You searched for stakeholder - ProjectManager https://www.projectmanager.com/ The Best Project Management Software for Managing your Projects Tue, 24 Dec 2024 22:29:17 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.6.1 Using a Decision Flowchart in Project & Process Management https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/decision-flowchart Wed, 25 Dec 2024 20:00:03 +0000 https://www.projectmanager.com/?p=72643 Whether managing a project or working to understand, analyze and improve the steps involved in a business process to achieve...
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Whether managing a project or working to understand, analyze and improve the steps involved in a business process to achieve a specific goal, decisions need to be made. Using a decision flowchart is a visual means to evaluate different approaches to understand which is best for the situation.

To understand what a decision flowchart is and how it works, we’ll first define the term and its approach. Then we’ll explain the symbols used in one, when to use it and provide some examples to help see it function in a real-life scenario. To help readers further understand, we’ll provide a free download of a decision flowchart template.

What Is a Decision Flowchart?

A decision flowchart, also known as a decision tree, is a visual tool used to illustrate a decision-making process, where each step involves evaluating different options based on certain conditions or criteria. It guides individuals or teams through a structured way of making decisions by mapping out potential outcomes and the actions that should be taken at each point.

There are different types of decision flowcharts. For example, a binary decision flowchart has only two possible outcomes at each decision point, typically yes or no, which is ideal for simpler decisions. There’s also a multifactor decision flowchart for more complex scenarios, such as ones that involve several conditions at each step and could lead to many different outcomes.

Whatever decision flowchart one uses, it’s only good to point one in the right direction. Once that course of action is clear, then project management software needs to be applied to schedule the tasks that will get one from where they are to where they want to be.

ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with multiple project and scheduling views. There are robust Gantt charts to organize tasks, resources and costs, which also link all four types of task dependencies to avoid costly delays, filter for the critical path and set a baseline to track variance in real time. Teams can execute their tasks with kanban boards that visualize workflow or powerful task lists. Stakeholders can monitor progress on calendar views. Get started with ProjectManager for free.

ProjectManager's Gantt chart with filter
ProjectManager has multiple project views to plan and schedule work. Learn more

How Does a Decision Flowchart Work?

A decision flowchart works by first identifying the decisions. That means, defining the primary decision or problem that needs to be solved. This is the trigger for the decision-making process. Next, break down the options for each possible decision. List the factors that will influence the next step. This could include questions like “Is the budget available?” or “Is the product compatible?”

Then map out the outcomes. For each condition or option, map out the possible next steps and their consequences, breaching out to show the various paths. Then, follow the logic. By following the flowchart, users can logically evaluate decisions step-by-step, ultimately arriving at a final decision or solution.

The flowchart concludes when all possible decisions lead to a final endpoint. This could be a decision, such as to proceed or reject the idea, or a recommendation, like further evaluation is required. For example, the endpoint could be the product launch complete or the project rejected for launch.

Decision Flowchart Symbols

What we left out from the above description of how a decision flowchart works is that throughout this process various symbols are used to represent different steps and actions in the decision-making process. Here’s a breakdown of the most common symbols used in decision flowcharts.

  • Start/End: Oval or rounded rectangle
  • Process (Activity/Action): Rectangle
  • Decision: Diamond
  • Input/Output (Data): Parallelogram
  • Document: Rectangle with a wavy bottom edge
  • Database (Data storage): Cylinder
  • Connector (On-Page or Off-Page Reference): Circle or labeled connector
  • Flow Line (Arrow): Arrow
  • Parallel Mode (Concurrency): Double-line arrow or fork/join nodes
  • Delay: D shape, half-circle

When to Use a Decision Flowchart

Several scenarios are appropriate for the use of a decision flowchart. It is particularly useful in situations where there are multiple options or factors to consider and the decision process involves a series of steps. The following are just a few examples.

Project Management

In project management, a decision flowchart maps critical decisions at each project stage. This includes resource allocation, timeline adjustments or scope changes. Beginning with the project’s starting point, adding decision nodes for key milestones and connecting actions based on outcomes. It ensures clarity and consistency, enabling teams to follow a structured process and adapt to challenges efficiently.

Business Process Management

A decision flowchart can be used in business process management to visualize workflows and identify bottlenecks or inefficiencies. Start with the input or task initiation and outline each process step with decision nodes that handle variations. The chart guides users to optimal paths, helping streamline operations, automate decisions and improve process reliability.

Strategic Planning

In strategic planning, a decision flowchart helps explore different strategies and evaluate their outcomes. Begin with the goal or objective, such as entering a new market, and add decision points. The flowchart helps align decisions with organizational goals, ensuring an analytical and consistent approach to strategy formulation.

Risk Management

A decision flowchart for risk management maps out potential risks and the steps to address them. Start with a risk event and add decisions. Each path leads to migration actions or contingency plans, ensuring proactive and systematic risk handling. This visual tool enhances preparedness and reduces response time.

Free Decision Flowchart Template

To try a decision flowchart, download this free decision flowchart template for PowerPoint. It has a key to all the symbols used in the flowchart to help understand their meaning. The two examples we included above can be edited to fit one’s decision-making process.

Decision flowchart template ProjectManager

To employ this free template, use arrows to connect flowchart symbols to represent a decision flowchart. Copy and paste the symbols as needed and add the appropriate process or decision as it relates to what one needs guidance on.

Decision Flowchart Examples

To better understand the visual tool, it makes sense to see it used in a real-life situation. In both examples below, we describe the process and show what the decision flowchart looks like to clarify its value.

Project Planning Decision Flowchart

It begins with the oval start and then the process is defined, which in this case is to define the project scope. The first decision is if the project scope is defined. If not, go back to the initial decision. If yes, move on to making the project schedule.

Project planning decision flowchart example

Next, ask if the project schedule is feasible. Again, if not, remake the project schedule. However, if yes, then create the project budget. The next decision is asking if the project budget has been approved. If yes, make the project plan and you’re done. If not, then revise the budget and try again.

Product Development Decision Flowchart

For this decision flowchart, the initial process is to conduct market research. This leads to whether the market research is completed. If yes, move on. If not, go back and complete that market research.

Product development decision flowchart example

The next process is to ensure strategic alignment. This leads to the decision of whether the product is aligned with company goals. Again, if not, go back and ensure the strategic alignment. If yes, the next process is to make the budget. The decision after that is to get the budget approved. If it is, prepare the product launch. If not, rework the budget until it’s approved.

Decision flowchart template ProjectManager

Get your free

Decision Flowchart Template

Use this free Decision Flowchart Template to manage your projects better.

 

Benefits of Using a Decision Flowchart

There are several reasons why a decision flowchart is useful. Here are just a few.

  • It simplifies complex decisions by visually breaking down all possible options and outcomes
  • It helps one focus on the important factors that affect the decision, ensuring that critical considerations aren’t overlooked
  • Ensures that the same steps are followed each time a similar decision needs to be made, promoting consistency in decision-making
  • Makes complex decisions easier to navigate by turning them into manageable, logical steps

Disadvantages of a Decision Flowchart

While decision flowcharts are valuable tools for visualizing decision-making processes, they come with some disadvantages. These limitations may reduce their effectiveness in certain situations. Here are some.

  • When the decision process involves a large number of steps, conditions or complex decision points, the flowchart can become hard to follow
  • Creating a decision flowchart, especially for complex processes, can be time-consuming and require a significant amount of effort to map out all decision points and outcomes
  • A flowchart enforces a predefined structure that may not always be adaptable to changes in the decision-making process
  • A decision flowchart typically works well for processes that involve yes/no or clear-cut binary decisions, but they may struggle with more nuanced or subjective decision-making that involves multiple possibilities or judgment calls

Free Related Templates

There are other free templates available from our site that can help with decision-making. We have over 100 free project management templates for Excel and Word that cover all aspects of managing a project across multiple industries. Below are just a few that relate to the decision flowchart.

Decision Matrix Template

A decision matrix helps evaluate and prioritize a list of options to identify, analyze and rate sets of information. Use this free decision matrix template for Excel to place a series of values on each decision to compare each and weigh variables by importance.

Fishbone Diagram Template

Download this free fishbone diagram template for Word, also called a root cause analysis template, to identify what issue is causing a process not to conform to the planned output. This cause-and-effect diagram finds imperfections, variations, defects or failures in a process or project.

Scenario Planning Matrix Template

Use this free scenario planning matrix template for Excel to look at the big picture. It’s a simple box that’s broken up into four quadrants, each of which holds a different scenario. This allows users to capture the important and uncertain key forces that can impact each of the different scenarios.

ProjectManager Helps Manage Projects, Business Processes and Workflows

All of these free templates are great. They’re tools that every project manager and their team needs to help them make decisions. However, once those decisions have been made, projects, business processes and workflows require project management software to deliver on the promise of the decision-making process. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with various project planning and scheduling tools needed to achieve project and strategic goals, business processes and risk management. Our risk management features identify the likelihood and impact of a risk and track the mitigation factor in the knowledge gleaned from a decision flowchart. It then becomes a practical tool to avoid issues that can delay projects or result in cost overruns.

Real-Time Dashboards and Reports

Ensuring that processes and plans are being followed and teams are keeping to deadlines requires the constant monitoring of progress and performance. Managers can get a high-level overview of cost, time, workload and more on our project and portfolio dashboards, which display these KPIs in easy-to-read graphs and charts. It’s like an instant status report. There are also status and portfolio reports, as well as reports on timesheets, workload, variance and more. These customizable reports can be filtered to display details or a more general overview to share with stakeholders and keep them informed.

ProjectManager's dashboard
Robust Resource Allocation and Cost Tracking Features

Another crucial task for project managers is ensuring the right resources are delivered at the right time. This process begins with scheduling human and nonhuman resources on the Gantt chart. Then managers can view their team’s allocation and more on color-coded workload charts to balance workload and keep everyone working at capacity and avoiding burnout. There’s also the team page, which provides a daily or weekly overview of the team’s assignments color-coded by priority. Managers can filter the page by project, progress, etc., and click on individual team members for more detailed information. Costs can be tracked on dashboards and reports, but also secure timesheets, which provide a window into labor costs and help keep projects on budget.

ProjectManager's team page
Related Content

For those interested in learning about other charts to help with project management or different decision-making techniques, below are some links to recent articles on those topics.

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office, out in the field or on the job site. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

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16 Best Gantt Chart Software of 2025 (Free & Paid) https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/best-gantt-chart-software Tue, 24 Dec 2024 21:25:46 +0000 https://www.projectmanager.com/?p=66754 We tested the best Gantt chart software options out there to help you make the right selection for your projects....
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We tested the best Gantt chart software options out there to help you make the right selection for your projects. But before we get into our list of the best Gantt chart software, we’ll first explain what Gantt chart software is, what the key features are and why it is so beneficial when managing a project.

What Is Gantt Chart Software?

Gantt chart software is a type of project management software that’s used to schedule projects and track their progress using Gantt charts and other complementary project planning, scheduling, monitoring and reporting features. This software can either be cloud based or stored in your PC.

Gantt chart software is commonly used in the project planning phase of project management to schedule tasks, but it’s actually useful throughout the life cycle of a project. It was designed to automate processes of a static Gantt chart, which previously were made on paper or spreadsheets.

Best Gantt Chart Software Features

Just because it’s called Gantt chart software, it doesn’t mean that it should only be equipped with Gantt charts and nothing else. Here’s a quick overview of some of the project management features you should look out for when choosing a Gantt chart software.

  • Project Scheduling: At a minimum, Gantt chart software should help you create a project schedule showing the order in which project tasks must be completed and their duration on a visual project timeline.
  • Project Planning: Besides Gantt charts, you’ll also need project planning tools such as task lists, kanban boards, project calendars and project dashboards.
  • Project Budgeting: You need to be able to track the costs of your project with tools like timesheets and dashboards so you can monitor your project budget.
  • Team Management: Gantt chart software should let you assign tasks to your team members, monitor their progress and offer collaboration features such as messaging and file sharing.
  • Task Management: Any Gantt chart tool should let you add a priority level to your project tasks, create milestones and link task dependencies.
  • Critical Path Analysis: Gantt chart software should also allow you to identify the critical path, which shows those tasks that are essential to getting the project done on time.
  • Workload Tracking: Throughout the project, you’ll assign tasks to your team members, so it’s important to have workload management tools to know who’s under or overallocated.
  • Project Reporting: Project dashboards and status reports are essential to keep your project stakeholders informed.

Using Gantt chart software offers other advantages, but first and foremost it disproves the belief that Gantt charts are hard to use. It’s true that making a Gantt chart on paper or even on an Excel spreadsheet is difficult and editing the Gantt chart is even worse, but those hurdles have been cleared with the advent of Gantt chart software.

2025 Best Gantt Chart Software Rankings

By now, you’re ready to hear about the best Gantt chart software. We’ve narrowed it down to a top 16 in order of preference, with the leader starting things off.

1. ProjectManager

ProjectManager logo
ProjectManager is award-winning Gantt chart software with features that expand upon that tool and offer task management, resource management and risk management. It has multiple project views that share live project data, real-time dashboards, reporting and other essential time-tracking features. It’s powerful and expansive project management software that helps project managers and their teams plan, manage and track projects in real time. And there’s even a free 30-day trial you can take to try out the Gantt features for yourself.

Best Gantt Chart Software

While every product here has a good Gantt chart, ProjectManager leaves the competition in the dust. First off, ProjectManager’s Gantt chart is easy to set up. You can import any kind of spreadsheet, even Microsoft Project files (we’ll explain why you’d want to do that in the next segment). There are even industry-related templates to get you started quickly. Once you add the start dates and end dates, the project timeline automatically populates. You can then add milestones, color-code phases, add resources, costs and more.

Project management training video (gl8hk4dbxz)

 

But what makes ProjectManager’s Gantt chart software special is that it links all four types of task dependencies, which is a must to avoid costly delays. You can also filter for the critical path. That means no time–consuming calculations. It’s done in an instant. Now you can see the tasks that are critical to delivering your project. Best of all, you can set a baseline once you’ve completed the project plan. This feeds the real-time dashboard, reports and more to allow users to track their actual effort against their planned effort. That’s how you stay on schedule and keep to your budget.

Real-Time Tracking

Let’s take a look at the real-time dashboard. Other Gantt chart software products might have it, but they usually require time-consuming configuration or expensive plugins. ProjectManager’s dashboard is ready when you are, capturing live data and displaying it on easy-to-read graphs and charts. There are also secure timesheets that give project managers a live view of how far their team is in completing their tasks. Plus, customizable reporting tools can be filtered to show the data you want to see for project and portfolio status, workload, timesheets, variance and more. Then shared in a variety of formats with stakeholders.

ProjectManager's project portfolio dashboard feature makes it a robust Gantt chart software
Robust Resource Management Features

ProjectManager’s Gantt chart software is great for planning and managing resources. From nonhuman costs to easy onboarding of labor, accounting for availability and more. There’s a color-coded workload chart that makes it easy to see who on the team is overallocated. You can then reallocate resources right from that page, balancing your team’s workload to keep them working at capacity and productive, but avoiding burnout.

ProjectManager's Gantt chart software showing its workload balancing and resource allocation feature

ProjectManager tops this list because its Gantt chart software is superior to the competition. The fact that it builds on that with multiple project views, such as kanban boards, task lists and calendars, a collaborative platform and the flexibility that makes it ideal for construction, manufacturing, IT, professional service and really any industry only sweetens the deal. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

Verdict: Best Gantt Chart Software for Project Management

ProjectManager Pros & Key Features

  • Multiple project planning views such as kanban boards, task lists, project calendars and spreadsheets
  • Real-time project dashboards for cost, progress and workload tracking.
  • Secure timesheets
  • Robust project reporting functionality
  • Has a free 30-day trial
  • Has a mobile project management app available for Android and iOS

ProjectManager Cons & Limitations

  • Limited customization
  • Few native integrations
  • No free plan

ProjectManager Pricing

  • Team: $13/user/month
  • Business: $24/user/month
  • Enterprise: Contact sales

ProjectManager Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “ProjectManager works very well with both large and small-scale projects. Being able to use this with anything from a project involving only two members of staff, to hundreds, has been invaluable.” Peter W – from Capterra
  • “We used to manage our projects, resources, and reporting in different systems. Enter ProjectManager. We have consolidated systems and work more efficiently.” Jeffrey M – from Capterra
  • “Having the full scope of activities and who is responsible to do it, plus the time tracking is excellent.” Flavio M – from G2
  • “It has an excellent accounting system capable of calculating the time that a person has used to develop a task that was assigned to him, I like being able to collaborate with all my colleagues in the Finance sector through ProjectManager.” Jesus C – from G2
  • “The UI of the application is user-friendly, and it helps to identify what we are looking for with minimal effort.” Pavan H – from G2

2. Microsoft Project

Microsoft Project logo
Microsoft Project is the gorilla in the Gantt chart software room so it deserves attention. Many larger organizations use it to manage their projects. It seems designed for complexity, which is both a plus and a minus about this Gantt chart software. However, you can’t deny Microsoft its power, with seamless integrations with Teams, Office and more. Plus, it’s got a full suite of project tools, from Gantt charts to dashboards.

