There are many obstacles that projects must overcome before they can start. An essential action that starts uncomplicated may change in several ways because of unidentified or unforeseen limitations. The project manager must rely on strategies or tactics for maintaining equilibrium to confront and overcome these challenges. The two timetable compression techniques, crashing and fast-tracking, are helpful when dealing with schedule-related limitations. Every project has many moving components, and several outside variables can influence its path. A project manager may need to shorten the timetable for a variety of reasons as a result. This article describes the differences and similarities between schedule crashes and fast-tracks and when a project manager might require each.

What is Fast Tracking?

In project management, "fast-tracking" describes a technique where tasks typically executed in order are carried out simultaneously. Projects moving quickly may be unlikely to be completed on schedule, among other indications. Cut the project timeline, arrange for multiple overlapping tasks to be completed, and eliminate unnecessary ones. Project fast-tracking is the go-to tactic when faced with challenges because it doesn't raise costs or demand more resources. 

What is Crashing?

The "project crashing" technique in project management refers to adding more resources to a project without altering its scope to accelerate its schedule. This approach adds more resources to the project at the most affordable cost. To determine the highest compression at the lowest incremental cost, consider scheduling and cost tradeoffs - the more resources devoted to the project, the higher the penalty of crashing. A project failure may lead to a modification of the critical path or the creation of an entirely new critical path.

Read More:What Is Crashing A Project In Project Management?

Difference Between Fast-Tracking And Crashing

Project managers frequently utilize these two schedule compression approaches to ensure the project is on time. Let's take a quick look at how they vary.

1. The Nature Of the Application

Regarding scheduling compression, the first phase is fast-tracking, planning simultaneous execution or overlapping operations to shorten project timeframes. In contrast, crashing entails adding resources to the project to complete twice as much work as intended in the same amount of time.

2. Reevaluate/ Rework

Compared to crashing, fast-tracking allows for more room for rework because it modifies the order in which things execute. It might or might not result in good things happening, but it might also lead to rework in activity alignment, reviews, etc. If the overlapping procedure is not executed perfectly, they might become more accessible to oversee and close.

3. Application scope

While crashing prima facie does not entail any activity realignment and concentrates on bringing in more hands to complete tasks, fast-tracking can only be used when independent actions can be parallel-planned or overlapped. Therefore, while crashing can only be used on activities on the project's critical path, fast-tracking can be applied to any activity in the schedule diagram.

4. Extra Resources

Fast-tracking excludes allocating more resources to account for more resources involved in the project. 

5. Risks involved: 

While crashing does not introduce as many risks as fast-tracking, it is still an effective technique for compressing projects. Fast-tracking increases project risks because it requires more coordination and communication to thoroughly sequence or plan parallel or overlapping activities.

6. Additional Costs

Crashing project management involves additional costs due to extra resources to fulfill the planned tasks/activities. At the same time, fast-tracking does not include additional costs as the same number of resources attempt parallel execution or overlapping activities to meet schedule deadlines faster.

7. Complexities

Fast-tracking means parallel execution, i.e., more tasks done in parallel, which puts a risk of too many WIP items. In contrast, crashing involves more resources that require supervision and coordination, bringing more project management complexities.

8. Task rebalancing

Fast-tracking may require a sufficient rebalancing of tasks or discretionary dependencies to help execute in parallel and complete items faster. Crashing involves adding resources to pick up tasks already planned and scheduled for execution, thus requiring minimal rebalancing.

9. Application priority

Fast-tracking is used when a timeline needs to be compressed to observe the outcomes that project managers anticipate failing, such as when extra workers are required to finish the project's job. 

