What is a critical chain?

Critical Chain is a project management method focused on optimizing schedules considering resource constraints and task duration uncertainties.

Unlike the traditional critical path method, which only considers task sequences, critical chain takes resource availability into account and adds buffers to protect against delays.

Main features:

• It identifies a chain of tasks considering the resources needed for their completion.
• Task durations are planned with some contingency to reduce the risk of missing deadlines.
• Buffers (such as project buffers and resource buffers) are introduced to absorb unforeseen delays.

Applying critical chain helps improve schedule reliability and more efficiently utilize resources, reducing the likelihood of idle time and project delays.