Related: Microsoft Project Gantt Chart: A How-to Guide With Pros, Cons & Alternatives

It’s also built to do what’s needed in project management. That is, it’s a planning, tracking and management tool. It has an organized view of your tasks and timelines and can allocate resources and report on the project, but these features aren’t intuitively designed. You’ll need to factor in a lot of time before you can even start working on your Gantt chart to figure out how to use it properly.

Microsoft Project screenshot, one of the best Gantt chart software

Of course, lots of Gantt chart software has some learning curve to deal with, but Microsoft Project adds more roadblocks. It’s expensive. That alone is going to drive away the majority of potential customers. Then there’s the issue of compatibility. If not everyone on the team is using the same software, MS Project doesn’t make it easy to share. Add to the limits in customization and buyer beware.

 

Verdict: Best Gantt Chart Software for Microsoft Users

Microsoft Project Pros & Key Features

  • Offers a variety of project management views to plan, schedule and track projects
  • Robust enough for project, program and project portfolio management.
  • Built-in project management reports
  • Has a free 1-month trial

Microsoft Project Cons & Limitations

  • Both the desktop and online versions are expensive, especially for larger teams
  • Steep learning curve and overwhelming user interface for beginners
  • Microsoft Project files have a unique format which makes them hard to use and share with people that don’t have a Microsoft Project license
  • Doesn’t have a mobile app

Microsoft Project Pricing

  • Project Plan 1: $10/user/month
  • Project Plan 3: $30/user/month
  • Project Plan 5: $55/user/month

Microsoft Project Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “Microsoft project has really helped to improve my productivity and project planning overall.” Jamie G – from Capterra
  • “I love the automatically generated gantt charts and the timeline feature.” Eric B – from G2

3. ClickUp

ClickUp logo
ClickUp is Gantt chart software that helps users manage tasks, workflows, collaborate and streamlines processes with automation. There’s a great deal of customization, which is both positive and negative. It gives you more control but it’s also a bit overwhelming. If you want to take advantage of this, you’ll be spending a lot of time setting up instead of working. However, it’s a great collaboration tool. You can send emails on the app, chat and edit Google Docs together.

ClickUp screenshot, one of the best Gantt chart software

What’s really going to stop people from adopting this Gantt chart software is its limited project time management features. While there are some rudimentary time-tracking features, such as deadlines and time spent on tasks, it’s a far cry from other Gantt chart software. A Gantt chart needs powerful time tracking to help you keep to your project plan. Then there’s the steep learning curve. We alluded to it above, with all the customization options available, but it goes beyond that. If you don’t have the hours necessary to learn ClickUp, you might want to keep looking.

 

Verdict: Best Gantt Chart Software for Collaboration Features

ClickUp Pros & Key Features

  • Multiple task and work management views
  • Has a mobile app available for Android and iOS

ClickUp Cons & Limitations

  • User interface is cluttered
  • Gantt charts can only be exported as PDFs, which makes it hard to export data to other software like Excel or Google Sheets
  • Gantt charts don’t show the critical path and don’t allow project managers to track costs at the task level
  • Doesn’t have a free trial

ClickUp Pricing

  • Unlimited: $7/user/month
  • Business: $12/user/month

ClickUp Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “Good for operational tasks and customer support.” Hovhannes G – from G2
  • “ClickUp sits right in the middle between typical task management tools and business platforms.” Pawel M – from Capterra

4. Wrike

Wrike logo
Wrike is Gantt chart software that’s broad enough to deliver project and product management features, proofing and publishing as well as risk management. It tends to be used by marketers, digital agencies and those working in professional services. They like its simple but effective collaborative features, such as built-in chat. It’s best for monitoring workloads and activities, plus it can track the progress of the project. Agencies like the billing and invoicing capabilities.

Wrike screenshot, one of the best Gantt chart software

It’s lower on our Gantt chart software list primarily because the Gantt chart and other features aren’t intuitive. Even worse, you can’t view projects, only tasks on its kanban board. If you like lists, though, this is for you. Gantt charts, not so much. For example, you can’t track all four task dependencies on its Gantt chart. Also, if you’re managing multiple projects, you’ll not like the lack of portfolio reporting. There’s also no option to pay monthly, the cost is divided into 12 to show how much you’ll pay monthly but you have to sign up for a year.

 

Verdict: Best Gantt Chart Software for Workflow Management

Wrike Pros & Key Features

  • Workflow automation features
  • Easy to understand project dashboards
  • Has a 14-day free trial
  • Has a mobile app available for Android and iOS

Wrike Cons & Limitations

  • Gantt charts lack critical path analysis features
  • The software is hard to navigate
  • Onboarding employees can be hard due to its non intuitive user interface

Wrike Pricing

  • Professional plan: $10.00/user/month
  • Business plan: $24.80/user/month

Wrike Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “Wrike has become essential in my day and keeps me organized and on top of my tasks.” Paige T – from G2
  • “Productivity has been enhanced by removing essential but repetitive chores.” Denise S – from G2
Monday.com logo

5. Monday.com

Monday.com is Gantt chart software that bills itself as a project management, workflow and automation and collaborative tool. It’s made an aggressive push to a general market and appeals to users who like a spreadsheet view. It has integrations you can pick from or build your own. Users like its colorful interface and how the software helps to visualize work. It’s also priced for a general market with very competitive subscription tiers.

Related: Monday.com Gantt Chart: How to Make a Gantt Chart With Monday.com

Monday.com screenshot, one of the best Gantt chart software

However, if you’re a business that needs project management software, Monday.com is going to fall short. Even if you’re using it for less dynamic projects, the onboarding and training are not great and support is hard to reach. In terms of Gantt chart software, its Gantt chart is especially problematic. For example, you have to manually add task dependencies. It’s really a task management, not a project management tool.

 

Verdict: Best Gantt Chart Software for Creative Teams

Monday.com Pros & Key Features

  • Simple, minimalistic user interface
  • Project portfolio reports and dashboards to track progress, resources and costs across projects
  • Has a free 14-day trial
  • Has a mobile app available for Android and iOS

Monday.com Cons & Limitations

  • Gantt charts are overly simplistic and lack important features such as cost tracking
  • Limited project reporting capabilities
  • Customizable views require manual setup

Monday.com Pricing

  • Basic: $9/user/month
  • Standard: $12/user/month
  • Pro: $19/user/month

Monday.com Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “We used to have a mess of excel sheets and emails but now everything’s in one place.” Laura A – from G2
  • “It is overall a great product but it requires a lot of setup initially to take advantage of all its functions and features.” Ana D – from Capterra

6. Smartsheet

Smartsheet logo
Smartsheet is collaborative software that has some Gantt chart software features but is mostly a super-powered spreadsheet. It emphasizes the sharing of data with teams. It has a lot of templates and forms to help you get started as well as training tools. There are workflow automation tools that create efficiencies. There’s also a high level of customization, which many users will appreciate. If you want a Gantt chart, you’re going to have to create one yourself and it’s not going to satisfy users looking for Gantt chart software.

Smartsheet screenshot, one of the best Gantt chart software

That should be a clue that this isn’t project management software and is barely Gantt chart software. But it’s popular, which is why it’s included, if at the bottom of our rankings. There’s a lack of project portfolio management features, resource management and capacity planning are expensive add-ons only available for top-tier subscriptions. The dashboard is cumbersome and, if you’re an enterprise customer, you’ll find the tool lacking. It’s not bad as a supplement to other tools, but why pay all that money for only a partial solution?

 

Verdict: Best Gantt Chart Software for Spreadsheets and Pre-built Project Templates

Smartsheet Pros & Key Features

  • Allows to export Gantt charts as Excel, Google Sheets and other file formats
  • Offers multiple project management tools such as kanban boards, spreadsheets and Gantt charts
  • Has a 30-day free trial
  • Has a mobile project management app available for Android and iOS

Smartsheet Cons & Limitations

  • The spreadsheet-like Gantt charts aren’t visually appealing and are hard to use
  • Not ideal for managing multiple projects, as you’ll need a separate spreadsheet for each project
  • Limited spreadsheet project reports

Smartsheet Pricing

  • Pro plan: $9/user/month
  • Business plan: $19/user/month, 3-user limit, making it $75/month

Smartsheet Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “Smartsheet has allowed me to take my to-do list and run with it in a way that I didn’t think would be possible.” Victoria W – from G2
  • “I like that Smartsheet has a lot of different functions. It can be used for project management, inventory or event planning.” Lauren M – from Capterra

7. Ganttic

Ganttic logo
Ganttic offers a twist on a traditional Gantt. With its resource-centric Gantt charts, users are able to see who or is doing what and when. Offering a high-level overview of their entire resource pool, WBS, and project portfolio, the cloud-based tool is suitable for managers of mid-sized teams or large enterprises. It’s used mostly in industries such as engineering, construction, production, and design – fields where managers need to see the workloads, manage skills, and optimize utilization for equipment, people, and vehicles. Color coding, drag-and-drop scheduling, custom data fields, and automated reports are just a few other features that come standard with the tool.

Ganttic screenshot, one of the best Gantt chart software

Ganttic is a comfortable middle ground for those fed up with spreadsheet scheduling and those who don’t need all the bells and whistles of an expensive ERP. And while this makes it a perfect tool for resource management, there are some project management features that some users may find are lacking. Luckily, Ganttic was built with flexibility and modern workflows in mind. Offering native Calendar integrations, as well as robust opportunities for importing your existing spreadsheets or building your own custom workflow with its built-in API or Zapier connections.

 

Verdict: Best Gantt Chart Software for Resource Management Features

Ganttic Pros & Key Features

  • Resource utilization and capacity planning tools
  • Online Gantt chart software
  • Has a free 14-day trial
  • Has a mobile app

Ganttic Cons & Limitations

  • Limited customization features
  • Missing project portfolio roadmaps, dashboards and other PPM tools, so it’s not ideal for managing multiple projects, programs or portfolios.
  • Outdated user interface

Ganttic Pricing

  • Resource-based monthly pricing plans range from $25/20 resources to 2000+ resources. All plans allow for unlimited free users. Annual plans receive 2 months free.

Ganttic Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “Our planning and resource management is made easy with the adoption of Ganttic.” Thomas K – from G2
  • “Love how quick I can move from project to project.” Nathan R – from Capterra

8. Instagantt

InstaGantt logo
Instagantt bills itself as a simple online Gantt chart software. It’s an affordable option that helps you create projects, manage tasks and set task dependencies. For a little extra money, you can access more features, such as a kanban board view, workload management, dashboards and reporting. In terms of Gantt charts, which is where it puts all its attention, you can schedule milestones, build timelines and create tasks and subtasks. Asana users will like it because it integrates with this project management software.

Best Gantt chart software: Instagantt screenshot

But when you put all your eggs in one basket, you’re asking for trouble. One thing is that it’s not great for updating stakeholders and you can’t export views to a PDF. While it integrates with Asana, InstaGantt is woefully behind in integrations with the more commonly used third-party tools. Also, the fact that users need to team up with another project management software to get a full suite of features to manage their projects feels like too much effort and cost when there are software solutions that offer it all under one roof.

 

Verdict: Best Gantt Chart Software for Beginner Project Managers

Instagantt Pros & Key Features

  • Visually appealing user interface and simple project management tools
  • Built-in Gantt chart templates
  • Has a free 7-day trial

Instagantt Cons & Limitations

  • Gantt charts fail to show all the information that’s needed to create detailed project schedules
  • Kanban boards merely show a task status, don’t show task assignees and lack messaging or file sharing features
  • Project dashboards and reports are not robust enough for project managers or project management offices (PMOs)
  • Doesn’t have a mobile app, but a mobile-optimized view

Instagantt Pricing

  • Individual Plan: $12 month
  • Team Plan: $24/user/month

Instagantt Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “It links with Asana, that’s a pretty nice feature.” Alex V – from G2
  • “Automatic creation of Gantt charts, able to share with multiple users.” Lucia F – from Capterra

9. TeamGantt

TeamGantt logo
TeamGantt is intuitive Gantt chart software for beginners and those who are tasked with the management of small projects or businesses. Gantt charts can be complicated, especially for those who aren’t used to working with them. Here the interactive Gantt charts are easy to use, which is further helped by the fact that the software offers strong tutorial content. They hold your hand but still have features such as automatic dependencies, so it’s not a bare-bones tool.

TeamGantt screenshot, one of the Best Gantt Chart Software

But beginners quickly become more experts and expect their Gantt chart software to follow suit. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. For example, there are no budgeting or invoicing tools, which are going to send users to other software to fill the holes. While there are reporting features, they’re underwhelming. Compared to other Gantt chart software these reports are basic and not very useful. The Gantt chart is good, but the software rests its reputation on that tool. Users who want project management software will have to look elsewhere.

 

Verdict: Best Mobile-friendly Gantt Chart Software

TeamGantt Pros & Key Features

  • Collaboration features such as file sharing and messaging
  • Lets you compare planned and actual timelines
  • Has a free 30-day trial
  • Has a mobile app

TeamGantt Cons & Limitations

  • Missing project management tools when compared with most Gantt chart software
  • There are no kanban boards
  • Limited project reporting features

TeamGantt Pricing

  • Pro: $59/user/month

TeamGantt Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “I like the simplicity of the functionality since it allows me to easily and quickly set up new projects thus saving much time.” Sarah D – from G2
  • “It really does what it says on the tin! It’s quick and easy to create and move tasks around. The interface is intuitive.” Lola R – from Capterra

10. Zoho Projects

Zoho, one of the best Gantt chart software
Zoho Projects is online Gantt chart software for project planning, tracking work and team collaboration. The fact that they offer a free edition, though with limited features and only for three users, is attractive. If you find the software working for you, then the pricing structure is reasonable. It offers the standard features one expects with Gantt chart software. It’s also pretty easy to navigate, which users who have been scratching their heads with complicated software like Microsoft Project will definitely appreciate.

Best Gantt chart software: Zoho Gantt chart

But users might find this Gantt chart software a bit bland. It hits the basics but doesn’t go the extra mile to make the software more competitive. It’s not easy to find tasks and the tool’s search function could use an upgrade. Same with bug reporting. Users have complained about the dashboard functionality, but the biggest complaint is the steep learning curve. Many Gantt chart software products are hard to learn, which is a hurdle users are often not willing to clear.

 

Verdict: Best Low-cost Gantt Chart Software

Zoho Projects Pros & Key Features

  • Invoicing and budgeting features
  • Multiple project dashboards and reports
  • Has a free 10-day trial
  • Has a mobile app

Zoho Projects Cons & Limitations

  • Gantt charts don’t show information such as percent complete, assignee and other information compared with other Gantt chart software in this list
  • Limited dashboard functionality
  • There’s no time logging at the task level, which affects how timesheets work

Zoho Projects Pricing

  • Premium: $4/user/month, billed annually
  • Enterprise: $9/user/month, billed annually

Zoho Projects Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “What I like most is how it integrates perfectly with the entire Zoho ecosystem.” Emy L – from G2
  • “While the UI and the setup were slightly complicated, Zoho Projects helps you track your projects efficiently.” Shria G – from Capterra

11. GanttPRO

GranttPRO, one of the best Gantt chart software
GanttPRO is a simple way to plan with Gantt chart software. It enables users to work alone or create a workspace with Gantt charts that are shared with your team. It’s especially useful for small teams. It’s easy to use and well-designed, with a lot of features that teams will want. It also has kanban boards for those who don’t want to only work on Gantt charts. Add to that a competitive price and you can see why it made it to our list.

GanttPro: Best Gantt Chart Software

However, there’s a reason it lands in the middle of our listing. One is that there are no customizable reporting tools. You can’t even customize its dashboard. If you’re looking to do billing or invoicing, you’re out of luck. There are no such features. You might be able to live with that if you integrate with some of your favorite third-party apps, but that’s not likely. While there’s some integration, it’s very light and is one of the biggest areas that could use improvement on the tool.