Similarities Fast Tracking vs Crashing PMP

Fast-tracking vs. crashing are two approaches with similar goals of cutting project schedules without affecting the scope of project management or timelines. It's important to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of each method before utilizing one to assist a project during a crisis. The project managers must devise a sequence of actions to implement one of the strategies, which might include:

• Evaluating the circumstances and necessity of compression
• Determining which task can streamline
• Analyzing the advantages, risks, and costs
• Organizing the application of schedule compression methods
• Applying the strategies and keeping an eye on how well they work

This table format provides a concise overview of the similarities between fast-tracking and crashing in the context of Project Management Professional (PMP) certification

The aims, analysis, execution, and monitoring procedures of both techniques are the same; let’s see how:

1. Goal: Crashing and rapid tracking both seek to shorten a project's timeline without compromising its scope. It can be helpful when a project needs to be finished sooner than anticipated or is running behind schedule. 
2. Impact: The project's hazards, including mistakes, poor quality, and excessive teamwork, may arise due to these approaches. It is due to the possibility of pressure on the team and shortcuts taken if the schedule is compressed.
3. Use: Multiple project components can benefit from fast-tracking and crashing depending on the available resources and dependencies. It implies that you can decide which tasks inside the project to apply one or both of the strategies to.
4. Management: Fast-tracking and crashing calls for meticulous planning and oversight to keep the project on schedule management and under budget. Cutting the schedule short may make it harder to oversee the project and spot possible issues before they become serious. 

What Should We Choose Between Fast-Tracking Vs Crashing

A project manager must exercise caution and carefully assess the circumstances before implementing the compression techniques when using one or both strategies. Fast-tracking may not be possible if the critical route continues past the project deadline; in these situations, crashing might need to be used before fast-tracking. In some situations, it may be possible to fulfill deadlines and reap the benefits of timetable compression by crushing some activities and fast-tracking others. 

Under certain circumstances, project managers may take the direct approach of crashing the timetable.

• We can utilize both or, in other cases, none of these works, depending on the project's circumstances.

• Depending on requirements, if a project is handled using Fast-Tracking, it is the best option since there would be no additional costs.

• Depending on the project's financial situation, Crashing is the ideal option to apply if the client is willing to pay extra and demands that the project be completed on time in every instance.
• Even though the cost is increasing, we might have to use Crashing to protect the company's brand and image in the marketplace.
• When there is a chance of incurring liquidated damages (LDs) due to project delays, we should estimate the potential penalty and determine whether it will exceed the cost of Crashing. If so, we should use both strategies, which include Crashing some activities and Fast-Tracking others where they are most appropriate.

What Is The Risk Of Fast-Tracking The Project?

There are risks involved in fast-tracking a project, even though it is the most excellent option to finish it quickly. The possibility of overlooking crucial information, which could cause issues later, is one of the main risks. Rushing work can frequently result in less correct work than work finished over a more extended period, which can irritate customers and team members and add to additional expenses from having to redo or fix mistakes.

Stress among team members is another danger associated with fast-tracking. A great deal of tension and anger can result from those who are rushed from being unable to plan and perform their work correctly. The team and the project are impacted in addition to the individual employees. When choosing whether or not to employ this strategy, it is crucial to consider the advantages and disadvantages of expediting a project. Fast-tracking can be a very effective strategy for rapidly finishing tasks. Doing well can result in costly errors, exhaustion, and satisfaction.

Conclusion

Managers frequently have to cope with delays, whether a project is short-term or long-term. Mould is commonly impacted by changes and delays, necessitating both preventative and remedial actions to get the projects back on schedule. If appropriately used, fast-tracking and crash-diving are two effective schedule compression strategies that can help even the most severely disturbed project schedules get back on track.
Project managers need to develop top skills in determining when to apply either or both of these strategies; you may accomplish this by signing up for Simpliaxcis's Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) Certification Training. It's crucial to remember that while crashing entails using additional resources at the lowest possible cost to save time, fast-tracking is used for projects where work overlaps to shorten the length. The application of schedule compression strategies is more complex than it may seem, and if done incorrectly, it can harm the project or increase risks. Enroll today to learn more about using these strategies as a project manager.