Resource Smoothing in Project Management: Understanding vs Leveling

Resource smoothing is a critical project management technique for optimizing resource allocation and workload. Unlike resource leveling, it adjusts activity durations to even out resource usage without changing the critical path. Understanding when and how to use resource smoothing versus leveling is key for project managers to effectively manage resources and complete projects on time.

In this article, we will dive into the differences between resource smoothing and leveling, when each approach should be used, as well as provide examples to demonstrate these powerful project management techniques in action. Read on to boost your project management skills and learn how to keep your projects on track using resource optimization.

What is Resource Smoothing and Why is it Important?

Resource smoothing is a technique used to optimize the use of resources on a project. The goal is to avoid peaks and troughs in resource usage by making small adjustments to the durations of project activities. This evens out the resource profile without significantly impacting the total project duration.

Resource smoothing is important because it allows project managers to work within predefined resource limits and constraints. It helps avoid resource conflicts and over-allocation. By "smoothing out" resource usage, you can avoid delays and costs associated with bringing on additional resources to meet peaks in demand.

How Does Resource Smoothing Differ From Resource Leveling?

Resource leveling and resource smoothing are two different optimization techniques. The main difference is that resource leveling can change activity start and end dates, which may impact the critical path. Resource smoothing only changes activity durations within available float, leaving the critical path intact.

Resource leveling delays activities and may extend the planned project finish date. Resource smoothing rearranges activities but does not delay project completion. Project managers use resource leveling when the project time constraint is less important. They use smoothing when the deadline must be met at all costs.

When Should You Use Resource Smoothing?

Resource smoothing is commonly used when:

• There are strict deadlines that must be met. The project end date cannot be delayed.

• Resources are limited. There is little flexibility to bring on additional resources.

• The time constraint is more important than the project scope. Some scope changes are acceptable to meet the deadline.

• There are peaks and troughs in resource usage that result in over-allocation.

Smoothing is useful on projects with interdependent activities and multiple resources working in parallel. For example, a large construction project may require smoothing material deliveries, equipment usage, and labor hours.

How to Perform Resource Smoothing in Project Management

Here are the basic steps for effective resource smoothing:

1. Identify peaks and troughs in your resource usage charts. Look for periods of over-allocation.

2. Prioritize activities that can have their durations extended without delaying tasks on the critical path.

3. Adjust activity durations and resource assignments to smooth out resource usage. Extend durations to shift resources off of peaks.

4. Avoid delays to the critical path. Only extend activity durations within their total float.

5. Check for new resource conflicts. Smoothing one resource may create peaks for others. Iterate as needed.

6. Update schedules and communicate changes to stakeholders. Ensure they understand the benefits of smoothing for the project.

Resource smoothing is an iterative technique. Several rounds of duration adjustments may be needed to find the optimal resource profile. Project management software makes this process easier by rapidly calculating impacts and showing conflicts.

Example of Resource Smoothing

Here is a simplified example to demonstrate the benefits of resource smoothing:

A project has four activities, A-D. The initial schedule requires 10 hours of work from a single resource each week:

• Week 1: A + B = 10 hours

• Week 2: C + D = 10 hours

The resource is over-allocated at 10 hours per week. The maximum is 8 hours.

To smooth the resource usage, activity B's duration is increased by 2 days. The new schedule is:

• Week 1: A = 8 hours

• Week 2: B = 2 hours

• Week 3: C = 4 hours

• Week 4: D = 4 hours

The resource usage is now smoothed at 8 hours per week. The total project duration remains unchanged.

Key Takeaways on Resource Smoothing vs Leveling

• Resource smoothing optimizes resource usage while allowing deadlines to be met. Leveling can extend project duration.

• Smoothing only adjusts activity durations within float. Leveling can change start/end dates beyond float limits. 

• Smoothing is used when deadlines are fixed. Leveling provides flexibility on delivery dates.

• Both smoothing and leveling are useful optimization techniques for project managers to master.

Conclusion

Resource smoothing is a valuable technique for optimizing resource utilization while keeping projects on schedule. By making small duration adjustments within the float, project managers can avoid resource conflicts and over-allocation. Understanding when and how to leverage resource smoothing versus resource leveling will allow you to effectively manage project resources and constraints. With practice, you'll be able to keep your projects on track using these powerful optimization methods.