The concept of "make-ready" is central to reliable project execution. An activity isn't ready for the weekly work plan just because it's on the schedule—it's ready when all constraints are resolved. Weekly work plan construction processes must integrate tightly with make-ready planning to ensure this readiness.
Understanding this integration separates effective last planner system software implementations from superficial ones.
What Is Make-Ready?
Make-ready is the process of removing constraints:
Constraint identification: Lookahead schedule software helps identify what must be true before an activity can execute—materials, labor, information, equipment, prerequisite work, space, permits.
Constraint resolution: Rolling lookahead schedule processes systematically work to resolve constraints before activities reach the weekly work plan.
Readiness verification: Field management software confirms constraints are actually resolved, not just assumed resolved.
The Lookahead-to-Weekly Connection
Make-ready happens in the lookahead, not the weekly plan:
6 week horizon: 6 week lookahead schedule identifies activities far enough out that constraints can be resolved.
Constraint tracking: Construction lookahead software tracks each constraint's status as activities move closer.
Gate to weekly: Only activities with all constraints resolved move from 3 week lookahead schedule to weekly work plan.
Types of Constraints
Weekly work plan construction processes must address all constraint categories:
Prerequisite work: Prior activities must complete. Look ahead schedule construction tracks predecessor completion.
Materials: Materials must be on site and accessible. Subcontractor management software coordinates material delivery tracking.
Labor: Crew scheduling software construction confirms appropriately skilled workers are available.
Equipment: Foreman scheduling app ensures required equipment is scheduled and available.
Information: RFIs must be answered, drawings must be current. Construction software tracks information constraint resolution.
Space: Work area must be accessible and free of conflicting activities. 4 week lookahead schedule zone planning addresses this.
Permits and inspections: Required approvals must be in place. Field management software tracks permit and inspection status.
The Make-Ready Meeting
Separate from weekly work plan meetings:
Timing: Make-ready discussions happen at the rolling lookahead schedule level, typically looking 2-6 weeks ahead.
Participants: Include everyone who can resolve constraints. Subcontractor management software helps identify who needs to participate.
Action orientation: Focus on specific constraint resolution actions, not general discussion. Construction schedule app captures action items.
Constraint Ownership
Every constraint needs an owner:
Clear assignment: Last planner system software assigns each constraint to someone responsible for resolution.
Accountability tracking: Lookahead schedule software tracks whether owners are resolving constraints on time.
Escalation paths: Project management software for construction defines escalation when constraints aren't resolving.
The Screening Process
Moving activities from lookahead to weekly plan:
Constraint review: Before adding to weekly work plan construction, verify every constraint is resolved.
Honest assessment: Field management software supports honest assessment—if a constraint isn't truly resolved, the activity isn't ready.
No forcing: Never force activities into 3 week lookahead schedule when constraints remain. This destroys plan reliability.
Visual Constraint Management
Make constraints visible:
Color coding: Construction lookahead software often uses colors to show constraint status—red (not started), yellow (in progress), green (resolved).
Count tracking: Lookahead schedule software shows total constraints and resolution trends.
Board displays: Physical or digital boards make rolling lookahead schedule constraint status visible to everyone.
Integration with Subcontractors
Make-ready requires subcontractor participation:
Constraint input: Trade partners know their constraints best. Subcontractor management software captures their constraint identification.
Resolution responsibility: Subcontractors often own constraint resolution. Foreman scheduling app keeps them connected to status.
Commitment timing: Subcontractors commit to weekly work plan construction only after confirming their constraints are resolved.
Common Make-Ready Failures
Avoid these mistakes:
Assuming resolution: "We ordered it" doesn't mean it arrived. Field management software confirms actual delivery.
Incomplete identification: Missing constraints leads to plan failures. Last planner system software requires thorough constraint thinking.
Late discovery: Finding constraints in the 3 week lookahead schedule may be too late to resolve. Push constraint identification to 6 week lookahead schedule.
The Weekly Work Plan Quality Test
Measure make-ready effectiveness:
PPC correlation: Strong make-ready leads to high PPC. Last planner system software metrics show this correlation.
Constraint-related failures: Track why activities fail. If constraints are the reason, make-ready needs improvement.
Lead time analysis: How early are constraints identified? Construction lookahead software provides this data.
Technology Support for Make-Ready
Construction software enables effective make-ready:
Constraint databases: Lookahead schedule software maintains constraint lists per activity with status tracking.
Automated reminders: Construction schedule app reminds constraint owners of approaching deadlines.
Progress visibility: Project management software for construction shows make-ready progress to all stakeholders.
Training for Make-Ready Thinking
Develop constraint awareness:
Constraint identification practice: Train teams to think through all weekly work plan construction constraints systematically.
Resolution planning: 4 week lookahead schedule review should include constraint resolution planning, not just activity review.
Verification habits: Build habits of verifying constraints are truly resolved. Crew scheduling software construction helps with labor verification.
The Make-Ready Cycle
Make-ready is continuous:
New activities enter: As new activities enter 6 week lookahead schedule range, identify their constraints.
Resolution work: Work constraints through the rolling lookahead schedule horizon.
Screening: Screen for weekly plan when constraints are resolved.
Learning: Last planner system software variance analysis improves future constraint identification.
Procurement and Make-Ready
Material constraints require special attention:
Long lead items: 6 week lookahead schedule may not be long enough for some materials. Connect to procurement schedules.
Delivery tracking: Subcontractor management software tracks material delivery against 4 week lookahead schedule needs.
Storage planning: Even delivered materials need accessible storage. Field management software addresses logistics.
Conclusion
Make-ready is the foundation of reliable weekly work plan construction. Without systematic constraint identification and resolution, weekly plans remain hopes rather than commitments.
The rolling lookahead schedule is where make-ready happens. By the time activities reach the weekly work plan, all constraints should be resolved.
Invest in lookahead schedule software that supports constraint tracking, build make-ready habits in your team, and watch your plan reliability soar.