What is network planning and management and how does it work? This is a system that solves the issues of planning, managing and developing large complexes in the national economy, scientific research, technological and design preparation for the production of new varieties of products, reconstruction of old and construction of new facilities, and overhaul of fixed assets using network schedules.
Network planning allows you to establish the exact relationship between the activities that are planned and the results that can be obtained through the implementation of these activities. It also makes it possible to quickly calculate and adjust the plan of any work. Network planning is the basis for the use of computer technology in production management and the creation of automatic control systems. This technology allows you to free up a large human resource, busy compiling standard plans for more creative work.
Network planning methods consist in creating a logical mathematical model of an object, which is controlled in the form of a network model or graph located in the memory of an electronic computer and reflecting the duration and interconnection of all processes that occur during the execution of this complex of works.
The network diagram is initially optimized by means of computer technology and applied mathematics, and then used for operational management and organization of work. The schedule reflects events and work. An event characterizes either the beginning or the completion of a certain work, and the work itself expresses an action, the completion of which is necessary for the transition from an event that precedes it to a subsequent one. On the graph, events are depicted in the form of circles, and works, in the form of arrows, which demonstrate the relationship between events (the reverse version of the image is also possible: work is shown in circles, and the events connecting them with arrows).
Network planning requires a specific, clear description of the work, indicating the performer of each of them, indicating the time, which is measured in days, weeks, decades, months and is applied over the arrow. Temporary assessments are made there by the responsible executors of the relevant work. All work that is being done on the schedule ultimately leads to goal planning. Network planning of the duration of work requires the use of not only regulatory documentation, but also supporting experimental data.
But often it happens, especially in cases when new types of products are being developed that execution time cannot be expressed with the help of a single reliable figure. In such cases, the contractor must give three ratings:
1) Optimistic assessment. The minimum duration of the work, possible in the most favorable conditions, in the event that no one and nothing interferes with its implementation.
2) Pessimistic assessment. The maximum time that may be required to complete the work in case of difficulties.
3) The most likely estimate. Shows the time that will be spent under normal operating conditions.
One of the most important elements in building a graph is the duration of the paths. Paths are divided into full and critical. The full path is the line, the beginning of which is the initial event of the network, and the end is its final event. The critical path is the longest, it characterizes the duration of all the project work, that is, the time that will be spent on achieving the final goal.
The critical path is the most important indicator in the entire network program management system and represents the basis for choosing the most suitable plan and for organizing control over the progress of work.