Why workforce planning should start with the build phases, not the start date.
Headcount problems on infrastructure projects rarely come from a lack of people in general. They come from the wrong mix of skills arriving at the wrong time. Planning by phase helps avoid that.
Start from the phases
Break the build into its main phases, such as pathways, cabling, termination, rack and stack, testing and turnover. Each phase needs a different mix of technicians and a different level of supervision.
Plan supervision with headcount
As crews grow, add field leads early. A larger crew without enough supervision usually loses productivity and creates rework.
Revisit the plan often
Schedules change. Review the plan whenever hardware delivery dates, site access or scope move, and adjust mobilisation waves accordingly.