Activities that are riding the data date are those activities who can start based on their current logic but are being pushed out due to the data date. It is generally advisable in CPM scheduling to allow for some float or buffer in the schedule. This ensures that activities are not scheduled to be worked on right on the data date but rather with some margin for potential delays. This approach provides greater flexibility, risk management, and overall project control, making it easier to manage changes and unexpected challenges during the course of the project.
- Lack of Buffer: The data date in a CPM schedule is a reference point that indicates the current status of the project. Activities that ride the data date are essentially scheduled to be worked on immediately. This leaves no buffer for potential delays or issues that may arise, making the project more susceptible to disruptions.
- Increased Risk: When activities are scheduled to be worked on exactly on the data date, any unexpected delays, even minor ones, can lead to schedule slippage. This increases the risk of missing project milestones or the project's overall completion date.
- Limited Contingency Planning: CPM scheduling typically involves the identification and management of critical paths and float (slack) in the schedule. Activities that ride the data date have suffered float erosion, which means there is limited flexibility to move their start or finish dates without affecting the overall project schedule.
- Difficulty in Prioritization: Activities that are riding the data date may not allow for proper prioritization of critical tasks. It becomes challenging to differentiate between activities that are truly critical to project success and those that are merely dragging along the data date due to a lack of proper planning.
- Increased Stress and Pressure: Teams working on activities that are riding the data date may experience increased stress and pressure to complete their work on time, which can lead to burnout and reduced quality of work.