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Using the information collected in the previous step (i.e. timesheets, metrics, etc.), the Project Manager tracks the actual work done by each resource during the reporting period against the tasks and updates the Resource Schedule accordingly. It is recommended that the Resource Schedule is updated on a regular basis and if possible with the same frequency as the Activities Schedule (i.e. using the same status date). Frequent updates to the Resource Schedule not only save time in the long run, but they also allow the Project Manager to quickly identify potential resource allocation problems. Small variances from the scheduled work that may seem unimportant, they might cause significant problems in project’s progress and variances at the Activities Schedule if corrective actions are not undertaken promptly.
 In order to update the Resource Schedule there are several steps that you should follow:
| 1. | Update actual start and finish dates to see whether a resource has started or finished working later or earlier than planned, as well as the impact that this shift may have on the activities schedule. |
| 2. | Update the actual time that labour resources have spent on tasks based on the approved timesheets to find out if it exceeds the budgeted time planned. |
| 3. | Update the actual time that equipment resources were used in the various tasks to find out if it exceeds the budgeted time planned. |
| 4. | Update the actual quantities of material resources that were used in the various tasks to find out if they exceed the budgeted quantities planned. |
| 5. | Update the actual time spent for travels to find out if it exceeds the budgeted time planned. |
| 6. | Estimate whether the time spent by labour resources, the time that the equipment was used and the quantities of the materials used for performing the tasks, justify the actual work progress on those tasks. |
| 7. | Estimate how much of the planned time (for labour & equipment) and planned quantity (for material) is left to be used on each task and examine whether it is sufficient for the completion of the remaining work. It should be noted that if a task has been marked as 100% complete, no further time can be allocated against it for the duration of the project. |
 When updating the Resource Schedule is very important to create a new copy of the schedule and maintain an archive of each version. In this way, you will never lose the history of the project and you will also have a copy of every schedule for audit purposes.
 After updating the schedule, do not forget to notify the appropriate resources for any modification to the schedule information that was judged as necessary and affects their assignments. Besides, be aware that Resource Schedule updates may require adjustments to other aspects of the project plan, such as Activities and Cost Schedules.
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