# Introduction

In many projects, time is the main constraining factor: the project deadline must be met. That may mean you need to finish a project sooner than the end date on your project schedule. If you’re hemmed in by time limitations, your best solution is to shorten your schedule.

You can shorten your schedule in three major ways:

- Reduce the duration of individual tasks.
- Cut the project scope, which means removing tasks.
- Reschedule tasks to start earlier than originally scheduled.

You can use any or all of these methods to shorten your schedule. By combining all three methods, you can make the biggest impact on your schedule. Depending on your particular circumstances, you might be restricted to using only one or two. For instance, you might not be able to cut the project scope.

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