Global consulting firm McKinsey has partnered with ALICE Technologies to introduce generative artificial intelligence-driven scheduling tools aimed at improving efficiency across the construction and infrastructure sectors, according to an April 15 announcement.
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The collaboration will provide contractors with advanced optimization technology capable of analyzing project variables and generating multiple execution scenarios. While financial terms of the partnership were not disclosed, the firms said the solution has already been deployed to more than 35 clients across infrastructure, data centers, energy and manufacturing projects.
The companies report that early adopters have achieved schedule acceleration of up to 20%, highlighting the growing role of AI in addressing long-standing industry challenges.
“Generative scheduling creates a step change in capital project performance,” said Erikhans Kok, senior partner and leader of McKinsey’s Capital Excellence practice, in the news release. “When embedded within the right operating model and supported by strong project controls, it can help organizations make faster, more informed decisions.”
Kok noted that persistent issues such as labor shortages, stagnant productivity and supply chain disruptions are driving demand for smarter project delivery methods.
“If you combine all those factors together, like my simple thesis is that I think we’re going to need just better, smarter ways to do capital projects,” Kok said.
The generative scheduling platform integrates with building information modeling systems and Oracle Primavera P6 schedules, allowing users to evaluate millions of potential construction sequences. By treating labor, materials, equipment, space and sequencing as adjustable variables, contractors can simulate outcomes and identify the most efficient paths forward.
This approach enables project teams to test various scenarios, assess trade-offs between cost, speed and risk, and make data-driven decisions earlier in the planning process.
Mark Pitcher, a partner in McKinsey’s Capital Excellence practice, said the firm plays a hands-on role in implementing the technology for clients.
“We use those models to perform deep schedule analytics to identify opportunities to improve the project plan,” Pitcher said. “In parallel, we put in place the operating model and build the capabilities of our client teams that will sustain this novel approach over the long term.”
Construction firms utilizing the platform have already reported tangible results. San Antonio-based Zachry Construction used the technology to analyze project schedules and cut 28 days from a highway construction timeline.
In another case, a McKinsey data center client reduced its construction schedule by 40% on a single project, according to the announcement.
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René Morkos, CEO and founder of ALICE Technologies, said the partnership reflects a broader shift in how large-scale projects are planned and delivered.
“Generative scheduling is reshaping how complex capital projects are planned and delivered,” said Morkos. “Together with McKinsey, we are helping organizations integrate this capability into broader transformation efforts and drive sustained impact at enterprise scale.”
The partnership also aligns with a growing trend of collaboration between contractors and construction technology firms. As companies seek to boost productivity and reduce waste, many are turning to digital tools and strategic alliances to modernize operations.
In addition to partnerships, consolidation within the construction technology sector has accelerated. Companies are increasingly pursuing acquisitions to expand capabilities and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
“We really use it across sectors at this point, and also internationally,” Kok said.
Originally reported by Matthew Thibault, Reporter in Construction Dive.
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