 

Verdict: Best Gantt Chart Software for Sharing Files

GanttPRO Pros & Key Features

  • Files can be downloaded in a variety of formats, which makes it easy to view, share and edit them using other software
  • Cost and budget tracking features
  • Has a free 14-day free trial
  • Has a mobile app available on iOS and Android

GanttPRO Cons & Limitations

  • Time tracking features can be improved, there are no timesheets
  • Limited project reporting features, no project health reports
  • Lack of integrations
  • Doesn’t have a free plan

GanttPRO Pricing

  • Basic: $7.99/user/month
  • Pro: $12.99/user/month
  • Business: $19.99/user/month
  • Enterprise: Contact sales

GanttPRO Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “I especially enjoy the collaboration feature where I can invite colleagues to edit tasks and timelines in the live document. I have moved from using Google Sheets.” Glen K – from Capterra
  • “GantPro software offers a seamless project management experience with its intuitive interface and robust features.” Dixie F – from Capterra
Proofhub, one of the best Gantt chart software

12. Proofhub

Proofhub is a Gantt chart software for marketing, sales and creative teams. It caters to these types of teams with tools such as file proofing, file versioning and collaboration. This Gantt chart software offers other tools such as kanban boards and project calendars, which allow teams to switch from the Gantt view to other project planning views. In addition to these, Proofhub offers time tracking tools such as timesheets and timers to monitor costs and team performance. This mix of features make this option not only a Gantt chart software, but a decent project management solution overall.

Best Gantt Chart Software: Proofhub Gantt chart screenshot

However, while it does have an interesting feature set, some of its tools need further development to be more competitive in comparison to other Gantt chart software in this list. For example, its workflow feature is merely a flow chart that shows a very basic representation of tasks and processes and its time, task and resource utilization reports lack detail. Its biggest omission is the lack of cost tracking and budgeting tools.  All-in-all, Proofhub does a good job at helping marketing, sales and creative teams manage their tasks and workflows, but lacks some features that are needed for managing larger, more complex projects.

 

Verdict: Best Gantt Chart Software for Proofing, Approvals and Collaboration

Proofhub Pros & Key Features

  • Fosters collaboration with messaging and file sharing
  • Has Gantt charts, kanban boards and project calendars
  • Has a 14-day free trial
  • Has a mobile app for Android and iOS

Proofhub Cons & Limitations

  • Gantt charts have a limited functionality, missing cost tracking and project budgeting features
  • Missing important project management tools, such as workload management charts or project dashboards
  • Flat pricing isn’t ideal for most teams

Proofhub Pricing

  • ProofHub has a flat pricing fee of $89 per month or $45 with limited features, billed annually

ProofHub Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “The best thing I like about ProofHub is the way it organizes tasks and the detailed information each task captures.” Jagadeep S – from G2
  • “There are areas that need to be improved and more user customization would benefit this platform greatly.” David F – from Capterra

13. Asana

Asana, one of the best Gantt chart software
Asana is a project and work management software that’s mostly used by marketing and IT teams to manage their daily tasks and workflows. Asana offers a variety of project management tools including timelines, kanban boards, task lists and calendars. It pairs these features with reporting dashboards and workflow automation tools, which are focused on streamlining every-day processes and helping teams be more productive. It has recently launched AI tools which help team leaders save time while using the software.

Related: Asana Gantt Chart: A How-to Guide With Pros, Cons & Alternatives

Best Gantt Chart Software: Asana Timeline Screenshot

While Asana does a good job in terms of being a task-oriented project management solution, it should work on improving its Gantt charts. Asana’s Gantt charts feel like a lightweight alternative to other Gantt chart software in this list, mainly because they lack the level of detail that project managers need. They merely help project managers create a basic Gantt chart with task dependencies but omit important information such as percent of completion, task costs, planned vs. actual comparisons, among other important details. So, Asana can help you with task and workflow management, but if you’re interested in Gantt charts, it might not be the best choice for you and your team.

 

Verdict: Best Gantt Chart Software for Task Management

Asana Pros & Key Features

  • Workflow automation features
  • Has a free 14-day free trial
  • Has a free plan
  • Has a mobile app available on iOS and Android

Asana Cons & Limitations

  • Gantt chart lacks features such as critical path analysis and cost tracking
  • Workload management tools are limited
  • Timeline and Gantt chart features are not robust enough for project management

Asana Pricing

  • Starter: $10.99/user/month
  • Advanced: $24.99/user/month

Asana Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “Asana is very easy to use, intuitive for my team members who don’t have tech backgrounds but need to start and contribute right away.” Sara G – from G2
  • “Overall, I had great success staying organized with this project management tool.” Mary B – from Capterra

14. Chisel

Chisel, one of the Best Gantt Chart Software
Chisel emerges as a standout product management tool for creating and managing Gantt charts and for good reasons. Its user-friendly interface simplifies the process, making it accessible to beginners and experienced project managers. What sets Chisel apart is its timeline view, providing a clear overview of tasks and their respective timeframes, ultimately resulting in a well-structured Gantt chart.

Best Gantt chart Software, Chisel

It comes at no cost, making it a budget-friendly option for efficient project management. Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned pro, Chisel’s simplicity and effectiveness make it a top pick for Gantt chart enthusiasts.

 

Verdict: Best Gantt Chart Software for Agile Product Backlog Management

Chisel Pros & Key Features

  • Lets manage work by user stories and epics
  • Good for agile teams

Chisel Cons & Limitations

  • Gantt chart is more of a timeline tool than a traditional Gantt chart for project management
  • There are no project management reports or dashboards
  • Doesn’t have a mobile app

Chisel Pricing

  • Essential Plan: Free
  • Premium: $49 user/month
  • Enterprise: Contact sales

Chisel Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “Chisel AI idea summarizations and classification have changed our way of working.” Abdul M – from Capterra
  • “Chisel has provided us the framework to calculate prioritization score of various features along with giving visibility on team alignment for these scores.” Kapil B – from Capterra

15. Primavera P6


Primavera P6 is a project management tool that is also Gantt chart software. It’s used in large-scale industries like construction, engineering and energy. It has scheduling features, including Gantt charts that can create complex schedules with task dependencies, resource allocation and project timelines. These Gantt charts are highly customizable. Users can adjust its layout, task labels, colors and display options. Gantt charts can also be created for different stakeholders, from a high-level overview to more derailed, task-level views.

Oracle Primavera p6 professional screenshot

On the downside, this Gantt chart software can be difficult to learn, especially for beginners. It will require training and time to fully understand its functionality. The user interface can feel overwhelming and cluttered for users accustomed to simpler project management tools. It’s also costly when compared to other software on this list. This is especially true for small-to-medium sized teams or organizations on tight budgets. The tool requires substantial computer power and storage when handling large-scale projects. This could be an issue for companies without robust IT infrastructure. While it offers some collaboration features, it is not as intuitive in terms of real-time collaboration and team communication compared to newer, cloud-based project management tools.

 

Verdict: Best Gantt Chart Software for Large-Scale Industries

Primavera P6 Key Features & Benefits

  • Customizable Gantt charts
  • Multiple Gantt chart views
  • Allocates resources
  • Mobile app for Android and iOS
  • Free trial

Primavera P6 Cons & Limitations

  • Steep learning curve
  • Limited collaboration tools
  • Cluttered user interface
  • Heavy system requirements
  • Expensive, especially for small teams
  • No free plan

Primavera P6 Pricing

  • You may acquire a desktop license or pay a monthly subscription for the online service for any of these and other versions of Primavera.
  • Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management: $2,750
  • Primavera P6 Progress Reporter: $950
  • Primavera P6 Professional Project Management: $2,500

Primavera Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “Oracle Primavera Cloud is very user-friendly, has amazing management and scheduling tools which allows good coordination between the team and also saves money and time.” Bruno L. – from Capterra
  • “Accurate calculation and output data is perfect” Sameh H. – from Capterra

16. Airtable

Airtable is known for its flexibility and being a user-friendly tool that combines spreadsheets with databases. But is it a Gantt chart software? Yes, it has Gantt charts, which are available to Pro and Enterprise users. Those Gantt charts can visualize dependencies, be customized and filter, group and color coordinate information. This is all on a collaborative platform that allows multiple team members to work on the same project simultaneously. Their changes are synced in real time. Gantt charts also have drag-and-drop functionality to adjust timelines, which makes scheduling and rescheduling quick and easy.

However, as a project management software it has limited advanced features. Its Gantt charts are great for smaller-to-medium sized projects, but it lacks the same level of resource management, cost tracking and reporting capabilities as other tools on this list. While the Gantt chart is customizable, it’s only to a degree. There is no critical path analysis, for example. It’s also not the best fit for large projects with many tasks. As projects grow, the interface can become cluttered and performance degrades. The software doesn’t have native time-tracking features, which means teams will need third-party apps, which add to the cost. There’s also a lack of robust resource management, such as workload management, resource leveling and detailed resource allocation.

 

Verdict: Best User-Friendly Gantt Chart Software for Sales and CRM Teams

Airtable Pros & Key Features

  • User-friendly interface
  • Real-time collaboration
  • Customizable Gantt charts
  • Drag-and-drop functionality

Airtable Cons & Limitations

  • Limited advanced project management features
  • No critical path analysis
  • Not ideal for large projects
  • No native time tracking
  • Lack of resource management features

Airtable Pricing

  • Team: $20 per seat/monthly (billed annually)
  • Business: $45 per seat/monthly (billed annually)
  • Enterprise: contact sales

Airtable Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “A lot of templates to start with. Highly customizable.” Jean D. – from Capterra
  • “When you got a table up and running it was super effective” Matt H. – from Capterra

Related Gantt Chart Content

If you’re still on the fence, we have a ton of free content on our site that can help you understand how Gantt charts work and why they’re such an important part of project management. Here are some articles to help you make a decision about which Gantt chart software is right for you.

You’ve Seen the List of Gantt Chart Software. Which Is the Best of the Best?

It’s important to pick the Gantt chart software that fits your needs. You’ll want one that’s easy to use and doesn’t require a complicated and time-consuming setup. It should easily link all four types of task dependencies, filter for the critical path and set a baseline to help you track project variance.

Then that Gantt chart should seamlessly connect with other project views and tools, such as dashboards and reporting. It should be cloud-based to allow teams to collaborate and give you real-time data to make more informed decisions. Look for that Gantt chart software that does all that and you’ll never look for another Gantt chart software again.

ProjectManager is award-winning Gantt chart software that links all four dependencies, filters for the critical path and sets a baseline to track progress in real time. Our Gantt chart is one of the multiple project views that all update together to keep you on the same page. There are also built-in task management, risk management and resource management features. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver success. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

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Best Gantt Chart Software of 2024 (Free & Paid) Gantt chart software is an essential project management tool. We rank the best Gantt chart software so you can choose what's best for you. pm-logo Project management training video (gl8hk4dbxz) portfolio dashboard screenshot lightmode assign people resource allocation light mode gantt chart workload assignments MS_Project_Logo microsoft-project-gantt-chart ClickUp-logo1 Gantt___All_Folders___ClickUp__Gantt_ wrike-logo_color_black_RGB media-image-gantt-chart-interactive-demo-2x Monday_logo monday.com-gantt-chart-2 smartsheet-logo-blue-new LODESTAR-project-plan-with-gantt-timeline-smar-smartsheet Ganttic_logotype_blue (2) Ganttic-gantt chart (1) Instagantt-Logo-Large-Grey 63c5e29f1b5bc8693baf26a2_Email Marketing Instagantt Screenshot Team-Gantt-Logo-Grey TeamGantt views – gantt chart with team availability-Gantt screenshot zoho-logo1 zoho gantt chart (1) GanttPRO Gantt pro gantt (1) proofhub proofhub gantt chart asana-logo asana gantt timeline (1) chisel-logo-black-removebg-preview chisel gantt chart (1) Primavera P6logo Oracle Primavera p6 professional screenshot Airtable-official-logo airtable screenshot
Project Manager Resume: Examples & Template Included https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/project-manager-resume Tue, 24 Dec 2024 20:00:15 +0000 https://www.projectmanager.com/?p=72636 Project managers looking for work must start by creating a powerful project manager resume. It’s certainly not the only thing...
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Project managers looking for work must start by creating a powerful project manager resume. It’s certainly not the only thing that will get one the job, but it’s the first and best show most have at getting a recruiter’s attention. A strong project manager resume can open the door to a phone or even in-person interview at which point one must have the interpersonal skills to present themselves and why they’re right for the job.

But first comes the project manager resume. Read on to learn what should be included in the resume package (hint: it’s more than just the resume). Then learn the keywords that software uses to thin the herd and select the most appropriate candidates before the resume even reaches the hands of a real, live human being. We’ll also provide a free download to a project manager resume to make it easy and then provide a few examples to show what an entry-level and senior project manager resume looks like and some industry-specific examples.

What Should Be Included In a Project Manager Resume?

The resume is the meat in this meal, to be sure, but other details are important to include in a project manager resume. We’ll get to those in a moment, but first, every project manager should be fluent in project management software. This is the tool everyone uses to plan, manage and track projects to deliver them successfully.

ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software flexible enough to serve the new or seasoned project manager, no matter what industry they might serve. Our software has robust Gantt charts, which are the foundation for managing any project, especially traditional ones that go from one phase to the other. Our Gantt chart organizes tasks, adds milestones and assigns teams, resources and costs. But it also links all four types of task dependencies, filters for the critical path and sets a baseline to track progress in real time. All project managers should be proficient in using Gantt charts so get started with ProjectManager today for free.

ProjectManager's Gantt chart
ProjectManager’s Gantt charts help plan, manage and track projects in real time. Learn more

Now, here are the various components of a project manager resume.

Cover Letter

While the details are listed in the project manager resume, the cover letter is a place to touch on personal aspects not covered in the resume. One introduces themself with a brief overview and a bit about their professional background. Then explain why you’re a good fit for the job by highlighting relevant skills, qualifications and experience. Show enthusiasm and interest. Encourage further action by inviting the hiring manager to review the resume and schedule an interview.

Contact Information

In the actual resume, don’t forget to add how they can get in touch with you. That means adding, usually on the top of the project manager resume, one’s full name, phone number, email address and even mailing address. It’s optional, but recommended to add a link to one’s LinkedIn profile and, if appropriate, a personal website or portfolio page with examples of one’s work.

Summary

Under the contact information, open the resume with a professional summary and even highlight one’s objective in applying for the job. The summary should be a brief, impactful statement of a few sentences that highlights one’s years of experience, key skills and expertise in project management. Tailor this to reflect the type of projects one has managed and your leadership style. As for the objective, if one is changing industries or roles, a short objective can explain one’s career goals and why they’re transitioning.

Skills & Qualifications

This section should list one’s top skills relevant to project management, including both technical and soft skills. This can include the project management methodologies one knows as well as project planning, risk management, communication, collaboration, project management tools and software, quality management, change management and so forth. It’s also a good place to add education, though that can be a standalone item.

Work Experience

List the relevant project management roles one has had in reverse chronological order, focusing on the achievements and the impact of the work. For each role, include: the job title, company name and location, employment dates and then in a bulleted list, the key responsibilities and achievements one has accomplished. Focus on measurable results and accomplishments. Use numbers to highlight successes whenever possible, such as cost savings, time saved, improved efficiency, etc.

Certifications

Relevant project management certifications should be listed. They show one’s experience and commitment to project management. Some examples of project management certifications include: project management professional (PMP), PRINCE2 (projects in controlled environments), agile certifications (ScrumMaster, AgilePM), etc.

Project Manager Resume Template

Below there are several examples of what a project manager resume should include. We’ve broken that up into a variety of different job levels and industries. Download our free project manager resume template to get started right away.

Project manager resume by ProjectManager

This free template is a fully customizable document. We’ve pasted in the information from the entry-level project manager resume, but users can edit that copy to make it fit their work experience, skills, etc.

Project Manager Resume Keywords

Sprinkle in the following keywords as many organizations use AI-driven Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes to select the more qualified applicants. These systems filter applications based on relevant keywords related to the job description. For a project manager resume, it’s essential to include industry-specific keywords to ensure that one’s resume passes through ATS and reaches human recruiters.

Project Manager Resume Examples

While the project manager resume template for Word can help guide one through creating a powerful resume, it’s also good to review examples of project manager templates. It gives an idea of what should be included and how to format the resume. Here are a few examples for an entry-level resume, a senior project manager resume and a couple directed towards specific industries, such as IT and construction.

Entry-Level Project Manager Resume

Summary
Enthusiastic and detail-oriented project manager with a solid foundation in project management principles and a passion for delivering results. Recent graduate with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and hands-on experience in agile project management practices. Skilled in coordinating teams, managing project timelines, and ensuring seamless communication between stakeholders. Eager to contribute organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills to help teams meet project goals on time and within budget.

Skills & Qualifications

  • Project Management Tools: Familiar with ProjectManager and Microsoft Project
  • Methodologies: Agile (Scrum & Kanban), Waterfall
    Project Planning & Scheduling: Creating timelines, defining milestones and resource allocation
  • Stakeholder Management: Collaborating with clients and team members to align project goals
  • Risk & Issue Management: Identifying risks and proposing solutions to minimize delays
  • Budget & Resource Management: Tracking project budgets and ensuring efficient resource use
  • Team Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills for working with diverse teams and departments
  • Time Management & Organization: Prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines consistently
  • Communication: Clear written and verbal communication skills for reports, meetings and updates

Work Experience

Project Management Intern
XYZ Technologies – New York, NY
June 2024 – August 2024

  • Assisted the project management team in planning and executing software development projects, ensuring deadlines were met and project scope was adhered to.
  • Created project timelines, tracked task completion and helped adjust schedules based on project needs.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams, including development, marketing and quality assurance, to ensure smooth communication and progress on deliverables.
  • Monitored project budgets and expenditures, ensuring alignment with financial goals.
  • Supported risk assessment efforts by identifying potential issues and working with senior team members to mitigate risks.
  • Assisted in the preparation of project documentation, including status reports, project charters, and meeting minutes.

