{"id":59287,"date":"2021-09-08T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-09-08T19:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.projectmanager.com\/?p=59287"},"modified":"2026-04-27T11:58:12","modified_gmt":"2026-04-27T16:58:12","slug":"create-implementation-schedule","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.projectmanager.com\/blog\/create-implementation-schedule","title":{"rendered":"How to Create a Flawless Implementation Schedule for a Project"},"content":{"rendered":"

Projects require an implementation plan, and that plan requires an implementation schedule. A schedule defines when project phases will start and end. Those dates might change depending on risk and constraints, but without an implementation schedule, things quickly go off track.<\/p>\n

Getting your project plan<\/a> into action requires an implementation schedule. A project implementation schedule takes all your tasks and organizes them into a tactical, actionable schedule. Having a well-thought-out project implementation plan helps bring in your project successfully.<\/p>\n

What Is an Implementation Schedule for a Project?<\/h2>\n

A project implementation schedule is a chart that maps every task required to complete a project, each with a specific deadline. This is a cornerstone of any project plan\u00a0because you’ll use it during execution to monitor and evaluate the project\u2019s progress.<\/p>\n

Begin with a list of all the tasks necessary to reach your final deliverable. This list needs to be thorough, which is why we recommend you use a work breakdown structure<\/a> (WBS).<\/p>\n

On your implementation schedule, you will rank the priority of each task and identify any tasks that have dependencies. Knowing the dependent tasks when creating an implementation schedule is how you can avoid delays later on in the execution phase of the project. The visual representation of a project implementation schedule is usually done on a Gantt chart. Gantt charts can be complicated if there are many tasks associated with the project, but using project management software like ProjectManager<\/a> makes it easier to use. Your Gantt chart will update automatically as changes occur, and your project implementation schedule can be shared easily with stakeholders.<\/p>\n

\"ProjectManager's<\/a>
ProjectManager helps you organize plans with interactive Gantt charts. Learn more<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Why Are Implementation Schedules Important?<\/h2>\n

Use an implementation schedule to ensure that everyone on the project team stays on track while keeping to the schedule<\/a> and budget of the project. The groundwork for project success is laid out during the planning phase, when you create the project implementation schedule.<\/p>\n

In short, an implementation schedule is how you take an idea and make it a reality. Projects have greater success when they have an implementation schedule.<\/p>\n

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Get your free<\/p>\n

Implementation Plan Template<\/h3>\n

\n\tUse this free Implementation Plan Template to manage your projects better.<\/p>\n\tGet the Template<\/a>\n<\/div> \n\n

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Implementation Schedule Example<\/h2>\n

To help you understand what an implementation schedule is, we’ve provided the following example using ProjectManager’s free implementation plan template.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"implementation<\/a>
Free Implementation Plan template. Download now<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You\u2019ll notice that our implementation schedule example is broken up into project phases. In this Gantt chart<\/a>, three of those phases are detailed: gather requirements, develop the schedule and design the solution. Under each of these phases are the tasks and subtasks that must be completed in the phase.<\/p>\n

For each task, there is a planned start date and a planned finish date. The percentage complete is calculated on the Gantt chart as teams update their status. Priority and milestones are set and task dependencies are linked, in order to avoid bottlenecks from blocked team members.<\/p>\n

Tips to Create a Project Implementation Schedule<\/h2>\n

Projects often fail. You can miss deadlines, go over budget or fail to meet quality expectations. No one wants a project to deliver anything less than success, and to do so, you need to have a project implementation schedule. Here are some tips on how to make one:<\/p>\n