Critical-path method, or CPM, scheduling tools are doing so much more than managing schedules in construction these days. The project- management software platforms are gaining in sophistication and complexity—with better support for 4D building information modeling that gives project teams a more realistic view of the project. Milestones, risk analysis, business intelligence—it's all baked into CPM tools that are lightweight, web-based and easier to use on mobile devices.
"That's where all software development is going," said Dick Faris, SVP of customers for Oracle Primavera P6, the dominant project scheduling and project management platform in use by many larger construction firms.