Project Coordinator Assistant (Volunteer)
Non-Profit Organization ABC – New York, NY
September 2023 – December 2023

  • Supported the project coordinator in organizing fundraising events, including timeline management and task assignments.
  • Communicated with external vendors and internal teams to ensure the timely delivery of materials and services.
  • Maintained project schedules and updated stakeholders on progress through weekly status reports.
  • Helped identify and address issues that arose during project execution, ensuring events ran smoothly.
  • Managed event budgets, helping track expenses and make recommendations to optimize costs.


Certifications

  • Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) – Project Management Institute (PMI)
    September 2023
  • Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) – Agile Project Management
    July 2023

Get your free

Project Manager Resume Template

Use this free Project Manager Resume Template for Word to manage your projects better.

 

Senior Project Manager Resume

Summary

Results-driven senior project manager with over 10 years of experience leading large-scale projects across various industries, including IT, construction and healthcare. Proven track record of delivering complex projects on time, within budget and exceeding client expectations. Expert in agile and waterfall project management methodologies, skilled in leading cross-functional teams, managing stakeholder relationships and driving continuous improvements. Adept at risk management, budgeting and providing strategic direction to ensure project success.

Skills & Qualifications

  • Project Management Methodologies: Agile (scrum, kanban), waterfall, hybrid
  • Project Lifecycle Management: Planning, execution, monitoring, controlling and closing
  • Team Leadership: Leading large, diverse teams to meet objectives and exceed client expectations
  • Risk & Issue Management: Proactive identification and mitigation of project risks and issues
  • Stakeholder Management: Expertise in managing stakeholder expectations and ensuring clear communication
  • Budget Management: Experience managing multi-million dollar budgets, tracking costs, and ensuring financial targets are met
  • Change Management: Leading project changes, scope adjustments and managing organizational transformation
  • Project Management Tools: Microsoft Project, Jira, ProjectManager
  • Vendor Management: Experience managing third-party vendors and ensuring deliverables meet quality standards
  • Reporting & Documentation: Preparing executive-level reports, presentations and project documentation
  • Strategic Planning: Long-term planning, resource forecasting, and aligning project goals with business objectives

Work Experience

Senior Project Manager
Tech Innovations Inc. – Chicago, IL
March 2018 – Present

  • Led a portfolio of projects valued at over $20M, including software development, infrastructure upgrades and cloud migration, delivering results on time and within budget.
  • Spearheaded agile transformation, transitioning the company’s project management processes from Waterfall to Agile, resulting in a 30% reduction in delivery time for key initiatives.
  • Managed project timelines, budgets and resources, consistently meeting or exceeding client expectations.
  • Led cross-functional teams of up to 50+ individuals, including developers, designers, QA and external vendors, ensuring smooth collaboration and timely project delivery.
  • Conducted regular risk assessments and implemented risk mitigation strategies to reduce project delays and potential issues.
  • Directed all aspects of the project lifecycle, from initiation through closure, ensuring the completion of high-quality deliverables.

Project Manager
Global Construction Solutions – Chicago, IL
June 2014 – February 2018

  • Managed construction projects with budgets ranging from $5M to $15M, including commercial buildings and infrastructure projects, ensuring on-time and on-budget delivery.
  • Coordinated with architects, engineers, contractors, and subcontractors to ensure seamless project execution.
  • Created and maintained detailed project schedules, tracking progress and identifying potential delays or resource constraints.
  • Led weekly project meetings, presenting progress updates to clients and senior leadership, ensuring alignment and managing expectations.
  • Managed and tracked project expenses, working to reduce costs by 10% through vendor negotiations and process improvements.

Assistant Project Manager
HealthTech Solutions – Chicago, IL
January 2012 – May 2014

  • Assisted in the management of software development projects focused on healthcare technology solutions, ensuring milestones and deadlines were met.
  • Coordinated team efforts and ensured timely communication with vendors, contractors, and internal teams.
  • Created detailed project documentation, including project plans, status reports, and risk assessments.
  • Supported senior project managers in scheduling and resource allocation, contributing to the successful delivery of multiple projects.
  • Conducted post-project reviews and provided feedback for continuous improvement.

Certifications

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) – Project Management Institute (PMI)
    April 2014
  • Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) – Scrum Alliance
    May 2016
  • Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) – Project Management Institute (PMI)
    September 2017
  • Lean Six Sigma Black Belt – International Association for Six Sigma Certification
    November 2018
  • PRINCE2 Practitioner – Axelos
    January 2020

IT Project Manager Resume

Summary

Experienced IT project manager with over 8 years of proven expertise in leading and delivering large-scale IT projects, including software development, systems integration, cloud migration and infrastructure management. Adept at managing cross-functional teams, optimizing project workflows and ensuring on-time, on-budget delivery. Highly skilled in agile and waterfall methodologies, risk management and stakeholder communication. Passionate about driving technological innovation and ensuring seamless IT solutions that align with business objectives.

Skills & Qualifications

  • Project Management Methodologies: Agile (scrum, kanban), waterfall, hybrid
  • Project Planning & Scheduling: Strong skills in defining project scope, timelines and milestones
  • Budget & Resource Management: Managing IT project budgets and resource allocation efficiently
  • Stakeholder Management: Expertise in collaborating with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
  • Risk Management: Identifying, assessing and mitigating risks throughout the project lifecycle
  • Cloud Solutions: Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and migrations
  • IT Infrastructure & Systems Integration: Managing IT systems integration, software deployments, and network infrastructure
  • Project Management Tools: Proficient in Jira, ServiceNow, Microsoft Project, ProjectManager
  • Technical Expertise: Familiarity with software development lifecycles (SDLC), DevOps practices and ITIL
  • Team Leadership: Leading and motivating cross-functional teams to achieve high performance
  • Change Management: Managing scope changes and ensuring smooth transitions during the project lifecycle
  • Communication & Reporting: Excellent written and verbal communication skills for reports, presentations and meetings

Work Experience

IT Project Manager
Tech Solutions Inc. – San Francisco, CA
January 2020 – Present

  • Manage complex IT projects, including system integrations, cloud migrations and enterprise software implementations for clients in finance, healthcare, and retail.
  • Oversee project timelines, budgets, resources and risk management, ensuring successful project delivery on time and within budget.
  • Led the migration of on-premise applications to AWS for a Fortune 500 client, reducing costs by 20% and improving system uptime by 30%.
  • Coordinated with cross-functional teams, including developers, system administrators, business analysts and QA testers, to ensure alignment and smooth project execution.
  • Regularly report project progress to executive leadership, providing updates on scope, timelines and risks.
  • Implemented Agile Scrum methodology, improving team collaboration and reducing delivery time by 25% for key projects.
  • Conducted post-project reviews, capturing lessons learned and implementing process improvements for future projects.

Project Manager, IT
Global IT Services – San Francisco, CA
July 2015 – December 2019

  • Managed software development and systems integration projects for clients in the tech and telecom sectors, with budgets ranging from $500K to $10M.
  • Spearheaded a company-wide ERP system implementation, leading the integration of legacy systems with new cloud-based platforms, improving business operations by 40%.
  • Managed multiple concurrent projects while ensuring timely delivery, resource optimization, and alignment with client expectations.
  • Collaborated with clients to define project scope, milestones, and deliverables, ensuring project objectives were met and client satisfaction was achieved.
  • Coordinated with vendors and third-party contractors to ensure service-level agreements (SLAs) were met.
  • Used Jira, ProjectManager and Confluence for project tracking and documentation, improving visibility across teams and stakeholders.

Junior IT Project Manager
Innovative Technologies LLC – San Francisco, CA
June 2012 – June 2015

  • Assisted senior project managers in delivering small to mid-size IT projects, including web applications, mobile solutions, and IT infrastructure upgrades.
  • Coordinated project schedules, resources, and documentation, ensuring smooth project execution.
  • Maintained project dashboards and provided regular status updates to stakeholders, ensuring transparency and clear communication.
  • Assisted with risk assessments and helped implement mitigation strategies.
  • Supported the transition of IT systems during software upgrades and patches, ensuring minimal disruptions to business operations.

Certifications

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) – Project Management Institute (PMI)
    May 2016
  • Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) – Scrum Alliance
    March 2017
  • Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) – Project Management Institute (PMI)
    November 2018
  • AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate
    August 2019
  • Certified in ITIL Foundation
    February 2020

Construction Project Manager Resume

Summary

Experienced construction project manager with over 10 years of expertise in managing large-scale residential, commercial and infrastructure projects. Proven success in overseeing all phases of construction projects, from design and planning to completion. Adept at managing cross-functional teams, controlling project budgets and ensuring compliance with safety regulations. Strong problem-solving, leadership and communication skills, with a track record of delivering projects on time and within budget. Seeking to leverage expertise in project management and construction processes to drive excellence in future projects.

Skills & Qualifications

  • Project Management: Proficient in managing all phases of construction, including budgeting, scheduling and procurement
  • Construction Methods & Techniques: Deep knowledge of construction processes, materials and methods
  • Team Leadership: Leading cross-functional teams, including architects, engineers, contractors and subcontractors
  • Cost Control & Budgeting: Skilled in tracking project expenses, optimizing costs and ensuring financial goals are met
  • Construction Scheduling: Expertise in Microsoft Project, ProjectManager and Primavera P6 for creating and managing project schedules
  • Contract & Vendor Management: Negotiating with vendors, managing contracts and ensuring adherence to scope and timelines
  • Risk & Quality Management: Identifying risks and developing mitigation strategies to maintain project quality and compliance
  • Safety Regulations: In-depth knowledge of OSHA regulations and ensuring a safe work environment
  • Construction Documentation: Proficient in generating and maintaining project documentation, including contracts, change orders and progress reports
  • Stakeholder Management: Communicating with clients, regulatory bodies and project stakeholders to ensure alignment and progress
  • Problem Solving: Quick decision-making and resolving construction-related issues efficiently
  • Technical Skills: Proficient in AutoCAD, Procore and ProjectManager

Work Experience

Senior Construction Project Manager
ABC Construction Corp. – Los Angeles, CA
April 2017 – Present

  • Led the successful completion of over 20 commercial and residential construction projects, ranging in value from $5M to $50M, with a 100% on-time delivery rate.
  • Managed all aspects of project planning, budgeting, scheduling and procurement, ensuring efficient use of resources and adherence to timelines.
  • Directed project teams of up to 100 individuals, including subcontractors, engineers, architects and construction workers, ensuring seamless communication and coordination.
  • Developed and maintained detailed project schedules using ProjectManager, ensuring that critical milestones were achieved on time.
  • Oversaw the procurement of materials and negotiated with vendors to ensure the best pricing and timely delivery.
  • Ensured compliance with safety regulations and conducted regular site inspections, leading to a 30% reduction in workplace accidents.
  • Managed change orders, claims and disputes with clients and subcontractors, ensuring resolutions were in alignment with the project contract.

Construction Project Manager
XYZ Builders Inc. – Los Angeles, CA
July 2012 – March 2017

  • Led the planning, execution and closeout of multiple construction projects, including office buildings, hospitals and infrastructure developments.
  • Controlled project budgets, ensuring projects stayed within the approved financial scope, consistently saving clients up to 15% on projected costs through proactive cost management.
  • Collaborated with architects, engineers and local authorities to ensure compliance with building codes, zoning laws, and environmental regulations.
  • Managed subcontractors, ensuring quality and timely delivery of services, while monitoring work progress and resolving issues that arose on-site.
  • Prepared detailed reports, including progress updates, cost analysis, and risk assessments, for clients and stakeholders.

Assistant Project Manager
LMN Construction Services – Los Angeles, CA
June 2009 – June 2012

  • Assisted in managing the daily operations of several small to mid-size residential and commercial projects.
  • Coordinated schedules and resources, ensuring subcontractors and vendors adhered to timelines and deliverables.
  • Performed on-site inspections and reported progress to senior project managers.
  • Contributed to budget tracking, including managing and reviewing expenses to ensure projects remained within budget.

Certifications

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) – Project Management Institute (PMI)
    April 2014
  • LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) – U.S. Green Building Council
    June 2016
  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety Certification – Occupational Safety and Health Administration
    February 2018
  • Certified Construction Manager (CCM) – Construction Management Association of America (CMAA)
    November 2017
  • First Aid/CPR Certified – American Red Cross
    January 2019

ProjectManager Is an Essential Tool for Project Managers

Regardless of whether one lands their first job as a project manager or is working their way up the corporate ladder, no matter if they’re involved in construction, manufacturing, IT, professional services, etc., they need to be proficient in project management software. However, not all project management software is created equal. For those looking to use an affordable, flexible and powerful tool, look no further. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software with robust Gantt charts, kanban boards, task lists and calendars to give the team the tools they need to do their jobs while managers track that work in real time.

Balance Team Workload for Greater Productivity

Project managers have to schedule resources to ensure that what they need for their projects is there when they need it. Gantt charts schedule human and nonhuman resources and their costs to help keep to the budget. When onboarding teams, managers can set their availability, including PTO, vacation and global holidays and even skills. This helps streamline the assigning process. Once teams have tasks, toggle over to the team page or color-coded workload chart to see who is overallocated or underutilized. Then balance the team workload right from those pages to keep everyone working at capacity without threatening burnout.

ProjectManager's workload chart
Monitor Progress, Costs and More in Real Time

Project managers need to deliver projects on time, within budget and keeping quality standards. This is impossible without tools to monitor and track the project in real time. Once a baseline has been set on the Gantt chart, every time a team member logs hours or updates their tasks, it reflects throughout the software in real time. For a high-level overview, the project or portfolio dashboard has easy-to-read graphs and charts collecting key performance indicators (KPIs) such as time, cost, workload and more. Customizable reports go deeper into the data, which can be filtered and shared with stakeholders to keep them informed. Secure timesheets help track labor costs, too, which is necessary to stay on budget.

ProjectManager's dashboard
Related Project Manager Career Content

For those looking to advance their careers in project management or break into the industry, we have more related content to read. Below are just some of the more recent pieces that have been published on a project management career.

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office, out in the field or on the job site. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

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Project Cycle Management – A Quick Guide https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/project-cycle-management-a-quick-guide Tue, 24 Dec 2024 16:45:12 +0000 https://www.projectmanager.com/?p=39155 Project cycle management (PCM) is a project management approach that addresses the complexities of a project through all of its...
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Project cycle management (PCM) is a project management approach that addresses the complexities of a project through all of its phases, while maintaining alignment with the strategy and objectives agreed upon by stakeholders at the onset.

PCM helps with structuring and determining the phases of the project and how to approach tasks in those phases. It also assists in planning and review and can be used when managing multiple projects.

Project cycle management is a methodology that’s commonly used for larger projects that involve multiple stakeholders and significant human and material resources, which is why they require a robust project management solution like ProjectManager. ProjectManager is an award-winning project management software that offers a variety of tools to plan, schedule and monitor projects such as online Gantt charts, dashboards, timesheets and advanced resource planning and cost tracking features. Get started today for free.

ProjectManager's dashboards are ideal for implementing project cycle management
ProjectManager’s dashboards are ideal for implementing project cycle management Learn more

What Is Project Cycle Management?

Project cycle management is a methodology for managing projects. It provides structure to the process, but also includes consulting stakeholders and providing them with relevant information throughout the life cycle of the project. This helps inform the best possible decisions.

The cycle of management operations within project cycle management is broken up into six phases:

  • Programming: The programming phase asks what the developmental priorities are and comes to an agreement of a strategy paper and indicative program.
  • Identification: The identification phase there needs to be the completion of the fiche, or financing proposal, after a delegation makes an initial assessment. The proposal is then accepted, modified or denied, and financing is committed or not.
  • Formulation or Planning: The formulation phase determines if the project is feasible and if it will deliver on the benefits it proposes by completing the financing proposal, along with technical and administrative provisions.
  • Implementation: If results are being achieved and resources are being used properly, there is a submission of an annual operating plan, as well as other monitoring reports and reviews to determine if financing needs to continue as planned or change to support new needs.
  • Monitoring and Evaluation: Evaluation determines if the project achieved its planned goals by completing an evaluation study, which is planned and managed by a task manager.
  • Closing: During the closing phase, an audit is conducted to determine if the project was completed in compliance with law and rules, and if other criteria have been met. The process is usually managed by an audit task manager.

This cycle highlights decision-making criteria and procedures, which are defined at each specific phase. The phases themselves are progressive (each needing completion before moving on to the next), and new projects are informed by the results of the final phase: evaluation and audit.

