Resource smoothing is a project management technique that reduces the workload peaks and valleys of a project. By reducing the peaks and valleys, it helps to ensure that no resource is ever over or under-utilized — or both — during the course of a project. As a result, project deadlines and budgets can be more accurately managed, thus helping to improve the results of the project overall.
What is resource smoothing?
Resource smoothing is the practice of trying to minimize peaks and valleys in the workflow of a project. During a typical project, there can be times when resources are over-utilized and times when they are underutilized. These times can range from quite small to large fluctuations. By smoothing out these peaks and valleys, the work can be more evenly spread out. This helps reduce the instances of both over-utilization and under-utilization of resources, resulting in a more efficient project.
The truth behind why you should care about resource smoothing
Resource smoothing is important to the successful completion of projects. When resource utilization fluctuates wildly — that is, when there are large peaks and valleys in the workflow — it can result in a project going over in terms of budget and timeline. By smoothing out the workflow, the project can be more efficiently managed, reducing the budget and timeline. Furthermore, getting an accurate timeline also helps with resource allocation, as the team can better predict which resources will be needed and when.
How to use it to your benefit
There are a few ways to use resource smoothing to your benefit:
- Use it as a tool for project planning. By better understanding the peaks and valleys of a project, you can more accurately plan resources and budget accordingly.
- Identify areas of overwork, and with that, any potential bottlenecks or issues in the process. By understanding when resources are overworked and when they’re underutilized, you can take steps to adjust the process and reduce any burden on potentially overworked resources.
Implementing Resource Smoothing In Your Team At Work
Implementing resource smoothing in your team at work is relatively easy. The easiest way is to use a resource management tool or online HR software, such as SmoothingHR, that allows you to track the utilization of resources within your team. This will allow you to see at a glance when resources are being overworked or are not being provided with enough resources. Armed with this information, you can then take steps to adjust the workflow and provide resources to where they’re needed the most.
In addition, you can also use resource smoothing to improve communication between the project manager and the team. By providing the team with an up-to-date view of the workflow and any potential overwork areas, they can better plan their tasks and anticipate any issues down the line. This will help ensure that the team is better organized and prepared to manage the project as efficiently as possible.
Resource smoothing is an important tool for project managers and teams to use. By smoothing out the workflow of a project and reducing the peaks and valleys, resources can be more evenly allocated and timelines and budgets can be better managed. With online HR software solutions, it can be made even easier to track the utilization of resources and identify areas of potential overwork. By implementing resource smoothing and keeping the project workflow more predictable, projects can be made more effective and efficient.
