For a project to transit smoothly from start to an end, it is vital to accomplish the following: break down the big tasks into achievable bits, monitor the use of resources allocated, adhere to set timelines, and maintain collaborative relationships among the members of the team working in the project.
Additionally, the client requires regular updates on the progress of the project. Therefore, a project manager needs a tool to help him plan for the project and follow up on the project details. The Gantt chart, an online version that offers excellent project planning and monitoring features for efficient project management, is an excellent tool.
Features of a Gantt chart
To effectively create a workable plan for a project and provide a way of monitoring the project, a Gantt chart has essential features. The timeline table makes it possible to edit and sort out details about various tasks. For timely visualization of the expected timelines for a job, the Gantt Bar displays bar charts that show how far a mission is from completion.
The bar charts have the relevant task dates, allowing for comparison with the current dates for better project monitoring. The Chart has milestones to achieve at regular intervals, thus increasing the project manager’s ability to monitor the project correctly.
5 Reasons Why a Project Manager Should Use the Gantt chart
A project involves a complex interplay of variables that, whose proper management is crucial to a project’s success. Therefore, to ensure that the project deliverables are achieved, a project manager will use GanttPRO Gantt chart online to accomplish the following:
Determine the variations of workflows
The Gantt chart allows for the visualization of possible ways of achieving the project deliverables. Therefore, the manager can choose the workflow path to help achieve the minimum time’s deliverables while maximizing resources.
To define the critical path
The Chart is useful in defining the requirements in terms of time, resources, task prioritization based on the dependencies, and how the project can proceed while adhering to the stipulated deadlines.
Formulation of smaller tasks
Achieving small tasks in accomplishing the significant goals allows for creating milestones that motivate the team when completed. Having small jobs also allows for better allocation of duties, therefore promoting accountability among the team members.
Meeting of deadlines
By regularly updating the project’s progress online, it is possible to understand whether the stipulated deadlines will be met. Therefore, it is possible to determine any setbacks and changes that might prevent the achievement of deadlines, thus allowing for any necessary adjustments to keep the project on course.
Check on the progress of the project
The Gantt chart allows the project manager, the client, and any other stakeholders to follow the project’s step-by-step progression. Additionally, details of the project resources and individual responsibilities are available at any stage of the project.
5 Ways to Boost Efficiency While Using a Gantt chart
Merely making a Gantt chart will not yield the results that the project manager desires. The following five practices will ensure that the Chart gives maximum benefits as a project management tool.
Be very specific on the tasks
The nature of tasks to accomplish, time allocation, and by whom must be made clear in the Chart to avoid confusion. Additionally, it is best to make entries of the tasks necessary to complete a phase in groups.
Define responsibilities
Each task that usually enters the Chart should have the individual or company’s identity responsible for its accomplishment. Defining responsibilities helps in the efficient utilization of resources.
Dates display
Every task should have the timelines for its achievement on display. To effectively monitor the deliverables, the commencement and completion dates for a task should be made clear.
Capture project details
Various stakeholders in the project are encouraged to make comments on the Chart about the project’s progress. Therefore, the client can get more details in greater clarity about the position of the project.
Use the Chart as a Communication Tool
Collaborative relationships among the team members working on the project are essential. Thus, the project manager must know about the availability of various teams. The client, the workers, the contractors should be aware of when their services are required to avoid costly delays due to unavailability.
In conclusion, an online Gantt chart is a useful tool for the project manager to get the deliverables right. The ease of sharing the Chart with stakeholders makes it an invaluable tool for use in any project. For the effective planning and execution of a project, the online Gantt chart is the viable choice.
