstrating cause, responsibility, and impact. You need evidentiary proof that legitimate efforts were expended to properly and confidently manage the project.
We all know that as a project schedule changes, you keep checking and updating to make sure nothing “funky” is going on. Schedule Validator provides the analytical functionality to provide the “deep dive” into the schedule.
We use Schedule Validator to shore up and solidify the quality of the schedule model and verify that it is representative of the scope being executed and any changes. Another MUST is the utilization of “what if” scenarios; what if we threw another $ 1 million at the project, can we finish it on time, do we have the resources available to get the work done, and will materials be delivered on time if we speed up the process? These are all answerable if you use the right system, and they are provable in court.
Here’s how Schedule Validator shields you in scheduling disputes:
- Clear Evidence in Claims: Validated schedules provide an irrefutable, data-backed sequence of events. Whether delays stem from weather, resource shortages, or owner approvals, they show exactly what caused the slippage and where accountability lies.
- Defensible Cause-and-Effect Analysis: Using Time Impact Analysis (TIA), Schedule Validator quantifies the effects of changes on timelines, helping you build a solid case. For example, if delays stemmed from missing owner-procured materials, your schedule can prove the contractor wasn’t at fault.
- Reduced Litigation Risk: Courts and arbitrators rely on validated schedules to resolve disputes efficiently. With Schedule Validator, you avoid surprises by ensuring every task has driving logic, the schedule model is robust and the project’s critical path is clear and defendable.
If the unfortunate happens and you end up in court facing a dispute, your schedule is your strongest ally—hands down. The ability to withstand tough scrutiny using Schedule Validator ensures that your project holds up both in its real-world execution… and in court.
