Critical Path Analyzer
Overview
The Critical Path Analyzer skill performs comprehensive Critical Path Method (CPM) analysis on project schedules. It calculates forward and backward passes to determine early/late dates, identifies float values, and highlights the critical path - the longest sequence of dependent activities that determines the minimum project duration.
Capabilities
Core CPM Calculations
- Calculate forward pass (early start/finish dates)
- Calculate backward pass (late start/finish dates)
- Determine total float and free float
- Identify critical path activities
- Detect near-critical paths (activities with low float)
Advanced Analysis
- Perform what-if analysis for schedule compression
- Calculate schedule risk exposure
- Generate critical path reports and visualizations
- Support multiple calendar assignments
- Handle complex dependency relationships (FS, SS, FF, SF with lag/lead)
Schedule Optimization
- Identify crashing candidates based on cost-duration tradeoffs
- Recommend fast-tracking opportunities
- Calculate compression costs and benefits
- Model resource-constrained critical path
Usage
Input Requirements
- Activity list with unique identifiers
- Activity durations
- Predecessor/successor relationships with dependency types
- Optional: Activity calendars
- Optional: Resource assignments for resource-constrained analysis
Output Deliverables
- Critical path activity list
- Float analysis report (total float, free float per activity)
- Near-critical path identification
- Network diagram with critical path highlighted
- Schedule risk metrics
Example Use Cases
- Schedule Development: Identify critical path during initial planning
- Schedule Recovery: Find compression opportunities when behind schedule
- Risk Assessment: Analyze schedule risk through float analysis
- What-If Analysis: Model schedule impacts of changes
Process Integration
This skill integrates with the following processes:
- Schedule Development and Critical Path Analysis
- earned-value-management.js
- Program Dependency Management
- Risk Planning and Assessment
Dependencies
- Network diagram algorithms
- Scheduling mathematics libraries
- Graph traversal algorithms
- Date/time calculation utilities
Related Skills
- SK-001: Gantt Chart Generator
- SK-003: Resource Leveling Optimizer
- SK-019: Dependency Mapper