Scheduling Tutorial

NOTE-- We retired the entire MacNail construction software package in 2000, and replaced it with Goldenseal construction scheduling software. It also provides a simple "time line" schedule that is built into each Estimate that you create. Goldenseal is a complete computer software program for home builders and remodelers, also providing accounting, estimating, and project scheduling features.

This chapter will help you to get the MacNail Scheduling software program loaded onto your hard disk. It also provides a general overview of the MacNail construction scheduling software.

Please read through this whole chapter. It includes valuable information that will make your use of MacNail Scheduling more productive.

Scheduling Overview

The MacNail project management software includes several components that will help you to manage your projects more efficiently.

Scheduling

A MacNail schedule is a simple "time line" for a project. It shows you a predicted start date for each item of work that needs to be done, based on detailed information that came originally from a MacNail estimate. It also shows you a completion date for the entire project, and lead times for the ordering of various materials.

MacNail schedules can handle subcontractor or weather delays, variable crew sizes, and parallel work.

MacNail is not a "critical path" scheduler-- if you need the extra accuracy and flexibility that the critical path method (CPM) provides, export the schedule to MacProject II and do your scheduling from there (see page 104).

Many people find that MacNail's rough "time line" schedule is all they need, especially for smaller projects.