Overview
Staying on schedule is one of the hardest parts of running a construction project. Structur's scheduling tool gives you a dedicated space to map out every phase of a project, track progress visually, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Instead of managing timelines in a spreadsheet or chasing updates by phone, you can build a living schedule directly inside Structur, one that reflects real progress and keeps everyone informed.
Schedules live inside each project and are designed to be as simple or as detailed as your job requires. Whether you're planning a straightforward renovation or a complex multi-phase build, the scheduling tool gives you the structure to stay in control.
Understanding Schedules
What It Does
Structur's Schedule feature allows you and your team to:
Create named schedules tied to a specific project
Add schedule items with descriptions, start dates, and due dates
Define predecessor relationships so tasks automatically reflect dependencies between phases
Track progress on each item with a visual progress bar
Add details to any schedule item, including task assignments, notes, descriptions, and images
Convert finished schedules into reusable templates for future projects
When to Use It
Schedules are most valuable when you want to:
Map out the full sequence of work before a project kicks off
Communicate project timelines clearly to clients and subcontractors
Track which phases are on track, behind, or complete
Build a repeatable workflow by saving your schedule as a template
Maintain transparency across your team about what's happening and when
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Navigate to the Schedule
Open an active project in Structur
Click in the Project Management dropdown and then click Schedules
You'll see the Schedule page for that project
2. Create a New Schedule
Click New Schedule
Give your schedule a name that clearly identifies the project phase or timeline it covers
3. Add Schedule Items
With your schedule created, start building out your timeline:
In the schedule builder, enter a description for each item
Set the start date for the item
Set the due date for the item
Repeat this for every task, phase, or milestone you want to track. Your items will populate the schedule and form the backbone of your project timeline.
4. Define Dependencies Relationships
One of the most powerful features in the schedule builder is the ability to set dependencies, tasks that must be completed before another can begin.
On any schedule item, locate the Dependencies field
Select the item(s) that must be finished first
Structur will reflect this dependency in the schedule, creating a logical and efficient workflow
This is especially useful for construction sequencing, where framing can't begin until demolition is done, or MEP rough-ins can't start until framing is complete.
5. Add Details to a Schedule Item
Each schedule item can hold much more than just dates. Click on any item to add:
Task assignments - assign the item to a specific team member
Notes and descriptions - provide context, instructions, or important reminders
Images - attach photos relevant to that phase of work
Progress updates - manually update how far along the item is
The more detail you add, the more useful your schedule becomes as a reference point for your team.
6. Track Progress
As work moves forward, update your schedule items to reflect reality:
Each item has a progress bar that fills as you update its status
When you mark an item as complete, you'll receive visual confirmation in the schedule
At a glance, you can see which items are done, in progress, or haven't started yet
Keeping progress updated ensures your schedule remains an accurate picture of where the project stands, not just a static plan from day one.
7. Save a Schedule as a Template
Once you've built a schedule you're happy with, you can save it as a template for future use:
After creating your schedule, look for the option to convert to template
Name and save the template
On future projects, you can apply the template instead of building from scratch
Templates are a major time-saver for contractors who run similar project types repeatedly, reuse your best schedule structure every time.
Best Practices
Build your schedule before the project kicks off - Getting your timeline in place at the start sets expectations with clients and your team from day one.
Use predecessor relationships - Don't just list tasks with dates. Connecting them with predecessors shows the true sequence of work and makes it easier to spot scheduling conflicts early.
Keep progress updated regularly - A schedule is only useful if it reflects real-world status. Make it a habit to update progress at least weekly, if not daily.
Add detail to each item - Notes, assignments, and images turn your schedule from a simple timeline into a useful working document.
Save your best schedules as templates - Every time you complete a well-structured schedule, convert it into a template so your future self doesn't have to start from zero.
Name your schedules clearly - If a project has multiple schedules or phases, use descriptive names so everyone knows exactly what each schedule covers.
Common Questions
Q: Can a project have more than one schedule?
A: Yes. You can create multiple schedules within a single project, which is useful for separating phases, tracking different scopes of work, or maintaining distinct timelines for different parts of the job.
Q: What does setting a dependencies actually do?
A: A dependency tells Structur which tasks must be completed before another can begin. It helps you build a logical sequence of work and makes the dependencies between phases visible, so your team knows the correct order of operations.
Q: Can I assign schedule items to specific team members?
A: Yes. When you click into any schedule item, you can assign it to a team member, add notes, attach images, and update progress, giving each item full context beyond just its dates.
Q: How do I track whether the project is on schedule?
A: Each schedule item has a progress bar that updates as you mark progress. When items are completed, the schedule visually reflects it, making it easy to see at a glance whether you're on track, running behind, or ahead.
Q: Can I reuse a schedule I've already built?
A: Yes. Once you've created a schedule, you can convert it into a template. On future projects, you can apply that template instead of building a new schedule from scratch, saving significant time on projects that follow a similar workflow.
Q: Can I add photos to a schedule item?
A: Yes. Click on any schedule item and you'll have the option to include images alongside your notes, descriptions, and progress updates.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Don't | ✅ Do |
Build your schedule mid-project when it's already too late to set expectations | Create the schedule before work begins so timelines are clear from the start |
Leave all items at 0% progress throughout the project | Update progress regularly so the schedule reflects actual site conditions |
List tasks without connecting dependencies | Use dependencies relationships to show the true sequence of work |
Create a one-size-fits-all schedule without saving templates | Convert completed schedules into templates to reuse on similar future projects |
Use vague item names like "Phase 1" or "Work" | Write descriptive item names so everyone knows exactly what each task involves |
Skip adding details to schedule items | Click into items and add assignments, notes, and images to make the schedule a working reference |