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Resource Smoothing vs Resource Leveling

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Author

Martin Lunendonk

Last Update

Feb 05, 2025

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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.

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What Is Resource Smoothing?

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.

Key Characteristics of Resource Smoothing

  1. Project deadlines remain unchanged (fixed completion date).
  2. Tasks are rescheduled within their available float time.
  3. No over-allocation of resources beyond set limits.
  4. Used when resources are limited but project deadlines are fixed.

When to Use Resource Smoothing

  1. The project has a fixed deadline, and tasks can be adjusted without delaying completion.
  2. Resource constraints exist, but minor scheduling adjustments can resolve conflicts.
  3. There is flexibility in task execution without impacting the critical path.

👉 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.

What Is Resource Leveling?

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.

Key Characteristics of Resource Leveling

  1. Project deadlines may shift based on resource availability.
  2. Tasks are moved based on resource constraints, even if they are on the critical path.
  3. Prevents over-allocation by distributing workloads evenly.
  4. Used when resources are severely limited or shared across multiple projects.

When to Use Resource Leveling

  1. Resources are over-allocated or unavailable to meet initial project deadlines.
  2. The project has flexible deadlines that can be adjusted to match resource availability.
  3. Resource conflicts exist across multiple projects, and a balance is needed to prevent burnout.

👉 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.

Key Differences Between Resource Smoothing and Resource Leveling

FeatureResource SmoothingResource Leveling
Impact on Project TimelineNo change in project completion dateProject completion may be delayed
Use of Slack TimeTasks are adjusted within float (slack) timeTasks may be delayed beyond available slack time
Primary GoalPrevent resource overuse while meeting deadlinesBalance workloads by adjusting task schedules
Effect on Critical PathDoes not impact the critical pathMay change the critical path
When to UseFixed deadline, but flexibility in task executionLimited resources that require timeline adjustments

How to Choose Between Resource Smoothing and Resource Leveling

Use Resource Smoothing If:

  1. The project must meet a strict deadline.
  2. Resources are limited but can be managed by rescheduling within float time.
  3. Tasks have enough flexibility without affecting the critical path.

Use Resource Leveling If:

  1. The project can be delayed due to resource constraints.
  2. Resources are over-allocated, and adjustments are needed to prevent overworking the team.
  3. The critical path is less important than balancing workloads efficiently.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Author

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.