Parallel work blocks

Schedule overlapping work blocks to compress project timelines — when crews can work simultaneously without interfering with each other.

Not all work needs to happen one after another. While the grading crew finishes the north end of the lot, the utility crew can start trenching on the south end. Parallel blocks let you schedule overlapping work to compress the project timeline — getting more done in less calendar time.

When to parallelize

Blocks can run in parallel when they use different crews, work in different physical areas of the site, and don't create safety or access conflicts. Common parallel patterns include: grading and utility installation in different site zones, paving and landscaping on separate areas, and interior and exterior work on building projects.

Creating parallel blocks

Simply schedule two or more blocks on the same dates with different crew assignments. On the timeline, they appear as stacked bars. There's no special "parallel" flag — blocks are parallel whenever they overlap in time. If you've been thinking in sequential terms, look at your timeline and ask: "Which of these blocks could start before the previous one finishes?"

Pro tip

Look at the longest block in your schedule's critical sequence. Can any blocks that follow it start before it's fully finished? If the grading block takes 10 days and paving can start after day 7 (when the north lot is graded), overlap them by 3 days. That's 3 days off the project duration for free.

Dependencies with parallel blocks

Parallel blocks can still have dependencies. A utility block might depend on rough grading (it needs the general elevation set) but can run parallel to fine grading (which finishes the surface after utilities are buried). Use finish-to-start dependencies to define what must complete first, and let blocks without dependencies overlap naturally.

Scheduling conflicts

If two parallel blocks are assigned to the same crew, the timeline shows a conflict indicator. This isn't an error — sometimes a crew splits between nearby blocks — but it's a flag to make sure the assignment is intentional. Resolve conflicts by assigning different crews or adjusting dates. The crew calendar view is the best place to spot and resolve these.

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Working with work blocks

Create, configure, and manage work blocks — the individual units of work that make up your project schedule.

The project timeline

Visualize and manage your entire project schedule on the timeline — create blocks, set dependencies, assign crews, and watch the schedule respond to changes in real time.

Block dependencies

Link work blocks so one can't start until another finishes — creating the logical sequence that recast uses to calculate your schedule.

The crew calendar

View crew availability across all projects at a glance — find open slots, spot conflicts, and make scheduling decisions with full visibility.