Effective resource management ensures projects run smoothly without delays or overworked teams. Resource smoothing maintains deadlines by optimizing task scheduling, while resource leveling adjusts timelines to balance workloads. This guide explains the differences, use cases, and best practices for both techniques, helping you manage resources efficiently and improve project success.
Resource smoothing is a scheduling technique that ensures resources are used within their available limits without changing the project’s end date. It adjusts resource allocation by reshuffling tasks within float (slack) time, ensuring no overall project delays.
👉 Example: A marketing team working on a product launch has limited graphic designers. Instead of adding more designers, they reschedule non-urgent design tasks within available time buffers to avoid overloading the team.
Resource leveling is a project scheduling technique that adjusts task start and end dates based on resource availability, even if it means extending the project duration. It ensures that resources are not over-allocated by delaying tasks where necessary.
👉 Example: A software development company has only three backend developers available. Instead of overloading them, some tasks are delayed by two weeks to ensure a balanced workload without hiring additional staff.
Feature | Resource Smoothing | Resource Leveling |
Impact on Project Timeline | No change in project completion date | Project completion may be delayed |
Use of Slack Time | Tasks are adjusted within float (slack) time | Tasks may be delayed beyond available slack time |
Primary Goal | Prevent resource overuse while meeting deadlines | Balance workloads by adjusting task schedules |
Effect on Critical Path | Does not impact the critical path | May change the critical path |
When to Use | Fixed deadline, but flexibility in task execution | Limited resources that require timeline adjustments |
Martin Lunendonk
Martin Lunendonk is a senior tech writer specializing in website builders, web hosting, and ecommerce platforms. With a background in finance, accounting, and philosophy, he has founded multiple tech startups and worked in medium to large tech companies and investment banking, bringing deep expertise and reliable insights to his software reviews.