Vertex Construction: Project Timeline Forecasting and AI Education Workshops

The challenge

Vertex Construction's project managers were managing timelines using a combination of Gantt charts, experience-based estimates, and weekly progress meetings. Schedules were built at the start of a project and then manually adjusted as reality diverged from the plan — which it invariably did. Weather delays, material supply disruptions, subcontractor availability, and council approval hold-ups were handled reactively, with project managers updating timelines after the impact had already been felt.

Beyond the tooling gap, there was a knowledge gap. Vertex's leadership had identified AI and predictive analytics as a strategic priority, but most project managers and site supervisors had limited understanding of what these tools could realistically do. Past attempts to introduce new technology had met resistance because the team didn't trust outputs they couldn't understand. Vertex needed both a working forecasting tool and a structured programme to build confidence and literacy across their project delivery teams.

What we built

A two-part engagement combining a predictive timeline forecasting tool with a tailored AI education programme for Vertex's project delivery teams:

• Timeline forecasting model — trained on five years of historical project data (actual vs. planned durations, weather records, supply chain lead times, council approval timelines), the model generates probability-weighted schedule forecasts that update weekly as new progress data is entered
• Risk factor integration — the model incorporates weather forecast data, known supply chain constraints, and subcontractor performance history to flag schedule risks before they materialise, giving project managers lead time to mitigate
• Scenario planning interface — project managers can model "what if" scenarios (e.g., a two-week material delay, a weather event, a subcontractor swap) and see the cascading impact on downstream milestones and completion dates
• AI education workshops — a series of four half-day workshops for project managers and site supervisors covering AI fundamentals, how the forecasting model works, how to interpret probabilistic outputs, and how to identify other opportunities for AI in their workflows
• Champion programme — three project managers were trained as internal AI champions, equipped to support colleagues, provide feedback on model performance, and identify future use cases from within the business

Technology

Predictive scheduling model trained on historical project data with integration to weather services and supply chain tracking systems. Probabilistic forecasting with scenario modelling capability, deployed as a web application accessible to project managers across all active sites. Education programme designed and delivered in-house with supporting materials and a champion certification pathway. Vertex Construction owns all models, data, and training content.