The vast majority of resources an organization relies on have their limits. Whether it’s people, funds, or technology, a resource can only deliver as intended to a certain extent. That means project management offices (PMOs) and offices need concrete methods for reconciling resource limitations, time constraints, and project plans. This process, known as resource management, can be aided by two specific approaches: smoothing and leveling. But in a comparison or debate over resource leveling vs. smoothing, which option comes out on top? Let’s take a closer look.
What is Resource Leveling?
Resource leveling is a technique that helps project planning and management professionals balance the demand for resources with their availability. And understand how resource constraints may affect timelines. It seeks to help managers get a sense of when a project will end, given the resources available.
More specifically, resource leveling focuses on resolving conflicts that occur due to the limited availability of an organization’s resources. It may involve adjusting project start or end dates to mitigate risks or lack of resources at certain points in time.
What is Resource Smoothing?
Resource smoothing is another project management technique that can help PMOs optimize resource utilization, scheduling, and planning. However, instead of changing project plans to account for resource-related challenges, smoothing aims to find solutions that allow teams to complete their work by the required date.
So, when completing a project on time is an organization’s top priority, one can use resource smoothing to help PMOs avoid surges in resource demand or over-utilization.
It may involve reallocating previously assigned resources to a high-priority project, for instance. Or making changes to work schedules to suit project timelines. In some cases, teams may need to delay some work from other projects to focus on those that are most pressing.
Resource Leveling vs. Resource Smoothing in Project Management
It’s true that resource leveling and resource smoothing are similar techniques rooted in a common goal: to efficiently manage, allocate, and utilize resources across an organization. Where these tactics differ, though, is their execution and the elements of project health they prioritize.
What is the difference between resource smoothing and leveling?
The key difference that separates resource smoothing and leveling, in a nutshell, is the factor each is considered to be the most important. Let’s break things down side-by-side:
| Resource Leveling | Resource Smoothing | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Goal | Resolving conflicts related to resource under- and over-allocation in project, portfolio, or program plans | Determine what changes to resource allocation or utilization need to be made to ensure a project, program, or portfolio reaches completion by the expected deadline |
| Key Constraint | Resource availability | Project end dates |
| Methods | Updating project details to reflect anticipated delays or obstacles | Reallocating resources and adjusting schedules to support timely project completion |
However, it’s also key to note that in many situations, a combination of resource leveling and smoothing might be necessary. This is especially true at the portfolio and program level, where resource demands can be far more complex and fluid.
When organizations use both methods, resource leveling is typically the first step PMOs take. Later on, they can use resource smoothing can be used to maintain project plans. Ideally, PMOs will have access to purpose-made PPM software that has capabilities that allow teams to establish resource limits, priorities, and utilization rates.
Automate Resource Management with Sciforma
The resource leveling vs. resource smoothing debate isn’t much of a debate at all. Both tactics have their place in efficient project portfolio management, and organizations can use both to allocate resources effectively.
No matter which techniques your organization uses to stay on track, though, it helps to have project portfolio management software that can automate parts of the process for you.
A resource management tool like Sciforma Vantage allows PMOs to quickly view resource allocation and utilization across an organization. Identify project risks or resource demands before they become an issue. And get easy access to the data and reporting insights you need to make strategic decisions.
Request a demo today to see what Sciforma Vantage can do for your PMO!
