The Omega 365 platform consists of many products and modules. For a long time, we chose not to trying moving into the planning and scheduling domain. Advanced and well-established specialist tools; strong products already existed. Rather than trying to compete directly, we focused on everything else required for solid project execution and operations; document management, cost control, risk, change management, collaboration, structure, and governance...and much more.

However, six years ago or so ago, we decided to take the next step in evolving our product platform, with a clear ambition: to build a planning and scheduling solution that gives projects better control and stronger predictability, and can be integrated with rest of the Omega-platform.

In the very beginning, we had a close dialogue with one of our customers who was genuinely interested in having scheduling fully integrated into the platform. It was in the very beginning of the development of the product...and I remember she said:

“What you have now is a bicycle. I want a Porsche.”

She was right.

At that stage, we were not where we needed to be. And that kind of honest feedback is so useful!

So we listened. And step by step, we started building, and a couple of times...re-buidling...

And over the past few years, a lot has happened.

Today, you can schedule directly in Omega 365 using standard methodologies. And plans from subcontractors and partners can be imported and integrated. We support takt planning, often used in the construction industry, a concept inspired by Lean principles and takt time (you can read more about the underlying concept here:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Takt_time).

I have to say, I am really impressed by my colleagues who are developing this. The BIM viewer, the integration between scheduling and other parts of the platform, the AI capabilities… there is some really exciting stuff going on.

What makes it even more promising is that this is not just about cool features. It is built on robust data structures and a solid understanding of our customers’ needs, both of which have I think have always been core strengths in Omega.

When strong data foundations, customer insight, and technical capability come together, the result becomes something more than just functionality. It becomes a platform that can really support better decisions and better project execution.

The schedule visualized with the BIM Viewer!

A board planner view, based on the same activities, can in gives cases be the best way to view the plan.

A traditional gantt-view is naturally a part of the different visualizations

AI can analyse schedules and generate reports based on the data. You can run Monte Carlo simulations to better understand risk and uncertainty in the timeline.

Planning is also tightly connected to cost. Performance becomes a natural part of cost reporting through earned value principles....what have we actually achieved for the money spent? Time-phased cost curves can be generated directly from the schedule, creating a more realistic and dynamic forecast.

This development is closely linked to other areas of the platform, such as Advanced Work Packaging (AWP), where structured planning and execution go hand in hand. If you’re interested in that perspective, you can read more here:
https://blogs.omega365.com/story/advanced-work-packaging-with-omega-365-50287

And we continue to work closely with our customers.

One area where this collaboration is particularly exciting is the visualization of schedules inside the BIM model — connecting activities and BIM objects, linking time to geometry, and making progress visible in a far more intuitive way.

This is still evolving. We are learning together with our customers, using it, adjusting, improving — step by step.

Is it a Porsche? A Ferrari?

For me, the real goal might actually be a Toyota....not necessarily the fancyiest option, but something you can truly rely on. .(And yes… most of my colleagues would probably say my car advice should be taken with caution ;-)

But I am sure of one thing: it is definitely not a bicycle anymore!

And we will keep improving — together with our customers.