The European Union (EU) uses project cycle management to make sure that it funds projects that are aligned with its objectives. The European Commission adopted project cycle management in 1992 as its primary set of project design and management tools.

Who Uses Project Cycle Management?

From government agencies to academic institutions, there are many entities that can benefit from using project cycle management. Below are only some examples.

Government Agencies

Government agencies can use project cycle management in various ways, such as ensuring public resources are used efficiently, aligning projects with policy objectives and maintaining overall accountability. Through data analysis and stakeholder consultations, government agencies are able to identify social needs to ensure their projects align with public priorities. PCM is commonly used in public health initiatives and infrastructure projects.

Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)

NGOs can utilize project cycle management to ensure their resources are optimized and that their projects align with both mission and donor requirements. It’s typical for these types of projects to start with a needs assessment that looks at the target communities to help pinpoint the most pressing challenges and develop solutions. PCM is commonly used in NGO projects such as education, healthcare and humanitarian relief.

Donor Organizations

Another entity that may use PCM is donor organizations. They use it to monitor the projects they fund to ensure that projects are executed according to their objectives and are meeting their impact metrics. Donor organizations keep a close eye on the project effectiveness, sustainability and scalability as they need to replicate projects in multiple communities or territories.

Project Cycle Management Phases

We mentioned that project cycle management is made up of five phases, so let’s dig deeper into each phase and cover their actual implementation.

1. Programming

The programming phase is when the negotiations take place, which leads to an agreed process documented in an indicative program. The process is meant to identify the main objective of the project and what its priorities are, which creates a relevant and feasible framework for the project.

Past projects are researched to provide precedent and direction for future ones. This process is usually multi-annual and not directly relevant to an individual project, though it’s important for each project to be aware of high-level strategy.

Key Outcomes from the Programming Phase

The main outcome from the programming phase is an alignment of funding goals and strategic priorities that speak to broader organizational needs. There should also be an initial resource allocation and funding strategy.

Programming Phase Documentation

Documentation may include technical documentation like strategic plans or frameworks. It could also include budget and funding allocation plans or a context analysis and needs assessment reports.

2. Identification

The identification phase analyzes the relevance of the project proposals. This includes the stakeholders and target group of the project. It analyzes potential problems these parties might have and what options there are to address and resolve them.

During this phase many studies are carried out to help identify these ideas and define what actions should take place. All of this will be then collected in a project identification report, which explains the reasons behind the decisions made. This phase is directly relevant to the project, as the project’s structure will be determined at this point.

Key Outcomes from the Identification Phase

These include a clear definition of the problem or need and a prioritization of project ideas that align with strategic objectives.

Identification Phase Documentation

Includes a problem statement or concept notes, needs assessment reports, an initial risk assessment and a stakeholder analysis.

3. Formulation

The formulation phase, with the identification phase, is the financing decision-making part of the project cycle management process. During this phase a quality assessment of the financing proposal is undertaken. Any changes that are recommended to that draft are then applied to the financial proposal, which is either approved or rejected by the competent authority.

If the project is approved, next comes the preparation, negotiation and signing of a financial agreement, which includes the necessary technical and administrative provisions to start the project.

Key Outcomes from the Formulation Phase

Outcomes in this stage include a detailed project design that has activities, objectives, timelines and resource requirements. It should also include a finalized budget and resource plan.

Formulation Phase Documentation

In this stage of project cycle management, documentation includes a detailed project project proposal or design document. It should also include a risk management plan, work breakdown structure and a stakeholder engagement plan.

4. Implementation

Now that the project has been planned and financed, it’s time to implement it. This can be a long process, sometimes years, depending on the project, and includes three periods: the start-up period, the main implementation period and the closure period.

Throughout the implementation there can be re-planning as schedules and budgets are reviewed, refined and updated. Monitoring and reporting also occur during this phase, establishing controls to make sure that the project remains on track. Reports are now generated to provide data on the project’s progress.

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Implementation Plan Template

Use this free Implementation Plan Template for Excel to manage your projects better.

 

Key Outcomes from the Implementation Phase

Outcomes include achieving the project activities and deliverables.

Implementation Phase Documentation

Documentation for this stage include an implementation plan, financial reports, activity progress reports, stakeholder communication logs and monitoring reports.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

The project has officially kicked off so now is the time to track it systematically. During this stage of project cycle management, the project’s performance will be assessed and any needed changes will be made to ensure that its objectives are met.

Key activities include collecting and analyzing project data, assessing the effectiveness and impact of the project, tracking key performance indicators and maximizing the project’s impact on beneficiaries.

Key Outcomes from the Monitoring and Evaluation Phase

Outcomes include insights into how the project is progressing and performing. Evidence-based adjustments can be made.

Monitoring and Evaluation Phase Documentation

Project management reports and dashboards are helpful during this phase as well as lessons learned documents and stakeholder feedback records.

6. Completion and Closure

Last but not least comes the completion and closure phase. It involves a formal ending to the project to ensure a smooth transition to the next phase, which could be another project or ongoing operations.

Project managers can use this phase to ensure the project meets it objectives and delivers value. If the project has lessons learned, they can be captured during this time to improve future projects.

Key Outcomes from the Completion and Closure Phase

The final project outputs will be delivered and assessed against the project objectives.

Completion and Closure Phase Documentation

Documentation in this project cycle management phase includes a final project evaluation report and handover and acceptance documents.

Why Implement the Project Cycle Management Approach

Project cycle management keeps projects within the policy objectives of the organization that initiated the project. It also helps projects stay relevant to the strategy that had been agreed upon, along with the needs of stakeholders and/or customers.

Project cycle management also ensures that the project itself is feasible. Through cycle management, projects are protected from wasting valuable resources by deciding if they can be realistically achieved and are worthwhile before execution, as well as noting if the benefits of the project are sustainable.

In order to do all this, project cycle management requires that stakeholders participate. It also requires the use of the logical framework approach and other tools to support the process. There is also an incorporation of quality assessment criteria and documentation at each stage of the project.

Benefits of Project Cycle Management

Project cycle management provides many benefits as it provides a structure approach to project planning, execution and evaluation. Here are only some of them.

Ensures Project Strategic Alignment

Because of the robust planning that’s needed for project cycle management, it’s easier to align project objectives with overarching organizational goals. Progress is closely monitored throughout each phase which makes it easier to stay on track and take corrective action as needed.

Focuses on Stakeholder Engagement

Stakeholder invovlement is integral to every phase of project cycle management. If there are changes to be made, they can be quickly identified and addressed. Active participation from stakeholders helps reduce risk and keeps the project aligned with stakeholder priorities.

Iterative Approach Facilitates Change Management

One of the key strengths of PCM is its ability to respond to risks and changes. It includes continuous monitoring and feedback throughout the project instead of solely at the end. This makes it easier to manage changes as they appear, mitigating risks and addressing performance issues along the way. Once the project is done, any lessons learned can be applied to future projects to improve the change management process.

How ProjectManager Helps With Project Cycle Management

Project cycle management is one more gear moving concurrently within the larger machine of a project. Therefore, it requires similar tools to keep it well-oiled and functioning as planned to deliver information about the project to stakeholders.

ProjectManager is an award-winning software that organizes projects and streamlines communications. Because our software is online, it’s always up-to-date and easy to onboard teams and stakeholders alike. Since stakeholders are the target audience for project cycle management, just add them to your project. You can restrict what they see, so they’re not inundated. They’ll be notified of the pertinent information by email.

Gantt Charts to Stay on Track

You can easily plan your project cycle on our software. Our online Gantt chart places your tasks across a project timeline and allows you to set up a budget and track costs.

Gantt charts make it easy to stay updated on the progress of the project as it happens. When team members update their status, that data is instantly reflected across our software. Most project managers live on their Gantt chart, and ours makes that easy with a status bar that is shaded to indicate the percentage complete for each task.

ProjectManager's Gantt chart view is ideal for managing projects that implement the project cycle management methodology

Keep Stakeholders on the Same Page

Keeping stakeholders abreast of progress is key to a successful project. We have many ways to communicate with your stakeholders, such as the real-time dashboard, which automatically crunches project metrics into colorful graphs and charts that are easy to share. You can also share reports, which go into greater detail. They can also be filtered to show just the information stakeholders ask for.

ProjectManager's online reports are ideal for project cycle management

All in One Place

Why use more than one tool to manage your project and stakeholders? ProjectManager has features that manage your project cycle, help you plan, monitor and report, while also giving teams collaborative tools. We have features for resource management and more. It’s all in one place, so don’t sweat it.

ProjectManager is a cloud-based project management platform with the features that help manage the project cycle. From real-time data to reporting that can be filtered to reflect what you want and shared easily, see how ProjectManager can help your project by taking this free 30-day trial.

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Confluence Gantt Chart: How-to Guide With Pros, Cons & Alternatives https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/confluence-gantt-chart Fri, 20 Dec 2024 15:00:27 +0000 https://www.projectmanager.com/?p=70684 There are many software solutions to make a Gantt chart, from simple data visualization tools to specialized Gantt chart software...
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There are many software solutions to make a Gantt chart, from simple data visualization tools to specialized Gantt chart software equipped with advanced project planning, scheduling and tracking tools.

Each of these alternatives has unique pros and cons depending on the industry, business size and the level of functionality expected from a Gantt chart tool, which is why it’s important to understand Gantt chart software to know which Gantt chart features are the most useful for the project and its team.

In this blog, we’ll go over the main pros and cons of making a Confluence Gantt chart, as well as some alternatives that can be used. We recently reviewed the best Gantt chart software alternatives and highlighted their key features, pricing and other important details to consider when choosing a tool for a project team.

What Is Confluence?

Confluence is a team collaboration and productivity tool that allows remote team members to work together online. For example, users can make, store and manage documents online in real time, establish a communication channel for sharing announcements and documents at the enterprise and team levels and brainstorm using whiteboards, posts, data visualization tools and messaging features.

Does Confluence Have a Gantt Chart?

Confluence gets teams together so they can work more productively. Does it use a Gantt chart? Gantt charts are essential project management tools that schedule work and share that work with the whole team. Managers can track their progress as well as get an overview of the entire project on a timeline.

That sounds like a good productivity tool. But a Gantt chart is more than that. It’s an advanced scheduling feature that links dependencies that can delay progress and lead to cost overruns that threaten the budget. Many can do more, such as filtering for the critical path, which identifies those tasks that must be completed to deliver a successful project.

A Confluence Gantt chart would do a lot for teams collaborating on project work, assigning them tasks and giving managers transparency into their work. Sounds like an important tool that Confluence should have. But does it?

Short Answer: No, Confluence Doesn’t Have a Gantt Chart

No, Confluence doesn’t have a built-in Gantt chart feature. It has a timeline tool that looks like a Gantt chart at first glance because it uses a bar chart to map tasks on a timeline. However, on closer inspection it’s clear it’s not a Gantt chart. First, it lacks a table, spreadsheet or grid to show project task details as every Gantt chart does. On top of that, it lacks basic Gantt chart functions, such as visualizing task progress, identifying critical path activities or mapping task dependencies.

Confluence Gantt chart made with Jira plugin

Long Answer: Confluence’s Gantt Chart Alternatives Lack Key Project Management Features

Confluence has a timeline tool, which is sort of like a workaround for a Gantt chart. It’s a bar chart, but a Gantt chart is not just a simple bar chart. Gantt charts are made up of two distinct halves. We mentioned the visual timeline, but there’s also a spreadsheet where start and end dates, duration and must more are collected. That data automatically populates the timeline. Confluence doesn’t have this table.

It cannot also visualize complex task dependencies, detailed task progress tracking, critical path identification and robust features for managing large project complexities. It’s a timeline, yes, but a far cry from a fully functional Gantt chart. To access more powerful Gantt chart functionality, users need to install third-party plugins or integrate with dedicated project management tools.

ProjectManager, an award-winning project and portfolio management software, has a robust Gantt chart tool for managing projects that makes interactive project schedules, balances team member’s workload, tracks task progress and costs, links four types of task dependencies and identifies the critical path of your projects. These and other features make ProjectManager’s Gantt chart an ideal solution for managing projects across industries. Get started with ProjectManager for free today.

Gantt chart in ProjectManager
ProjectManager has real Gantt charts that help plan, manage and track projects in real time. Learn more

How to Make a Confluence Gantt Chart Better With ProjectManager

If you’re stuck using Confluence but want to experience the full capabilities of what a Gantt chart can do, there’s a helpful workaround. You can save your Confluence project as an Excel or CSV file. From there, you can import that data into ProjectManager and use the Gantt chart the way it should be used. First, make sure to start a free 30-day trial.

Import Confluence project into ProjectManager

1. Export & Import Your Confluence Project

Choose the Confluence project that you want to export and save it as a CSV or Excel file. From there, it’s ready to import. Once you start your ProjectManager trial, navigate to the Gantt chart view and click the import button. Click “Select File” and find the project you want to import.

Import Confluence file into ProjectManager

2. Select Options

At this point, decide if you want to add the Confluence data to a new or existing project. If you’re adding the data to an existing project, decide whether you want to keep the existing data or delete it.

3. Choose What Data to Import

You can either import all data from your Confluence file or only the task list. Select which data you want to import and click next.

4. Success!

When you see the “Success!” window pop up, you’re finished. The Confluence file has been imported and you’re now ready to use a fully-fledged Gantt chart in ProjectManager.

Success popup import Confluence Gantt chart into ProjectManager

How to Create a Gantt Chart in Confluence

While Confluence doesn’t have a Gantt chart, there are two alternative solutions or workarounds to make a Gantt chart using Confluence. One is embedding a Gantt chart from Jira. The second is getting a Gantt chart app from the Confluence app marketplace.

Method 1: Jira, a project management tool that’s also made by Atlassian, makes it easy to use with Confluence. Jira has two tools that can make a Gantt chart: timelines and plans.

Import the Jira Gantt chart into Confluence to share it with team members. The main advantage of this method is that Jira timelines can be embedded in a Confluence workspace.

Method 2: There are various free and paid Confluence marketplace apps and integrations to make a basic Gantt chart. Each has its pros and cons, but generally, the main advantage of these apps is that they’re simple to use and are specifically designed for making Gantt charts, unlike Confluence or Jira.

However, none of these methods will make a fully-fledged Gantt chart, which leaves many users looking for an alternative for making a Confluence Gantt chart. Find out why by making a Gantt chart in ProjectManager. Better understand what a real Gantt chart can do when seamlessly integrated with essential project management tools.

How to Make a Gantt Chart With ProjectManager

ProjectManager’s Gantt chart offers advanced project management features, but it’s still an easy-to-use tool thanks to its intuitive user interface. It’s an ideal solution for both beginning and experienced project management software users. That’s because it’s a versatile tool for managing projects: planning, scheduling and tracking tasks, workflows or business processes, all in real time.

Get started by taking ProjectManager’s 30-day free trial. Then follow these steps to make a Gantt chart.

1. Make a New Project

Click the New icon and then select Project. A window will pop up.

 

 

Select whether to make a Gantt chart from scratch by listing project tasks and entering their details manually or by importing an Excel, CSV or Microsoft Project file to use its data to populate the Gantt chart.

 

 

2. Choose the Gantt Chart View and Enter Project Data

Select the Gantt chart by clicking the icon shown in the image below. On the left side, there’s a grid or spreadsheet with columns to enter details about project tasks, such as task names, estimated duration, due dates, assignee, costs and much more.

 

 

The information entered in these columns will automatically populate the visual timeline on the right side. This Gantt chart timeline will show such details as who’s responsible for each task, its percentage of completion, project milestones and task dependencies. In addition, it will highlight the critical path for the project schedule.

3. Assign Tasks to Team Members and Collaborate Online

Once the project tasks have been mapped on the Gantt chart, they can be assigned to team members. In addition, ProjectManager has timesheets, workload management charts and other time management features to help track the work hours of each team member, their labor costs and current availability.

 

 

ProjectManager has unlimited file storage to hold all project documentation, which can be shared with the project team. To further collaboration, kanban boards can share messages and files in real time at the task level. Teams are always up to date on changes and updates with email notifications and in-app alerts.

4. Track Project Progress, Schedule, Resources & Costs

Real-time dashboards automatically collect live data from the Gantt chart and display project metrics, such as time, cost, workload and more, in easy-to-read graphs and charts for a high-level overview of progress. Customizable reports get more detailed information on project and portfolio status, workload, timesheets, variance and more.

Resource management tools, such as the color-coded workload chart and team page show resource allocation and can balance workload to keep teams working at capacity and increase productivity.

 

Top 3 Confluence Gantt Chart Integrations, Key Features, Prices and Ratings

While not as robust as ProjectManager, there are Confluence Gant chart integrations. Here’s a quick overview of the top three Confluence Gantt chart integrations and their current price and ratings in the Confluence apps marketplace.

