Meeting project deadlines is one of the biggest challenges in project management. According to a 2021 PMI (Project Management Institute) report, nearly 48% of projects fail to meet their initial deadlines, often due to poor scheduling, resource shortages, or unforeseen risks. When project managers need to accelerate timelines, they turn to two common schedule compression techniques: fast-tracking and crashing.
Both methods aim to shorten project duration, but they use different approaches. Knowing fast-tracking and crashing allows project managers to make informed decisions, ensuring projects are finished on time without sacrificing quality or cost.
What Does Fast Tracking Mean in Project Management?
When jobs that were supposed to be done one after the other are done at the same time, this is called fast-tracking. Teams save time by working on multiple tasks at the same time, instead of waiting for one to finish before moving on to the next.
Here’s how fast-tracking works:
- Identify tasks that can overlap without causing major risks.
- Adjust the schedule to allow simultaneous work on related tasks.
- Monitor progress closely to avoid errors and rework.
For example, in a construction project, the team typically finishes the foundation before starting the framework. With fast tracking, they begin the framework while the foundation work is still ongoing, reducing project duration.
Here are the benefits of fast-tracking:
- Reduces project duration without increasing costs.
- Minimizes delays by overlapping tasks.
- Does not require extra resources, making it cost-effective
The Role of Crashing in Project Management
When talking about crash the schedule, it means adding extra resources—such as more workers, overtime, or advanced technology—to speed up critical tasks. This approach increases costs but ensures the project meets its deadline.
Here’s how crashing works:
- Identify critical tasks that, if completed faster, will shorten the project.
- Set aside extra resources, like cash, staff, or equipment.
- Balance cost vs. time saved to determine if the trade-off is worth it.
For example, a software development project is behind schedule. The project manager crashes the schedule by hiring additional developers to complete coding faster. This speeds up delivery but increases labor costs.
Here are the benefits of crashing:
- Ensures on-time project completion when deadlines are strict.
- Reduces delays by accelerating critical tasks.
- Provides flexibility when additional budget is available.
Fast Tracking and Crashing: What Sets Them Apart?
Understanding the differences between fast tracking and crashing helps determine the best approach based on cost, risk, and resource availability.
Method
Fast-tracking involves overlapping tasks to save time, while crashing speeds up the project by adding extra resources.
Cost Impact
Fast-tracking has little to no additional cost, whereas crashing requires a high budget.
Risk Level
Fast-tracking carries a moderate to high risk due to overlapping activities, while crashing has a high risk due to increased pressure on resources.
Resource Requirement
Fast-tracking does not require extra resources, but crashing relies on additional personnel, money, or equipment.
Best for
Fast-tracking works well for projects with flexible dependencies while crashing is ideal for projects with strict deadlines and budget flexibility.
Common Use Cases
Fast-tracking is commonly used in construction, IT, and manufacturing, whereas crashing is often applied in software development, event planning, and large-scale infrastructure projects.
What Could Go Wrong with Fast Tracking and Crashing?
Fast-tracking and crashing can help speed up projects, but both come with risks that can impact cost, quality, and team performance. Understanding these risks is essential to avoid delays, budget overruns, and reduced work efficiency.
Fast Tracking
- Overlapping tasks can create confusion and errors.
- Team members may struggle to keep up with multiple tasks.
- Rushing work may lead to shortcuts and missed details.
Crashing
- Hiring extra workers or adding resources increases expenses.
- Extra workload and overtime can exhaust employees.
- Managing more people requires strong oversight.
How to Successfully Implement Fast Tracking and Crashing?
To use fast-tracking and crashing successfully, you need to plan ahead to reduce risks and boost productivity. Following best practices helps ensure that project timelines are shortened without compromising quality or exceeding budgets.
For Fast Tracking
- Ensure that overlapping tasks do not create conflicts or delays.
- Keep the team updated on any schedule changes to prevent misunderstandings.
- Monitor the project’s progress closely to identify and address issues early.
For Crashing
- Confirm that extra staff or tools are available and within budget.
- Define clear objectives for what the additional resources should accomplish.
- Ensure that all stakeholders are aware of the schedule changes and their impact.
When Should You Fast-Track or Crash a Project?
Knowing when to use fast-tracking or crashing depends on project constraints, deadlines, and available resources. Choosing the right approach can help meet timelines while balancing cost and risk.
Fast-tracking works best when:
- The project allows tasks to overlap without major risks.
- The team is experienced in handling multiple tasks at once.
- Strong communication ensures that missteps and confusion are minimized.
Crashing is useful when:
- The project is already delayed and needs to catch up.
- There is enough budget to bring in extra resources.
- Key tasks cannot be overlapped without risking quality.
Fast-Tracking and Crashing Without the Risks
Speeding up a project isn’t just about working faster—it’s about making smart choices. Fast-tracking can save time but may cause confusion, while crashing gets quick results at a higher cost. The key is knowing when to use each method without hurting quality, budget, or the team. Good project managers focus on meeting deadlines without risking long-term success.