HKSM
Resource Smoothing
A resource optimization method that adjusts noncritical activities within their available free and total float to reduce resource peaks, without changing the critical path or project completion date.
Key Points
- Uses only free and total float; the critical path and finish date remain unchanged.
- Shifts start or finish dates of noncritical work to even out resource usage.
- Targets peak resource demand to keep it within defined limits or availability.
- Unlike resource leveling, it does not extend the schedule or alter the critical path.
Example
A designer is overallocated on two parallel tasks that are not on the critical path. Each task has 3 days of float. The PM moves one task 2 days later, staying within its float. The designer's workload is balanced, and the project finish date and critical path do not change.
PMP Example Question
A project manager wants to remove resource overallocations but must keep the project finish date and critical path unchanged. What technique should be used?
- Delay noncritical activities within available float to reduce resource peaks
- Extend the project duration to resolve resource conflicts
- Crash critical path activities to free up resources
- Fast track by overlapping critical path activities
Correct Answer: A — Resource smoothing
Explanation: Resource smoothing uses free and total float to fix overallocations without affecting the critical path or finish date; leveling can change both.
