Unitized progress reporting is the act of quantifying the total scope (control base) of direct work executed on a project and measuring completed work against the total scope using weighted work steps.  It should be in adequate detail (typically by drawing) to effectively status on a routine basis, typically weekly.  The progress and performance report provides the data to support the forecasting of direct labor and home office labor costs.

The unitized progress report is used to determine actual progress and performance  The calculations are as follows.

·         Progress (Home Office)               =              Earned Hours
                                                                        Total Control Base Hours

·         Progress (Construction)             =              Earned Hours
                                                                        Total Control Base Hours

·         Performance                                  =              Earned Hours
                                                                        Actual Hours

 

·         (Labor Cost) Performance           =              Earned Labor Cost
                                                                          Actual Labor Cost

Control Base - represents actual deliverables or quantities installed.  The control base is developed as a “fall out” from drawing issues.  The control base is not always directly related to budget, but is a key tool in determining current forecast.

During the front-end alignment process, the project team should establish the following:

·         Work breakdown structure

·         Understanding of setup requirements of Unitized Progress Systems

·         Level of detail

·         Frequency of reporting

·         Reporting requirements

·         Subcontractor’s reporting requirements

·         Work steps and weightings for progress calculations

Initially the database is loaded with the current budget estimate to establish the control base.  As deliverables are identified, estimates are downloaded into the database, reflecting the AFC scope.  As a database grows, the baseline is monitored to determine the need for reforecast of quantities and/or progress baseline change.  The database should always reflect the current scope of work authorized for execution.