What is the purpose of resource leveling in project management?

Resource leveling is a critical technique used in project management to optimize the allocation and use of resources over time. The primary objective of this approach is to balance resource usage and ensure resources are not overcommitted or underutilized during the project's lifecycle.

When project activities require more resources at certain times than are available, resource leveling helps redistribute these resources to avoid periods of resource overload or resource idleness. This process ensures a smoother workflow and is particularly important when working with limited resources or a fixed budget, as it assists in maintaining a sustainable pace of work throughout the project.

While estimating project timelines, reducing overall costs, and enhancing team communication are all relevant aspects of project management, they do not capture the essence of resource leveling. This technique specifically focuses on managing resources efficiently over the project's duration, addressing potential conflicts and maximizing productivity.