We create comprehensive, PMI-compliant project management plans and schedules using Smartsheet and MS Project — from WBS development to milestone tracking.
Every engagement follows PMI's PMBOK® Guide standards, from initiation through closeout — giving your stakeholders confidence and your team clarity.
Hierarchical decomposition of total project scope into manageable deliverables. Includes full WBS Dictionary defining each work package, acceptance criteria, and responsible parties.
PMBOK 5.4Fully sequenced Gantt charts with tasks, start/finish dates, durations, and dependency linkages (FS, FF, SS, SF). Critical path highlighted with float calculations per CPM methodology.
PMBOK 6.1–6.7Strategic milestones mapped to phase gates, executive reviews, and contractual obligations. Includes milestone register with entry/exit criteria aligned to PMI deliverable standards.
PMBOK 6.2Predecessor/successor dependency analysis with lag and lead times. Resource loading charts for labor, materials, and equipment to prevent over-allocation and schedule conflicts.
PMBOK 6.3, 9.3Formal schedule baseline establishment per change control procedures. Includes variance thresholds, earned value (SV, SPI) reporting cadence, and re-baseline protocols.
PMBOK 6.6, 6.7Integrated PMP document incorporating scope, schedule, cost, quality, resource, communications, risk, procurement, and stakeholder management sub-plans per PMBOK® Chapter 4.
PMBOK 4.2A PMI-compliant project schedule is more than a list of tasks. Explore each component we build into every plan we deliver.
The WBS is a hierarchical decomposition of the total scope of work to accomplish project objectives and create required deliverables. Structured in levels (Level 0 = Project, Level 1 = Phases/Deliverables, Level 2+ = Work Packages), the WBS forms the foundation of every project plan. Each element is assigned a unique WBS identifier (e.g., 1.2.3) used throughout the schedule.
The WBS Dictionary provides detailed descriptions for each WBS component, including: Statement of Work (SOW), acceptance criteria, responsible organization, scheduled milestones, contract information, quality requirements, and technical references. It eliminates scope ambiguity and serves as the authoritative reference for all work packages.
Activities are specific actions performed to produce project deliverables. Each activity includes a descriptive title, detailed description, assigned resource(s), and links to its parent WBS element. Activities are distinguished from summary tasks — they represent the lowest level of work on the schedule where time and cost are actually estimated.
Duration is calendar time to complete an activity; Effort is the total work-hours required. We estimate using three-point estimating (PERT: tE = (O + 4M + P) / 6) or analogous/parametric techniques per complexity. Duration estimates account for resource availability, constraints, and schedule reserves (contingency buffers) in accordance with PMI guidelines.
Activity dependencies define the logical order of work. We identify all four relationship types: Finish-to-Start (FS), Finish-to-Finish (FF), Start-to-Start (SS), and Start-to-Finish (SF), along with mandatory (hard), discretionary (soft), and external dependencies. Lead and lag times are applied where warranted and documented with rationale.
The Critical Path Method (CPM) identifies the longest path through the network, determining the earliest project completion date. We calculate Total Float (how long an activity can be delayed without delaying project end) and Free Float (delay without affecting successor). Critical path tasks are flagged in the schedule and tracked with priority attention.
Milestones are significant points or events in the project — they have zero duration and represent achievement of a deliverable, phase gate, stakeholder review, or contractual obligation. The Milestone List is maintained as a project document and includes milestone name, date, entry criteria required to achieve it, and whether it is mandatory (contractual) or optional (informational).
The Schedule Baseline is the approved version of the schedule model that can only be changed through formal change control procedures. It captures planned start/finish dates for all activities and milestones. Deviations from baseline are tracked as schedule variances (SV = EV − PV) and schedule performance index (SPI = EV/PV) in status reporting.
We build in the platform that fits your organization — from cloud-collaborative Smartsheet to the scheduling power of MS Project.
Cloud-native, real-time collaboration with automated workflows and live dashboard reporting.
Industry-standard scheduling engine with advanced CPM calculation, resource optimization, and EVM reporting.
A structured engagement modeled on PMI's Planning Process Group — ensuring nothing is missed and every plan is defensible.
We conduct structured interviews with your project sponsor, key stakeholders, and subject matter experts to elicit and document the full project scope. Outputs feed directly into the Scope Statement and WBS development.
We decompose the approved scope into a hierarchical WBS, applying the 100% rule at every level. Each work package receives a WBS Dictionary entry with SOW, acceptance criteria, estimates basis, and owner. Control accounts are established for earned value tracking.
Work packages are decomposed to activity level. We sequence all activities using precedence diagramming (PDM), identify all dependency types, and apply three-point duration estimates. Reserves are added per risk exposure using Monte Carlo or expert judgment.
We construct the schedule in your chosen platform, entering all activities, durations, dependencies, resources, and constraints. Critical path is validated, resource conflicts are leveled, and the schedule is compression-analyzed (crashing/fast-tracking options documented).
The schedule is presented for sponsor review and stakeholder walkthrough. Upon approval, the Schedule Baseline is formally set and locked under change control. We deliver the plan file, documentation set, and a 60-minute team training session on schedule maintenance.
Project Management Plan development, change control processes, and lessons learned register.
WBS creation, WBS Dictionary, scope baseline, and scope control procedures.
Activity definition, sequencing, CPM, schedule development, baseline, and control.
Resource planning, estimation, acquisition, team development, and resource control.
Communications Management Plan aligned to schedule reporting and stakeholder cadence.
Risk Register with schedule risk triggers, Monte Carlo schedule risk analysis, and contingency reserves.
SV, SPI, CV, CPI, EAC, TCPI — all EVM performance metrics configured in MS Project or Smartsheet.
Full forward/backward pass analysis, float calculation, near-critical path monitoring, and schedule compression documentation.
Every day without a baseline is a day of uncontrolled risk. Our PMI-certified team will have a draft schedule in your hands within 5 business days.