1. Smartsheet for Confluence

This integration allows users to access some of Smartsheet’s project management tools in the Confluence workspace, such as Gantt charts, worksheets, dashboards and calendars.

Price: $12 per month
Free Trial: 30-day free trial
Rating/User Reviews: 4/4

2. Table Filter, Charts & Spreadsheets for Confluence by Stiltsoft Europe OÜ

This app offers basic data visualization tools that turn Confluence tables into Gantt charts. By listing tasks, their start and finish dates, this Confluence Gantt chart integration will automatically make a Gantt chart based on that information.

Price: $27 per month
Free Trial: 30-day free trial
Rating/User Reviews: 3.9/4

3. Mermaid Charts & Diagrams for Confluence by weweave UG

Mermaid Charts & Diagrams make various diagrams, including Gantt charts, to visualize the data from the Confluence pages.

Price: $9.20 per month
Free Trial: 30-day free trial
Rating/User Reviews: 3.7/4

Free Gantt Chart Template for Excel

This free Gantt chart template for Excel is a great alternative to the Confluence Gantt chart apps described above. It automatically generates a Gantt chart for projects based on a list of tasks, their due dates and estimated duration. Simply fill out the columns and then customize the Gantt chart as needed.

Gantt Chart template for Microsoft Excel

However, for the best Gantt chart experience for project managers and their teams, use ProjectManager.

Why ProjectManager Is the Best Confluence Gantt Chart Alternative

We’ve already mentioned some advantages of using ProjectManager’s Gantt chart. However, ProjectManager offers many other project management tools and features besides Gantt charts. Here are some main reasons that make ProjectManager the best Confluence Gantt chart alternative.

Multiple Project Management Tools

Gantt charts are only one of multiple project views, all updated simultaneously so everyone is always working on the most current project data. There is the visual workflow of kanban boards, project calendars, task lists and a sheet view, which is like a Gantt chart without the timeline. Managers, teams and stakeholders can choose the tool that best serves their needs. For example, kanban boards give a more detailed view of each of the tasks in the Gantt chart. Users can edit task details and collaborate with the team as well. Any changes made in any of the project tools are reflected across all views.

Online Team Collaboration Features

Like Confluence, ProjectManager has team collaboration features; There’s document management with unlimited file storage, which allows team members to access files anywhere and at any time. There are also built-in messaging and file sharing features, email notifications to stay updated on changes and the project team can tag one another. Team management features include dashboards, workload charts and the team page to monitor the activity of all team members and track their progress, workload and labor costs on secure timesheets.

Advanced Gantt Chart Software Features

ProjectManager Gantt charts give users advanced features that most Gantt chart tools lack, such as identifying the critical path, linking all four types of task dependencies to avoid costly delays, work breakdown structure hierarchy levels, comparing cost estimates vs. actual project costs and more.

Disadvantages of Creating a Confluence Gantt Chart Using Jira

As we’ve hinted at, the main disadvantage of using Jira to make a Gantt chart that can be shared in a Confluence workspace is that it simply doesn’t have a Gantt chart tool. Instead, it has a task list and a timeline view, which can be used to make the two main elements of a Gantt chart, a table or grid with project tasks and a stacked bar chart that works as a project timeline.

Additionally, these tools have some Gantt chart features such as basic task dependency mapping and progress tracking. However, these tools are designed to make a product roadmap for software development teams, so they’re not the best alternative for those looking for a Gantt chart tool for task or project management.

On top of these drawbacks, having access to Jira’s timeline and plans requires a monthly fee of $12.50 per user.

Disadvantages of Creating a Gantt Chart Using Confluence Marketplace Apps

While Confluence is a great tool for managing project documents and streamlining your team communication, it’s not Gantt chart software. To make things worse, its integrations are very limited in terms of project management functionality.

Unfortunately, most Confluence Gantt chart integrations only visualize data in a Gantt chart format. They lack advanced features such as resource allocation, cost tracking, schedule baselining, critical path management and many more.

Most of these apps aren’t free. That means paying for multiple Confluence integrations to get the same functionality that a single Gantt chart software like ProjectManager can provide.

But these methods can’t compete with the project management functionality provided by software equipped with fully featured Gantt charts, such as ProjectManager. On top of that, ProjectManager integrates with Jira, which allows data to flow between ProjectManager, Jira and Confluence.

Related Gantt Chart Content

We’ve reviewed the best Gantt chart software alternatives to help understand what are the key features to consider when choosing a tool for the project team. Here are some of them.

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams in the office, out in the field and anywhere in between. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our tool to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

The post Confluence Gantt Chart: How-to Guide With Pros, Cons & Alternatives appeared first on ProjectManager.

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Confluence Gantt chart made with plugin operations implementation gantt chart 150 – cta confluence-pm Gantt import light mode import success prompt Create a new project in ProjectManager step 1 New Project – light mode Select the Gantt view assign people resource allocation light mode gantt chart workload assignments portfolio dashboard screenshot lightmode Gantt Chart Screenshot Kanban task card moving manufacturing order management light mode kanban light mode manufacturing order process 150 zoom collaboration critical path light mode gantt construction (1)
ServiceNow for PPM: Features, Pros, Cons and Pricing https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/servicenow-ppm-tool Thu, 19 Dec 2024 20:00:38 +0000 https://www.projectmanager.com/?p=72634 ServiceNow is a project portfolio management (PPM) tool designed to help organizations manage multiple projects, whether in a program or...
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ServiceNow is a project portfolio management (PPM) tool designed to help organizations manage multiple projects, whether in a program or portfolio. But whether is this the right product for an organization is a question that can only be answered by exploring the software in detail.

That’s exactly what we’ll do; look at what ServiceNow for PPM is, what it does and how much it costs. After a thorough review of what ServiceNow does well and where it can improve, potential users of the tool can make an informed decision on whether it’s for them.

What Is ServiceNow?

ServiceNow is a cloud-based platform that provides a suite of applications and services designed to automate and streamline business processes. It is used primarily for IT service management but also extends to other business functions, such as human resources, customer service, security and more.

It helps teams improve efficiency by automating repetitive tasks and streamlining workflows. But ServiceNow is also a cost-saving tool, again through its automation, which improves service delivery and reduces operational costs. It is also a project management software as it has features for managing and tracking portfolios, resources and financials.

Of course, many project portfolio management software products on the market do what ServiceNow does and more. For example, ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that automates workflows and has task approval settings for quality control. Plus, powerful project portfolio roadmaps collect all projects in a program or portfolio and display them on a Gantt chart that can manage resources, track time and manage tasks. Our roadmaps also can be filtered, view which projects are open and who’s assigned to tasks as well as highlight key metrics for stakeholders. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

Import ServiceNow projects into ProjectManager
ProjectManager offers robust PPM features in modern, easy-to-use software. Learn more

ServiceNow Views

Before deciding on the right project portfolio management software, let’s explore ServiceNow’s different tools.

  • Project Workspace: This centralized dashboard allows project managers to view and manage all aspects of a project. It includes real-time updates, task progress, milestones and financial data, with drag-and-drop functionality for task updates and resource allocation.
  • Gantt Chart: Gantt charts are bar charts that provide a visual timeline displaying project tasks, dependencies and milestones. They’re used for scheduling work, identifying bottlenecks and monitoring progress.
  • PPM Dashboard: This portfolio dashboard monitors project metrics, such as the health and status of multiple projects. It offers insight into budget utilization, resource allocation and alignment with organizational goals.
  • Kanban Board: Used to visualize workflow and popular in an agile environment, kanban boards track project tasks and workflows in a board layout. The board is ideal for managing workstreams and iterative tasks.
  • Resource Management View: This interface helps to manage team capacity, allocate resources to tasks and balance workloads. It includes heatmaps (a visual representation of data that uses color gradients to show the level of resource utilization across different projects, teams or individuals) and availability indicators to prevent resource conflicts.

ServiceNow PPM Features

We’ve looked at various tools or views, now let’s zero in on the features included in ServiceNow PPM.

  • Project Planning and Scheduling: Create and manage project plans with tasks, dependencies and milestones. Timeline and scheduling tools help with on-time delivery.
  • Resource Management: Assign resources based on skills, availability and project needs. Monitor and adjust resource allocation to optimize productivity.
  • Portfolio Management: Group projects into portfolios for better tracking and prioritization. Evaluate portfolio health, risk and value delivery.
  • Time Tracking: Track hours spent on project tasks for accurate reporting and billing. Integrates with financial tools for cost management.
  • Issue Management: Identify, log and manage project risks and issues. Provides tools for mitigation planning and tracking resolution.
  • Team Collaboration: Built-in communication tools to facilitate collaboration among team members. Integrates with external tools, such as Slack and Microsoft Teams for seamless communication.

Plans and Pricing

ServiceNow doesn’t list its plans and pricing structure on its website. However, research reveals that its pricing depends on several factors, including the number of licenses, features, industry and location. For example, a subscription may cost less in the United States than in Europe. Manufacturers might need different software than a financial institution.

The cost of ServiceNow can range from $100 per user, per month to over $500,000 annually. There’s also an annual maintenance fee that starts at $200. The company offers different types of licenses, including Fulfiller, Business Stakeholder and Unrestricted User. Each license is designed for a different user role and access level.

To get a more accurate picture of what ServiceNow PPM will cost for a specific user or company, contact sales. They will provide a custom quote.

For those who are concerned when a product hides its costs, check out ProjectManager. Our software plans and pricing are stated on our website, except for enterprise solutions, which are always a more customized fit. As evident from our pricing structure, ProjectManager is a more affordable project portfolio management software with features and tools equal and superior to ServiceNow PPM.

ProjectManager's project portfolio dashboard feature
Plan, projects, track progress and manage resources with ProjectManager. Learn more

Pros and Cons of ServiceNow as a PPM Tool

One thing we can be more detailed about is the product itself and where it succeeds and where it fails. To better understand whether ServiceNow is a PPM solution right for an organization, take a look at the following lists of pros and cons.

Pros

  • Offers tools for demand management, resource management, project planning, financial tracking and portfolio analysis
  • Dashboards and reports tools provide real-time insights into project and portfolio performance, resource allocation and financial metrics for more informed decision-making
  • Scalable solution that can work with small teams up to large enterprises
  • Workflow automation reduces manual effort and streamlines processes
  • Highly customizable allows users to tailor the platform to fit specific needs

Cons

  • Expense, with substantial costs for licensing, implementation, customization and ongoing maintenance
  • Many PPM features aren’t standalone and require integration with other ServiceNow modules, further increasing costs
  • Overwhelming and complex for new users, who will require extensive training and experience to fully use its PPM features
  • Customization is time-intensive and requires skilled administrators or consultants
  • Setup, integration and tailoring for organizational processes take a lot of time and organizations might find themselves paying for features they don’t need, especially if their needs aren’t tied to IT
  • Highly optimized for IT, which means non-IT teams or industries will find the software less relevant, for example, those in construction, manufacturing or creative services
  • Non-intuitive interface with day-to-day operations and troubleshooting requiring support from administrators, which slows down responsiveness
  • Limited pre-built reporting features and dashboards that lack flexibility make it hard to create customized reports without extra configuration or custom development

FAQ

Lastly, there are some frequently asked questions about ServiceNow PPM that are listed below with short answers to help potential customers make informed decisions about the project.

Can ServiceNow PPM Be Customized?

Yes, the software is highly customizable. Organizations can tailor the platform to fit their specific processes by creating custom fields and forms to collect project data, customizing workflows and more.

Does ServiceNow PPM Have a Mobile App?

Yes, there is a mobile app available for Android and iOS devices.

Is There a Free Trial for ServiceNow PPM?

Yes, ServiceNow does offer free trials, but they are typically for specific products or solutions rather than the entire platform. The availability of a free trial depends on the ServiceNow product or module that one is interested in.

ProjectManager Has More PPM Tools Than ServiceNow

ServiceNow for PPM has a lot of problems, and the price is one of many. Why settle for expensive, difficult-to-use software that has limited reporting and dashboard analytics when users can subscribe to a reasonable PPM software that has all the features of ServiceNow and more? Plus, ProjectManager is easier to use with a more modern and intuitive interface with risk management features including likelihood and impact. It’s a collaborative platform with document management, such as version control and global search, mobile apps, works with Mac products and tracks projects in real time. We’ve already illustrated our superior roadmap features, which link all four types of task dependencies, filter for the critical path and set a baseline to track variance, but there’s more.

PPM Reports and Dashboards

While ServiceNow has limited reports and dashboards, ours provides customized portfolio reporting to keep stakeholders, managers and their teams informed with high-level and in-depth data. Portfolio dashboards are like an instant status report, capturing key performance indicators (KPIs) such as time, cost, workload and more. Build portfolio dashboards with filters for specific insights. Easily generated reports on portfolio status, tasks and timelines can be filtered to highlight status, customer, priority and more. They can be shared with stakeholders or even printed out if they prefer.

ProjectManager's portfolio report filter
Robust Resource Management Features

Resources can be scheduled on Gantt charts or the roadmap. Team availability can be set when onboarding by noting their PTO, vacation and global holidays and even skill sets. This makes assigning tasks easier. The Gantt chart and roadmap can also schedule nonhuman resources. Once assignments have been made, managers can toggle to the team page or the color-coded workload chart to get an overview of resource utilization. From there, managers can balance the team’s workload to keep them working at capacity, which avoids burnout and boosts productivity.

ProjectManager's workload chartRelated PPM Content

Project portfolio management is a large subject. To get the right tool to manage multiple projects requires an understanding of what PPM is. Below are some of the more recent posts we’ve published on the subject.

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office, on the job site or out in the field. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

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servicenow-pm-import portfolio dashboard screenshot lightmode Project portfolio status report workload page resource management lightmode
6 Top Oracle PPM Software, Apps & Tools https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/best-oracle-ppm-software Wed, 18 Dec 2024 20:00:27 +0000 https://www.projectmanager.com/?p=72607 Project portfolio management (PPM) software improves project efficiency, leads to better resource utilization, and provides real-time visibility to keep projects...
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Project portfolio management (PPM) software improves project efficiency, leads to better resource utilization, and provides real-time visibility to keep projects aligned with business objectives. Oracle PPM has many apps and tools dedicated to this discipline.

Let’s see what Oracle project portfolio management has to offer by first defining Oracle PPM software and who should use it. Then, we’ll review the top products Oracle offers to help manage a portfolio of projects.

What Is Oracle PPM Software?

Oracle project portfolio management software is a suite of enterprise-level tools designed to help organizations plan, manage and execute projects more efficiently. It provides a comprehensive set of capabilities for project, portfolio, resources, financial, and risk management.

Large enterprises typically use the software to manage complex, multi-project environments and portfolios to ensure that projects are aligned with strategic goals, executed efficiently and delivered on time and within budget. However, the tool has some issues, such as a steep learning curve, high implementation costs, limited customization options, complex integrations with other systems, potential issues with reporting and data visualization and a reputation for being less agile for fast-paced project environments. These hurdles might be too hard to clear, which is why there are other project portfolio management software options.

ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software that’s an affordable and powerful alternative to Oracle PPM software. For example, our powerful project portfolio roadmaps collect all projects in a program or portfolio and display them on one Gantt chart, which has resource management, time tracking and task management features. Users can filter by assignee, project manager or customer to make forecasts, view which projects are open and who’s assigned to tasks as well as highlight key metrics for stakeholders. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

ProjectManager's roadmap
ProjectManager’s roadmaps are better than Oracle PPM software. Learn more

Who Should Use Oracle PPM Software?

Oracle project portfolio management software is best suited for large and complex organizations that manage a variety of projects, often across multiple departments, divisions or geographies. The following types of organizations and individuals are likely to benefit the most from using it.

  • Project Portfolio Managers: These professionals oversee a collection of projects within an organization, ensuring that the right projects are chosen, resources are allocated efficiently and strategic objectives are met.
  • Project Management Offices: An internal or external project management office (PMO) sets standards, ensures project governance and supports project managers across the organization. They need tools to enforce best practices, ensure consistency and manage projects effectively.
  • Program Managers: Program managers are responsible for managing a group of related projects that contribute to achieving a larger organizational goal or initiative. Like the others in this list, they need tools that enable them to manage and optimize the program, prioritizing projects based on strategic goals and ensuring resources are allocated effectively across all projects.

6 Top Oracle PPM Software

Oracle offers a suite of project portfolio management software projects that cater to various aspects of project, portfolio and program management. Let’s look at some of the best tools and see what they can do to help manage projects, programs and portfolios.

1. Oracle Primavera P6 Enterprise Project Portfolio Management

This is one of the most well-known project management tools, especially for large-scale, complex projects in industries such as construction, engineering and energy. It provides powerful scheduling, resource management and portfolio management tools. There are resource management features to allocate, level and optimize resources and integrated risk analysis features to predict and mitigate risks.

