Scheduling is a common thread in this month’s issue of Construction Project Controls. As Marc Johnson explains, there’s much more to scheduling than just beginning, middle and end. He spells out the steps to creating an accurate and effective schedule. Next, columnist Gordon Aronson takes some of the guesswork out of inputting resources and costs in P3e/c and Contractor scheduling software. Larry True shows general contractors how to spend less time on cost analysis, saving valuable time for actual project management. John Jurewicz then gives updates on three web-based software programs, and Pam Hunter gives an overview of a report that provides on-the-job examples of how some of these programs are helping transportation organizations. This issue wraps up with updates and new releases on software packages.

Looking for the latest software news in the industry? The following digest items give you brief updates and awards on popular software programs. For more information, visit the website of each company.

By Larry True
Managing costs shouldn’t be a contractor’s most time-consuming task, says Larry True. A few well-planned steps in the beginning of the project will save time and money throughout the project.

By John Jurewicz, AIA
John Jurewicz reviews web-based software updates from three construction software leaders—Citadon, Constructware and Meridian—in this month’s industry article.

By Pam Hunter
Pam Hunter recaps an industry report that takes a look at on-the-job performances of three transportation organizations successfully using web-based collaboration software packages.

By Gordon H. Aronson
To list or not to list (resources and costs), that is the question. Gordon Aronson helps decipher the ins and outs and ups and downs of itemizing resources and costs in P3e/c and Contractor software.

By Marc Johnson
It’s naïve to expect just a three-activity schedule for every project. Marc Johnson walks you through the process of developing a schedule with the appropriate number of activities.