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cpm-schedule-generator skill

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/plugins/babysitter/skills/babysit/process/specializations/domains/science/civil-engineering/skills/cpm-schedule-generator

This skill develops construction schedules using the Critical Path Method to optimize sequencing, floats, resources, and timelines for informed decision making.

npx playbooks add skill a5c-ai/babysitter --skill cpm-schedule-generator

Review the files below or copy the command above to add this skill to your agents.

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SKILL.md

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---
name: cpm-schedule-generator
description: Critical Path Method scheduling skill for construction schedule development and analysis
allowed-tools:
  - Read
  - Write
  - Glob
  - Grep
  - Edit
  - Bash
metadata:
  specialization: civil-engineering
  domain: science
  category: Construction Management
  skill-id: CIV-SK-027
---

# CPM Schedule Generator Skill

## Purpose

The CPM Schedule Generator Skill develops construction schedules using Critical Path Method including activity sequencing, float analysis, and resource leveling.

## Capabilities

- Critical path calculation
- Float analysis (total, free, independent)
- Resource leveling
- Schedule compression
- Gantt chart generation
- Progress tracking
- Baseline comparison
- What-if analysis

## Usage Guidelines

### When to Use
- Developing project schedules
- Analyzing schedule impacts
- Tracking project progress
- Evaluating alternatives

### Prerequisites
- Activity list defined
- Duration estimates available
- Logic relationships established
- Resource constraints identified

### Best Practices
- Use realistic durations
- Verify logic relationships
- Identify driving paths
- Update regularly

## Process Integration

This skill integrates with:
- Construction Schedule Development

## Configuration

```yaml
cpm-schedule-generator:
  analysis-types:
    - forward-pass
    - backward-pass
    - float-analysis
    - resource-leveling
  outputs:
    - gantt-chart
    - network-diagram
    - reports
```

## Output Artifacts

- Project schedules
- Critical path reports
- Float analyses
- Resource histograms

Overview

This skill generates construction schedules using the Critical Path Method to produce reliable, actionable timelines. It computes critical paths, quantifies float, levels resources, and produces visual outputs like Gantt charts and network diagrams. The focus is on creating defendable schedules for planning, progress tracking, and scenario analysis.

How this skill works

The skill performs forward and backward passes through a defined activity network to establish early/late dates and identify critical activities. It calculates total, free, and independent float, applies resource leveling to resolve peaks and clashes, and can compress schedules using techniques like crashing or fast-tracking. Outputs include Gantt charts, network diagrams, critical path reports, resource histograms, and baseline comparisons for progress tracking.

When to use it

Developing an initial project schedule from an activity list and logic
Assessing the impact of changes or delays with what-if analysis
Identifying driving paths and schedule risk during planning reviews
Leveling resource demands to produce executable work plans
Comparing current progress to a baseline for earned value or progress reporting

Best practices

Provide a complete activity list with realistic duration estimates before analysis
Verify and simplify logic relationships so driving paths are clear
Run float analysis and identify the true critical path(s) rather than solely relying on early dates
Apply resource leveling iteratively and review the impact on critical activities
Maintain baselines and update the schedule regularly to reflect actual progress

Example use cases

Create a baseline schedule for a multi-month construction package with resource constraints
Run what-if scenarios to test the schedule impact of delayed deliveries or workforce shortages
Compress a schedule using crashing options and compare cost/time trade-offs
Generate daily or weekly progress reports and compare to the approved baseline
Produce resource histograms to justify additional workforce or subcontractor hires

FAQ

What inputs are required to run a CPM analysis?

You need an activity list, duration estimates, logical relationships (predecessors/successors), and any resource constraints or calendars.

Can it handle resource leveling and schedule compression together?

Yes. The skill can perform resource leveling to resolve peaks and then apply compression techniques like crashing or fast-tracking to recover schedule time, showing trade-offs in the outputs.