Oracle Primavera p6 professional screenshot

While a powerful tool with comprehensive features, this tool can be difficult to learn for new users and may require extensive training. This includes the complex setup, especially for large projects. It can prove time-consuming and difficult to get the software up and running. If those issues weren’t enough, this Oracle PPM software isn’t cheap. No one would expect it to be a steal, with all the features it has, but the tool is extremely expensive, particularly for smaller organizations or projects. On top of that, the user interface is often criticized for being outdated and not as intuitive as some modern software solutions.

2. Oracle Primavera Cloud

Another Oracle PPM software is this cloud-based solution that combines portfolio management, project execution, financials and resource management into one platform. It is particularly suitable for organizations looking for a fully integrated cloud solution. One advantage of this product is that it’s on the cloud, meaning it’s a flexible, easily scalable and accessible product. Also, a plus is its features, ranging from project financial management, resource planning and project execution to portfolio management. It also provides real-time dashboards and reporting for data-driven decisions and is a collaborative platform that helps teams work together.

Oracle Primavera Cloud screenshot

 

As with many of the Oracle project portfolio management software products reviewed on this list, this one also involves a complex implementation. Getting the software up and running, not to mention customizing the system for an organization’s specific needs, can be very challenging. In some cases, it might be too challenging and have users looking for a different solution. Again, cost is an issue. This is a premium software and the costs associated with licensing and implementation can be very high and outside of most budgets. This is especially true for smaller teams and projects. The tool is for medium-to-large-sized enterprises and is often too complex for smaller organizations.

3. Oracle Fusion Cloud Project Management

This is another cloud-based Oracle PPM software that has tools for managing projects, portfolios, resources and financials. It integrates with other Oracle Cloud applications, like Oracle ERP and Oracle HCM, to offer a unified platform for project management across various industries. Features include project planning and execution, such as task management, scheduling and milestone tracking. There’s also resource management to allocate, track and collaborate. Risk management tools identify, track and mitigate risks.

 

Oracle Fusion Cloud project management screenshot

No surprise, the cost is high due to licensing and implementation. Additional customization, training and implementation costs will add up. There’s also a complicated pricing structure, depending on the modules and services selected. Then there’s the complex setup and customization. Due to the system’s extensive capabilities and integration with other Oracle Cloud modules, initial setup and customization takes time, which will delay the adoption of the software. When done, put aside a good amount of time for learning and training the team on how to use the tool. This is overkill for smaller organizations and larger ones need to calculate the costs and time involved in using this tool.

4. Oracle Aconex

This cloud-based project management tool is primarily used in the construction, engineering and infrastructure sectors. It focuses on streamlining communication, collaboration and document control throughout the project life cycle. Its document management includes version control, approval workflows and tracking documents across project phases. It has real-time collaboration, workflow automation and security measures to protect sensitive project data. It can integrate with other enterprise systems like Oracle ERP, providing communication between financial, operational and project data.

Oracle Aconex creenshot

The problem with this Oracle PPM software is that it lacks advanced project scheduling, resource management and budgeting features that more comprehensive PPM tools offer. Therefore, we can’t recommend it for project management that requires task tracking, resource allocation or financial management. For those who are stuck with it, they’ll need to purchase other tools to fill in those holes. Even on its own, the user interface is complex and there are challenges to its navigation, which will prove frustrating. For all these reasons one would expect at least a fair price, but no, the software is expensive and there are hidden costs related to integrations, training and additional storage.

5. Oracle Hyperion Portfolio Management

Designed for managing and optimizing financial portfolios, particularly in the context of corporate finance, investments and project portfolios. It’s part of the broader Oracle Hyperion suite, which provides a range of financial management and performance management tools. This Oracle PPM software is tailored to help organizations manage their investments, make informed decisions and optimize financial outcomes.

Oracle Hyperion portfolio management screenshot

Oracle can’t seem to make simple software. This one has a high learning curve and complex configuration like almost all the rest. Keeping consistent, the high cost of this product and ongoing operational costs are going to make a lot of potential users pass. If they don’t, prepare for a time-consuming setup that requires specialized expertise. Once done, the tool isn’t user-friendly, especially for those non-financial users. Anyone who wants to use it for project management will be disappointed. It doesn’t offer detailed project management features.

6. Oracle Analytics Cloud

This Oracle PPM software is a comprehensive, cloud-based business intelligence (BI) and analytics platform designed to help organizations analyze, visualize and derive insights from their data. It offers a wide range of analytics capabilities including reporting, dashboards, data visualization and advanced analytics, along with integration capabilities for various data sources. It’s collaborative and mobile-friendly to allow users to access dashboards and reports from their devices.

Oracle screenshot
Again, this is complex software, especially for new users. It requires advanced setup and configuration by IT professionals or data analysts, which will slow down initial adaptation. Small-and-mid-sized companies will find the tool prohibitively expensive. Oracle’s pricing model is typically based on user count, storage or compute power, which can make it confusing to navigate. Even for those using it simply for analytics, the software has limited customization for some visualizations and those it has can be difficult for non-technical users to customize.

ProjectManager Is Better Than Oracle Project Portfolio Management Software

It’s clear that users who want to invest in Oracle PPM software better be ready to spend a lot of money for the privilege. At best, users will need to subscribe to a couple if not more of these products to get a full suite of project portfolio management features. Or they can use ProjectManager, award-winning project and portfolio management software that has analytic tools, programs and portfolio management tools all in one place and at a reasonable price. Users get secure data, risk management features to identify and mitigate risks, and document management, including version control and global search. There are automated workflows with task approval settings for quality control and seamless integration with cloud ERP to sync operation and financial data between systems to automate reports, invoices and expenses.

Robust Resource Management Features for PPM

Program and portfolio managers can plan human and non-human resources on robust Gantt charts. Then, when onboarding teams, they can set their availability, including vacation, PTO and global holidays, as well as skills, to streamline assignments. Roadmaps help to allocate resources across projects to make sure they’re available when and where they’re needed. There’s also a team page and color-coded workload chart to view resource utilization and balance workload to ensure everyone is working at capacity without risking burnout.

ProjectManager's workload chart
Real-Time Cost, Time and Cost Data Project Portfolio Dashboards

For a high-level overview of all the projects in a program or portfolio, toggle to the real-time portfolio dashboards. They automatically collect live data and display metrics such as time, cost, workload and more on easy-to-read graphs and charts. This is like getting a portfolio status report whenever one wants it. There are also customizable reports, including a portfolio status report, which can be filtered to highlight status, customer, priority and more. There are also reports on timesheets, variance, workload and more. All reports can be easily shared to keep stakeholders informed.

ProjectManager's project portfolio dashboard feature
Related Content on Project Portfolio Management Tools

For those who want to read more about project portfolio management, we have a handful of links below to posts on software, templates and more.

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office, out in the field or anywhere in the world. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay up to date with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who are using our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

The post 6 Top Oracle PPM Software, Apps & Tools appeared first on ProjectManager.

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roadmap light mode CTA Oracle Primavera p6 professional screenshot Oracle Primavera Cloud Oracle Fusion Cloud PM Oracle Aconex Oracle Hyperion Portfolio Management Oracle Analytics Cloud workload page resource management lightmode portfolio dashboard screenshot lightmode
10 Best Buildertrend Alternatives of 2025 (Free + Paid) https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/buildertrend-alternatives Wed, 18 Dec 2024 16:00:18 +0000 https://www.projectmanager.com/?p=70551 Buildertrend is construction project management software used by residential builders, from custom builders to specialty contractors and remodelers. This cloud-based...
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Buildertrend is construction project management software used by residential builders, from custom builders to specialty contractors and remodelers. This cloud-based solution helps to manage projects, reduce errors and increase customer satisfaction.

However, there are many Buildertrend alternatives that offer construction project managers and their teams better tools to manage their work. Below is a comprehensive list of 10 of the best Buildertrend alternatives to help general contractors find the software that suits their needs.

Why People Look for Buildertrend Alternatives

Construction professionals seeking a Buildertrend alternative want construction project management software that delivers the features they need, ease of use and at a price point that won’t break the bank. Some reasons that general contractors, builders and subcontractors are looking for a Buildertrend alternative are listed below.

  • Expensive plan: Buildertrend isn’t cheap. Even when billed annually, its top-tier plan is just shy of $1,000 a month. Even its cheapest subscription is about $500 a month. The company has been increasing its prices, too, which has put it out of reach for smaller contractors. No matter the size of the contractor, Buildertrend will cut into its profit margin.
  • Lengthy setup: Better have a lot of time to set up Buildertrend and add all the data necessary to get started. Users have found this process laborious. Don’t expect Buildertrend to help with the setup, either. They have support calls, live chat and tutorials, but those who want more bespoke support have to pay $100 a month for it.
  • Hard to learn: Buildertrend’s interface isn’t very intuitive. It’s difficult to learn and many of its features are unnecessarily complicated. This makes it hard for trade partners and vendors to work within the application with the general contractor. If learning to use Buildertrend is such a high hurdle that subcontractors are hesitant to use it, that’s a big red flag.
  • No free trial: No one wants to sign up for an expensive software product without first having a chance to test it out. Sadly, Buildertrend has no free trial and only some demo video clips online. Even the sales team is uninterested in helping out potential customers unless they’re willing to commit to signing up for a year.

With these dings against the software, it’s understandable why general contractors are looking for a Buildertrend alternative. We’ve tested the 10 best Buildertrend alternatives of 2025, looking at the pros and cons of each, to help customers find the construction project management software on the market.

2025 Best Buildertrend Alternatives Rankings

Use this roundup to review the best Buildertrend alternatives of 2025 and get detailed information on each to help make an informed decision on which construction project management software is best.

1. ProjectManager

ProjectManager logo, one of the best Buildertrend alternatives
ProjectManager is award-winning construction project management software that helps to keep projects on schedule and under budget to help general contractors hold onto their profit margins. Plan with dependencies, track baselines and filter for the critical path. Use the mobile app to allow field teams to update their tasks on site. ProjectManager is an effective alternative to costly construction software, which is why it tops our best Buildertrend Alternatives of 2025. Unlike Buildertrend, there’s a free trial so general contractors can test the software and see if it’s a good fit for their business.

Powerful Construction Planning Features

Construction plans are built on Gantt charts and ProjectManager has the best Gantt charts on this list of Buildertrend alternatives. Its Gantt charts organize tasks, add milestones and can assign tasks to teams, but that’s not what sets it apart from the rest of the Buildertrend alternatives. ProjectManager goes beyond most Gantt chart software by being able to link all four types of task dependencies to avoid costly delays, filtering for the critical path to identify essential tasks without time-consuming and complex calculations and sets a baseline to track planned vs. actual effort in real time.

The Gantt chart is only one of multiple project views, which all share plans and update simultaneously. That gives subcontractors and construction crews the tools they want to execute their work, such as kanban boards or the list view, which stakeholders can get more of an overview with the calendar view.
ProjectManager's Gantt chart with filter popup

Manage Resources and Balance Workloads

The Gantt chart is a superior tool for general contractors and once they set the baseline they can track the progress and performance of their construction crew. Managing those resources starts with onboarding the team and setting their availability, including PTO, vacation time and global holidays, which helps streamline assignments. Then the general contractor can view everyone’s allocation either on the color-coded workload chart or the team page.

From there, they can balance the team’s workload to keep everyone working at capacity and keeping productive. For a high-level project overview, they can toggle over to the real-time dashboard where live data is displayed in easy-to-read graphs and charts showing cost, time, workload and more. Secure timesheets help with payroll but also provide visibility into labor costs by showing how far each team member is in completing their tasks.

ProjectManager's team page

All these features, plus custom workflows and automation, risk management and project portfolio management features, plus robust integrations and a mobile app to make updates from the job site, make ProjectManager the best Buildertrend alternative. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

Verdict: Best Buildertrend Alternative for Project and Portfolio Management

ProjectManager Pros & Key Features

  • Best Buildertrend alternative for project and portfolio management
  • Superior time- and cost-tracking
  • Resource management
  • Secure timesheets
  • Mobile app for Android and iOS
  • 30-day free trial

ProjectManager Cons & Limitations

  • Limited customization options
  • Few native integrations
  • No free plan

ProjectManager Pricing

  • Team: $13/user/month, billed annually
  • Business: $24/user/month, billed annually
  • Enterprise: contact sales

ProjectManager Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “ProjectManager works very well with both large and small-scale projects. Being able to use this with anything from a project involving only two members of staff, to hundreds, has been invaluable.” Peter W – from Capterra
  • “We used to manage our projects, resources, and reporting in different systems. Enter ProjectManager. We have consolidated systems and work more efficiently.” Jeffrey M – from Capterra
  • “Having the full scope of activities and who is responsible to do it, plus the time tracking is excellent.” Flavio M – from G2
  • “It has an excellent accounting system capable of calculating the time that a person has used to develop a task that was assigned to him, I like being able to collaborate with all my colleagues in the Finance sector through ProjectManager.” Jesus C – from G2
  • “The UI of the application is user-friendly, and it helps to identify what we are looking for with minimal effort.” Pavan H – from G2

2. Procore

Procore logo
Procore is near the top of our list of Buildertrend alternatives due to its established place in construction project management software and its ability to provide insights into larger construction projects. This includes managing construction documents and tracking costs and time with a mobile app for onsite updates. It integrates with Microsoft Project and Primavera P6, However, there are enough dings to the tool to drop it a notch on our Buildertrend alternatives list.

Related: Best Procore Alternatives:  Free & Paid Alternatives Ranked

Procore is one of the best Buildertrend alternatives for complex projects thanks to its detailed dashboards

For one thing, its billing features are below industry standards and, on top of that, confusing for users. Another issue that kept it from the top of the Buildertrend alternatives is that there are only two project views: Gantt chart and calendar. This won’t serve subcontractors or the crew as they execute their tasks on the job site. Then there’s the barrier to entry for users due to the complexity of the software. General contractors and their teams need to set aside a lot of time and effort to understand how to use the tool. Plus, there’s no free trial or plan to get a feel for the software.

 

Verdict: Best Buildertrend Alternative for Large Projects

Procore Pros & Key Features

  • Best Buildertrend alternative for large projects
  • Document management features for construction management
  • Project cost tracking and budgeting tools
  • Time tracking features for managing the construction site
  • Compatibility with Microsoft Project and Primavera P6
  • Mobile project management app for Android and iOS

Procore Cons & Limitations

  • Only offers two project scheduling views, Gantt charts and project calendars
  • Complex construction scheduling software with a steep learning curve
  • Limited resource planning tools for managing resource allocation
  • Gantt charts don’t track task costs
  • No free trial
  • No free plan

Procore Pricing

  • Procore requires a custom quote

Procore Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “If you are willing to read and follow along with everything presented it will be incredibly helpful.” Mathew K – from G2
  • “Procore is a great tool for Construction professionals. The feature set is very tailored to construction related tasks.” Mark T – from Capterra

3. Trimble e-Builder

e-builder logo
e-Builder is another Buildertrend alternative for construction project management that manages projects. Some of the reasons it’s on our list are the software can track updates on submittals and facilitates stakeholder communication. There are also features to help with safety assurance, deployment and management of capital projects with cost management features.

e-Builder's timeline feature is one of the main tools of this Buildertrend alternative

Often with these construction project management tools, which handle complex projects, there are steep learning curves. That’s certainly true with e-Builder. What’s worse, there’s little training to help customers understand the difficult interface. The insult to this injury is that this Buildertrend alternative is expensive. Users are paying for the privilege of not getting help when using software that isn’t as powerful as many others on this list.

 

Verdict: Best Buildertrend Alternative for Capital Projects

e-Builder Pros & Key Features

e-Builder Cons & Limitations

  • Difficult to use
  • Little effective training
  • Expensive

e-Builder Pricing

  • Capital program, name user, FedRAMP authorized government pricing plans all require contacting sales

e-Builder Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “I like the tabs on the top of the main page that allow for easy flow between the different types of project management, helps to keep things organized.” Karen C – from G2
  • “It is a reasonably intuitive system and we are getting things where they need to be.” Mike P – from Capterra

4. Fieldwire

Fieldwire logo
Fieldwire is a Buildertrend alternative that allows everyone on the construction project to collaborate and share information, from general contractors to each foreman and crew member. It’s especially useful for takeoffs, using tasks to find items, and has features to help save costs and revise plans easily. Oddly, there’s no text search. But there are more issues with this Buildertrend alternative.

Fieldwire's kanban board makes it one of the best Buildertrend alternatives for making punch lists

Users have complained about its drawing tool. While it’s a nice feature to have, being able to draw on plans, its execution is less than ideal. The tool is very choppy and more frustrating than useful. There’s a free version of the construction project management software, but it has limited features. For more advanced tools to handle RFIs or submittals, for example, users have to pay. As a Buildertrend alternative, the cost for users is very high.

