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Activity Slip and Gain: Tracking Schedule Performance

Activity Slip and Gain helps you quickly see how your project/program activities are performing against expected completion dates and identify specific activities that have contributed to project/program delays. This feature provides visual indicators that highlight schedule variances, allowing you to proactively manage timeline risks.

Key Concepts

Baseline Dates: The original expected completion dates for activities, established at the start of a project.

Forecast/Planned Dates: The updated expected completion dates based on current information from consultants and contractors.

Actual Dates: The dates when activities are actually completed.

Slip: When an activity is expected to be completed later than the baseline date (shown in red).

Gain: When an activity is expected to be completed earlier than the baseline date (shown in green).

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Setting Baseline Dates

  1. Navigate to the Project Schedule section
  2. Select the activities you want to baseline
  3. Set baseline dates for each activity

Note: Baseline dates establish the foundation for tracking schedule performance.

Step 2: Updating Forecast/Planned Dates

  1. Open your project schedule
  2. Select the activity requiring a date update
  3. Enter the new forecast/planned date based on current information
  4. Save your changes

Note: As you receive updates from consultants and contractors, regularly update the forecast dates.

Step 3: Viewing Slip and Gain Indicators

  1. Navigate to the Project Schedule section
  2. Look for the visual indicators on the Schedule Worm Chart:
    • Red indicators show activities slipping behind schedule
    • Green indicators show activities ahead of schedule
  3. Note the delta values (days ahead or behind) for each activity

Best Practices

  • Set realistic baseline dates at the project start
  • Update forecast dates promptly when you receive new information
  • Pay special attention to activities on the critical path
  • Use slip indicators to identify areas needing intervention
  • Document reasons for significant slips or gains

Troubleshooting

Incorrect Slip/Gain Calculations

  • Symptom: Slip/gain values don't match your expectations
  • Cause: Incorrect baseline or forecast dates
  • Solution: Verify that both baseline and forecast dates are entered correctly

Missing Visual Indicators

  • Symptom: No red or green indicators appear
  • Cause: Baseline dates may not be set
  • Solution: Ensure baseline dates are established for all activities

Note: Changes to the project scope may require re-baselining the schedule to ensure accurate slip and gain tracking.

Last Updated: March 21, 2025