What is a Baseline schedule and how is it used?

A Baseline schedule is a key project management tool used to capture your original planned schedule. It represents what you initially said was going to happen in terms of tasks, timelines, and durations. By setting a Baseline, you can easily compare the actual progress of the project to the original plan, which helps in identifying any deviations, such as schedule delays or early completions. This allows for better visibility into where your project has slipped or gained ground, enabling you to make informed decisions for corrective actions.

How to Use a Baseline Schedule in Contractor Foreman

Open the Schedule module from the Main Menu. In the Gantt chart interface, start by adding your project tasks. For each task, you will have the option to enter a start date and a duration.

You will also see an option to set a Baseline for your task. Once you click Set, you will get the option to add a Baseline start date and a Baseline duration for the task. This is where you capture the planned schedule.

Use ‘Scheduled/Planned’ to represent the actual duration of the project—what happened in reality.

Use ‘Baseline/Actual’ to refer to the original plan of action.

These terms are alternated and come from a third party, making them difficult to edit or change. We are aware of the misleading labeling, which is why we are presenting this clarification to ensure you have no issues using this module. (

After setting the Baseline for your tasks, you can compare it with the actual progress as the project moves forward.

In the Gantt chart interface, click the “Show Baseline” option. This will display if any tasks are overdue or ahead of the schedule.

As the project progresses, update the actual durations and dates in the Gantt chart for each task. Once the actual schedule is updated, you will be able to see where your project stands in relation to the Baseline. If the project is running early, you will see where you’ve gained time. If it’s behind schedule, you will be able to pinpoint the areas where time has slipped.