{"id":27700,"date":"2024-09-23T15:52:10","date_gmt":"2024-09-23T13:52:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/?p=27700"},"modified":"2026-03-09T18:44:00","modified_gmt":"2026-03-09T16:44:00","slug":"fast-tracking-in-project-management","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/clockify.me\/blog\/managing-tasks\/fast-tracking-in-project-management\/","title":{"rendered":"Get Back on Track with Fast Tracking in Project Management"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

You\u2019ve planned ahead, made sure all the required resources were available, assigned tasks to a capable team timely \u2014 and yet, the project is falling behind schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can prevent the worst-case scenario (i.e. the project missing a fixed deadline) with fast tracking<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fast tracking in project management requires team members to work on some tasks at the same time. This ups the risks significantly \u2014 but in some instances, it\u2019s the best way to bring a project back on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In this article, we\u2019ll explain how to meet the deadline with project fast tracking, and when it\u2019s appropriate to use this method.<\/p>\n\n\n

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\"Get<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

#1: Ensure fast tracking is the most logical option<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Fast tracking in project management is a schedule compression technique<\/strong> that involves completing tasks in parallel rather than in sequential order. This allows you and your team to save a project that is falling behind schedule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Before you set everything in motion and start fast tracking<\/strong> \u2014 consider all your options for meeting the deadline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, another schedule compression technique is project crashing<\/strong>. This project management method requires additional resources to shorten the project turnaround time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As opposed to project crashing, fast tracking a project doesn\u2019t incur additional costs. This makes fast tracking a better option for projects with tight budgets. However, considering that your team would handle multiple tasks at the same time \u2014 it also leaves more room for error.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In cases where the benefits of fast tracking outweigh the risks, this technique can bring high rewards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Owner of a custom metal fabrication company, Jason Woo<\/a>, is no stranger to fast tracking due to delays in material delivery:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Jason<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cDelays in getting the necessary material meant our production schedule was off. Fast tracking became essential not just to meet our delivery deadlines, but also to make a positive first impression on our new partners. Moreover, our experience in handling project processes simultaneously helped us deliver the expected quality.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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He also recalls a situation where his company launched a new surface treatment line. They resorted to fast tracking to avoid being impacted by the quickly changing market:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Jason<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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\u201cAnother scenario involved launching a new surface treatment line. The market situation was changing rapidly due to new technology changes, and delaying the launch would mean losing significant market share. Leveraging our reliable team and beating the industry’s pace through fast tracking became the logical choice.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Despite its risks, fast tracking can help bring your project to a close on time \u2014 just make sure it\u2019s the most viable solution for that particular project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\ud83d\udca1 CLOCKIFY PRO TIP<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some project management best practices to consider before you make your final decision on whether to fast-track your project:<\/p>\n\n\n\n