The calendar may be developed through a number of proprietary software packages or project planning methodologies. A computerised calendar on its own would be unlikely to justify expenditure on the necessary software and hardware. Linked to software that can significantly improve the administration of elections, it can give added value. Many factors will influence the nature of the calendar. An important point to consider is that a calendar set with long enough lead times will generally assist in keeping down procurement costs.
Forward planning is an essential tool of an election manager.
In the U.K., there is not a single unified calendar readily available in one summarised piece of legislation. Key dates are dispersed through a number of statutes that are assembled together by the election manager at the time of an election. This has the effect of making the task of the election manager more complicated than really necessary and adds a certain degree of mystery to the process. A clear understanding of the requirements, then, is inaccessible to people who may wish to participate. Should there be any slippage or failure to meet the time scales, all the key participants in the process should be notified, informed of the reasons for the delay, and provided with a revised timetable.