Why Planning and Project Controls are absolutely vital for delivery success
- Rob Halliwell
- Sep 9
- 2 min read
Our dedicated Planning and Project Controls team plays a critical role in ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality and scope. The work we do acts as the engine room of performance management across projects and programmes. We consider cost, schedule, risk, change, and performance reporting - all of which are vital in both individual projects and larger multi-project programmes.
At Procter Street we bring an important aspect of Planning and Project Controls into play - we understand the processes from both sides – as the customer, and also from the perspective of the multiple suppliers involved.
We can join a project at any time – ideally from the outset at the feasibility and planning stages where we have an early understanding and the remit to pull together every aspect. However we are also brought in when additional support is needed, sometimes to bring a wayward project back on track or when there is no one able to fulfil the role and our intervention is needed.
Our Planning and Project Controls team provides a combination of all kinds of information - data, analysis, and compliance – all needed for making informed decisions and keeping projects on track. Here’s a breakdown of our key responsibilities and experience when we’re looking at the controls needed for a successful and predictable delivery.
1. Planning and scheduling
We develop and maintain project and programme schedules (using tools like Primavera P6, Asta Powerproject or MS Project)
Our team ensures logical sequencing of construction activities, dependencies, and milestones – the order of things is really important
We monitor progress and forecast completion dates
2. Cost management
Our team produces cost estimates, budgets and forecasts
We will track actual costs against budgets
Our team supports value-for-money assessments and funding approvals
We share knowledge and information; working closely with commercial/quantity surveying teams
3. Risk and opportunity management
Our Planning and Project Controls professionals facilitate identification and assessment of risks and opportunities
We continually quantify potential impacts on cost and schedule
4. Change control
We implement processes to capture, evaluate and communicate project changes
Vitally, we will transparently communicate the implications of changes on cost, time, and scope
Our work actively prevents uncontrolled ‘scope creep’
5. Performance monitoring and reporting
Our team provides regular project and programme performance reports to senior management, clients and stakeholders
We support and influence decision-making with accurate, timely data – from the smallest adjustments through to significant impact
6. Governance and assurance
Our involvement ensures compliance with client, corporate, and regulatory standards
We will contribute to formal reviews
7. Programme integration
We are able to ensure that multiple projects within a programme align to strategic objectives
We also manage interdependencies between projects
Our team provides comprehensive, consolidated reporting at programme and portfolio levels
8. Information management
We use digital platforms to integrate data across functions
Importantly we provide a ‘single version of the truth’ for project performance
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