Schedule Network Analysis

Schedule Network Analysis is a technique to identify early and late start dates, as well as early and late finish dates, for the uncompleted portions of project activities.

It is used to evaluate the logical relationships between tasks in a schedule model and to calculate timing flexibility, float, and critical paths—supporting both planning and control decisions.

Key Characteristics

• Dependency-Based – Relies on the sequencing of project activities
• Calculates Time Ranges – Determines early/late start and finish for each task
• Enables Critical Path Identification – Helps locate the path with zero float
• Supports Schedule Optimization – Informs compression, fast tracking, and risk mitigation

Example Scenarios

• Performing forward and backward passes to establish activity float
• Identifying tasks that must start on specific dates to maintain the overall schedule
• Analyzing the schedule to determine where there is flexibility or risk

Example of Schedule Network Analysis

gantt
    title Schedule Network Analysis Example
    dateFormat  YYYY-MM-DD
    axisFormat  %b %d

    section Project Activities
    Activity A / ES: Apr 15 / LS: Apr 15 :a1, 2025-04-15, 4d
    Activity B / ES: Apr 19 / LS: Apr 19 :a2, after a1, 3d
    Activity C / ES: Apr 19 / LS: Apr 21 :a3, after a1, 5d
    Activity D / ES: Apr 24 / LS: Apr 26 :a4, after a2 a3, 4d

Sample Schedule Network Analysis Table

Activity	Duration	Early Start	Early Finish	Late Start	Late Finish	Total Float
Activity A	4 days	Apr 15	Apr 18	Apr 15	Apr 18	0 days
Activity B	3 days	Apr 19	Apr 21	Apr 19	Apr 21	0 days
Activity C	5 days	Apr 19	Apr 23	Apr 21	Apr 25	2 days
Activity D	4 days	Apr 24	Apr 27	Apr 26	Apr 29	2 days

Role in Schedule Management

• Improves Schedule Accuracy – Ensures dates align with logic and constraints
• Enables Predictive Control – Highlights where slippage would affect completion
• Supports Compression Techniques – Identifies candidates for fast tracking or crashing
• Feeds Into Forecasting – Informs updates to ETC and EAC for time

See also: Early Start Date, Early Finish Date, Late Start Date, Late Finish Date, Critical Path Method.