Skip to content
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

Create a Baseline in a Schedule

Measure the accuracy of a construction schedule against the actual execution documented on an active or completed project schedule with Baselines.

BACKGROUND

Baselines act as a snapshot of a schedule at a specific moment in time, recording the current start and end dates for every task. Once created, the active baseline tracks schedule slippage, providing a record of how many workdays a project has fallen behind or moved ahead since the snapshot was taken. 

THINGS TO CONSIDER

  • Schedules must contain tasks before a Baseline can be created. 
  • While a Schedule can have multiple Baselines (e.g., "Original Schedule," "Phase 1 Update"), only one Baseline can be active for comparison at any given time. 
  • Baselines provide a visual "shadow" on the Gantt chart, allowing users to see where tasks were originally schedule versus where they currently sit. 

STEPS TO CREATE A BASELINE IN A SCHEDULE

  1. Navigate to the desired Project's Schedule and select the "Set Baselines" tab in the upper right corner of the Schedule Progress pane. 
  2. Create the Baseline by clicking on the green (+) button.
    1. If no Baselines exist: The pane will prompt you to create your first snapshot.

      ConstructionOnline's create new Baseline option
    2. If existing Baselines exist: You will see the green (+) next to a dropdown list of previously created snapshots. 

      ConstructionOnline's create new baseline option when existing Baselines exist
  3. Enter a Label (e.g., "Original Target Date," "Post-Permit Revision").

    ConstructionOnline's Baseline Label
  4. Click the blue "Create" button to save the new Baseline.

ALTERNATIVE ACCESS

In addition to the "Set Baselines" tab within the Schedule Progress pane, Baselines can also be accessed through two additional entry points -  

Schedule Toolbar:

  1.  Navigate to the "Baselines" tab within the Schedule Toolbar. 

    ConstructionOnline's Baseline tab within the Scheduling feature

  2. Click the blue "Baseline Actions" menu and select "Set Baseline."

    ConstructionOnline's Baseline Actions

Schedule Action Menu: 

  1. Select the gray 3-dot Action Menu within the Schedule. 
  2. Select "Set Baseline" from the dropdown menu. 

    ConstructionOnline's Schedule Action Menu's option to set Baseline

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

  • Subscription Level: OnPlan Scheduling is available on all active ConstructionOnline subscriptions.

    • For legacy plans that do not include Scheduling, it is available as a Per-User Add-On.

  • Permissions: Admin Users and Company Users with "Can View" or "Can Create, Edit, & Delete" permissions can set new Baselines. 

  • CO™ Mobile App: The Scheduling feature is available via the mobile app for viewing and managing existing tasks. Setting Baselines, however, requires browser access to ConstructionOnline. 

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

  • Frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding OnPlan Scheduling can be found in the FAQ: Scheduling article. 
  • If you need additional assistance, chat with a Specialist by clicking the orange Chat icon located in the bottom left corner or visit the UDA support page for additional options.