 

Verdict: Best Buildertrend Alternative for Takeoffs

Fieldwire Pros & Key Features

  • Best Buildertrend alternative for takeoffs
  • Cost saving features
  • Plan revisions
  • Easy to use

Fieldwire Cons & Limitations

  • Drawing tool for plans is choppy
  • Difficult to export plans and print
  • Cost per user is high
  • Advanced feature add-ons are expensive

Fieldwire Pricing

  • Basic: Free
  • Pro: $54 per user/month
  • Business: $74 per user/month
  • Business Plus: $94 per user/month

Fieldwire Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “Exporting and sharing plans with others is super easy and means you’ll never need a file sharing service to send plans.” Mike P – from G2
  • “The use of voice dictation to create punch list items speeds up the process significantly.” Patrick B – from Capterra

5. Contractor Foreman

Contractor Foreman logo
Contractor Foreman is construction project management software that has a full suite of features and, best of all, is easy to use. There’s even a free trial so potential customers can try it out and see if their idea of easy-to-use aligns with this Buildertrend alternative. Particularly strong features are the task management tools that have kanban boards, task lists and daily logs, which are great for job costs and work order tracking.

Contractor Foreman mobile app makes it one of the best Buildertrend alternatives for job site management

Ease of use has a downside, though. This Buildertrend alternative is easy to use because it’s a bit bare-bones. Add to that a poor user experience and suddenly customers might find themselves back in the market for another Buildertrend alternative. After we tried out this construction project management software, it proved to be lightweight and limited in essential tools, such as resource management, scheduling and monitoring. There’s also no free plan, unfortunately.

 

Verdict: Best Buildertrend Alternative for Ease of Use

Contractor Foreman Pros & Key Features

  • Best Buildertrend alternative for ease of use
  • Unlimited user monthly license fee
  • Various task management tools like kanban boards, task lists and daily logs
  • Simple, easy-to-use project tracking tools
  • Daily logs, job costing and work order tracking
  • Free trial

Contractor Foreman Cons & Limitations

  • Overly simplistic user interface results in a poor user experience
  • Lightweight construction project management tools
  • Limited resource planning, scheduling and monitoring features
  • No free plan

Contractor Foreman Pricing

  • Basic: $49 per month
  • Standard: $79 per month
  • Plus: $125 per month
  • Pro: $166 per month
  • Unlimited: $249 per month

Contractor Foreman Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “The training that has been included in our package has been great.” Mary L – from G2
  • “It’s nice that we can track an incoming lead through the estimation process and into job costing and through final billing all in one place.” Amanda G – from Capterra

6. Autodesk Build

Autodesk Build logo
Autodesk Build is a Buildertrend alternative with meeting planning features to foster collaboration between the office and the job site. It’s part of a larger suite of construction management products that can be subscribed to for an additional cost, such as AutoCAD. It’s especially useful for workflow management. For example, when connected to Autodesk BIM 360 it can manage preconstruction workflows. There are also task management tools, such Gantt charts and a mobile app.

Autodesk Build has an easy-to-use Gantt chart which is simpler than those of most Buildertrend alternatives

That said, one of the main issues with this Buildertrend alternative is the need to have subscriptions to any number of Autodesk products to cobble together a decent construction project management software. With resource management absent, it makes team management that much harder. There are no charts to measure workload or resource allocation. While the software pricing structure is unique, in that it’s a flat rate for unlimited users, the cost is high and more so as other products are needed to flesh out the tool. Without a free plan, it’s hard for customers to know if this is a good fit for their work.

 

Verdict: Best Buildertrend Alternative for Workflow Management

Autodesk Build Pros & Key Features

  • Best Buildertrend Alternative for workflow management
  • Connects office and field teams with meeting planning features
  • Part of a software platform that includes other construction management products for sale
  • Gantt charts allow users to enter detailed task management information
  • Free trial
  • Mobile project management app for Android and iOS

Autodesk Build Cons & Limitations

  • Autodesk Build is sold separately from other construction software that’s needed for construction project management
  • Lacks resource management tools like workload or resource allocation charts
  • The software is sold at a flat price for unlimited users but it’s expensive
  • Users need to buy multiple products for a fully featured construction project scheduling software
  • No free plan

Autodesk Build Pricing

  • Autodesk build: $145 per month

Autodesk Build Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “I find the submittals section very helpful and intuitive when sending in shop drawings.” Carl T – from G2
  • “Overall it was okay. The implementation team (3rd party vendor who sold the bundle to us) could have been better, but the product itself was overall good.” David S – from Capterra

7. Buildxact

Buildxact logo
Buildxact is a Buildertrend alternative that differentiates itself from others on this list by focusing on estimating and job management. It’s especially useful for general contractors who work in residential construction. Another distinguishing feature is that this construction project management software has a historical database. They’re also known for having strong customer support. However, if potential customers are looking for anything outside their purview, they’ll be disappointed.

Buildxact has a timeline view that makes it one of the best Buildertrend alternatives

That’s because this Buildertrend alternative is made for smaller businesses. General contractors who are bidding for big jobs are going to want to look elsewhere. There are also regional issues due to the company being based in Australia, But the lack of advanced features to manage larger construction projects is more of a red flag. Even the features that come with the project management software are difficult to use. Add the lack of integrations, and that the ones available aren’t competitive with what others offer, and most businesses will look for a better fit for their needs.

 

Verdict: Best Buildertrend Alternative for Residential Estimating

Buildxact Pros & Key Features

  • Best Buildertrend alternative for residential estimating
  • Has historical database
  • Offers good customer support

Buildxact Cons & Limitations

  • Not great for larger businesses
  • Regional differences might cause issues
  • Lack of integrations
  • Features hard to understand

Buildxact Pricing

  • Entry: $133 monthly
  • Pro: $222 monthly
  • Teams: $356 monthly

Buildxact Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “Locating all of your quotes and costings in one place. Being able to quote using current pricing is great.” John B – from G2
  • “I really like the product. It works very well for us, great for estimating and easy scheduling.” Scott F – from Capterra

8. Jobber

Jobber logo
Jobber is a bit different from the other Buildertrend alternatives we’ve been reviewing in that it’s not a full-service construction project management software and more for field service management. Therefore, it’s ideal for independent contractors as it facilitates scheduling, work management and invoicing with kanban, boards, task lists and daily logs. There’s a mobile app and it’s easy to use, both of which serve independent contractors on the job site.

Jobber is a Buildertrend alternative that helps with its CRM features

Less attractive to subcontractors is that there’s no free plan to test the software to see if it meets their needs. There are also limited project views. For example, there’s no Gantt chart, which is a fundamental construction planning tool and one that is used by almost all general contractors when scheduling work for their teams and independent contractors. Adding to user frustration is that needed add-ons, such as inventory management, cost extra.

 

Verdict: Best Buildertrend Alternative for Independent Contractors

Jobber Pros & Key Features

  • Best Buildertrend alternative for independent contractors
  • Unlimited user monthly license fee
  • Various task management tools like kanban boards, task lists and daily logs
  • Simple, easy-to-use project tracking tools
  • Daily logs, job costing and work order tracking
  • Mobile project management app for Android and iOS
  • Free trial

Jobber Cons & Limitations

  • Overly simplistic user interface results in a poor user experience
  • Lightweight construction project management tools
  • Doesn’t have Gantt charts
  • Limited resource planning, scheduling and monitoring features
  • No free plan

Jobber Pricing

  • Core: $49 per user, per month
  • Connect: $129 per month, up to 5 users
  • Grow: $249 per month, up to 15 users

Jobber Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “Jobber has done well at adding features without losing performance.” Andrew G – from G2
  • “So far major improvements for us over our last CRM.” Brian G – from Capterra

9. Smartsheet

Smartsheet logo
Smartsheet is another Buildertrend alternative that sits just outside construction project management software, but as a scheduling and communication tool, it’s a powerful addition to any general contractor’s toolbox. It puts all its chips in a spreadsheet format, which is familiar to most general contractors, but adds workflow management features and even resource management tools that construction teams need. What makes it even more attractive is the mobile app, free trial and even free plan to get customers started.

Smartsheet is one of the best Buildertrend alternatives for project management

But this Buildertrend alternative is just a glorified spreadsheet and has limited scheduling options, especially for construction projects. It’s also going to bother general contractors who build their plans on robust Gantt charts. Spreadsheets can do much of what a Gantt chart can do, true, but without the visual overview of the entire project. Even the tools that the Buildertrend alternative offers can be difficult to learn. This application is especially frustrating if onboarding a larger team.

 

Verdict: Best Buildertrend Alternative for Scheduling Templates

Smartsheet Pros & Key Features

  • Best Buildertrend alternative for scheduling templates
  • Workflow management features for construction project teams
  • Resource management tools that can be used for construction projects
  • Good for users transitioning from spreadsheets to scheduling software for construction
  • Cost management and project budgeting tools
  • Free trial
  • Free plan
  • Mobile project management app for Android and iOS

Smartsheet Cons & Limitations

  • Limited offer of scheduling features for construction projects
  • Rigid, spreadsheet-based user interface that lacks the versatility of other tools
  • Some aspects of the software involve a steep learning curve, which difficulties its implementation, especially for larger teams

Smartsheet Pricing

  • Pro plan: $7/user/month, billed annually
  • Business plan: $25/user/month, billed annually

Smartsheet Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “Smartsheet has allowed me to take my to-do list and run with it in a way that I didn’t think would be possible.” Victoria W – from G2
  • “I like that Smartsheet has a lot of different functions. It can be used for project management, inventory or event planning.” Lauren M – from Capterra

10. InEight


InEight is construction project management software that helps with estimating and managing the many documents associated with construction projects. It also has strong features to help manage changes as they occur over the life cycle of a project. The forecasting and cost-estimating tools are also valuable and come with project views, such as Gantt charts and task lists.

InEight is a Buildertrend alternative for larger projects

The problem with the project views is that they’re not user-friendly. The design looks outdated, but worse it’s hard to use. Though there is a Gantt chart, which no true construction project management software should be without, this Buildertrend alternative has a Gantt chart with such limited functionality in terms of scheduling for a construction project, general contractors might not even use it. But the biggest problem is that it sells its project planning, scheduling and cost management tools separately. That means spreading more to get a full set of construction features.

 

Verdict: Best Buildertrend Alternative for Document Management

InEight Pros & Key Features

  • Best Buildertrend Alternative for Document Management
  • Change order management features
  • Critical path analysis features are good for making sure the project is delivered on schedule
  • Good for managing your construction documents
  • Cost estimating and forecasting tools

InEight Cons & Limitations

  • Non-intuitive user interface feels outdated and makes the software hard to use
  • Limited Gantt chart functionality for construction scheduling
  • No free trial
  • No free plan

InEight Pricing

  • Contact sales team for pricing information

InEight Reviews

Highlighted User Reviews

  • “InEight brings everything the site team needs, it has all kinds of different modules that are suited to all stages of the project.” Abdallah A – from G2
  • “The software works great for large complicated projects.” Chad O – from Capterra

The Best Buildertrend Alternative Is Clear

That’s our roundup of the best Buildertrend alternative construction project management software. Many have great features, affordable pricing and are powerful but easy to use, but only one has all those benefits combined in one tool. ProjectManager is award-winning project and portfolio management software for construction that helps general contractors plan, manage and track their projects in real time. That’s why it’s the number one Buildertrend alternative.

Related Construction Project Management Content

This is only one of many software reviews published on our site. For readers wanting more options, below are several links to similar pages that round up the best construction scheduling software, Procore alternatives, free Excel construction templates and more.

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office, on the job site or anywhere in between. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

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%%title%% Buildertrend is construction project management software but it's not perfect. Maybe one of these Buildertrend alternatives is a better fit for your business. buildertrend alternatives auth0-pm-logo-dark critical path light mode gantt construction (1) Team-Light-2554×1372 Procorelogo procore-construction-scheduling-software e-Builder-white e-builder-construction-scheduling-software fieldwire-by-hilti fieldwire screenshot contractor-foreman-logo-transparent contractor foreman Autodesk build logo autodesk build – construction scheduling software buildxact buildxact – construction scheduling software jobber-logo-transparent jobber screenshot smartsheet-logo-blue-new resource management software – smartsheet ineight logo ineight screenshot
Notion Gantt Chart: Key Features, Pros and Cons https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/notion-gantt-chart Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:00:17 +0000 https://www.projectmanager.com/?p=69981 Notion is work management software that helps teams from across industries such as product development, engineering or marketing to facilitate...
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Notion is work management software that helps teams from across industries such as product development, engineering or marketing to facilitate team communication, manage tasks and create simple project timelines.

While Notion has project management features, is there a Notion Gantt chart? We’ll get to that in a moment. Gantt charts are essential project planning and scheduling tools that can manage and track resources and costs.

What Is Notion?

Notion is software that bills itself as an all-in-one productivity and collaboration tool that’s also used in project management. It’s a versatile tool that allows teams to create customized workflows or organize tasks, projects, notes, documents, databases and more.

While it isn’t specifically designed for project management it can meet various project management needs. For example, it has task management features that allow users to assign tasks, set due dates and track progress.

It also has kanban boards and a calendar view. The latter can be used to schedule and view tasks or project milestones. But its strong suit is users can document meetings, ideas, strategies and project details all in one place, which can help keep track of requirements, decisions and team communication.

Does Notion Have a Gantt Chart?

The big question, of course, is whether the software has Gantt charts. There are software products that are designed for project management and still lack Gantt charts. They tend to lean on kanban boards or task lists.

While this is fine for small projects or ones that are being done in an agile environment, traditional project management is hard to manage without the use of Gantt charts. These tools visualize the project on a timeline, organize tasks and break the larger project into more manageable phases.

Without a Gantt chart, waterfall methodology is pretty much impossible. Therefore, let’s take a look at Notion and see if it has a Gantt chart.

Short Answer: No, Notion Doesn’t Have Gantt Charts

The short answer is no, Notion doesn’t have a Gantt chart. However, you can use Notion’s task list and project timeline to create a Gantt chart. Additionally, Notion has other basic project management features such as project calendars, kanban boards and sprint boards to help you manage your team’s workload.

But even building a Notion Gantt chart isn’t ideal. A Notion Gantt chart doesn’t have the robust features that project managers, teams and stakeholders expect from their Gantt charts. After doing all the work to create a Notion Gantt chart only to find out how limited it is will be frustrating.

Long Answer: Notion Gantt Charts Lack Key Features for Project Management

It’s not ideal to build a Gantt chart under the best of circumstances and this is doubly true in Notion. That’s because a Gantt chart built into this software is lacking in the powerful features that project managers and their teams need. Why create a limited Gantt chart that will only frustrate users when other software products have robust ones built in?

One of the main advantages of using a Gantt chart is that it links dependent tasks. Notion can create relationships between tasks through linked databases or properties, but there is no easy way to visualize these dependencies in a timeline or drag-and-drop interface.

In most Gantt chart software, users can drag and drop tasks along a timeline to adjust stand and end dates, durations and dependencies. In Notion, users have to manually update dates and adjust the timeline if a task changes or if there are delays. There’s also no resource management, built-in milestones or critical path, plus a lack of reporting is the final nail in the coffin.

If you need Gantt chart software for managing projects with all the powerful features you need from a Gantt chart, use ProjectManager instead. ProjectManager’s Gantt charts have planning, scheduling and tracking features that Notion’s Gantt chart doesn’t, including the ability to link all four types of task dependencies. Users can filter for the critical path and set a baseline to track project variance in real time. On top of that, it offers other project management tools like timesheets, workload management charts, real-time project dashboards and more. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

ProjectManager's Gantt chart has more features than a Notion Gantt chart
ProjectManager’s Gantt chart has advanced project management features that Notion lacks. Learn more

How to Make a Notion Gantt Chart Better With ProjectManager

ProjectManager offers a best-in-class Gantt chart that allows users to set a baseline, find the critical path and oversee resources in one place. Use it to track all four types of dependencies, set priorities and tag team members to collaborate in real time. No matter where you’re working, it’s easy to share files and documents to keep your project moving.

Notion Gantt chart import into ProjectManager
ProjectManager is free to use and has stronger Gantt charts than Notion. Get started for free

If you’re using Notion, but want a Gantt chart that manages all aspects of a project, then download the data from Notion’s project timelines and task lists as CSV files and import them into ProjectManager.  Now you can use all of ProjectManager’s advanced project management features. Simply start a free trial of ProjectManager and follow these steps.

1. Use the Import Button on the Gantt Chart

Once you’ve downloaded the CSV files for your Notion Gantt chart, log into ProjectManager and go to the Gantt chart view. Then click on the import button, as shown in the image below.

2. Select the CSV File You Want to Import

As soon as you click the import button, a pop-up will appear. Now click “Select File” and import your CSV file.

3. Choose the CSV File Import Options

You may import the information from your CSV files into ProjectManager to create a new project or add tasks to an existing project.

4. Select the Data to Populate the Gantt Chart

Select what data to import from the CSV files and display on your Gantt chart. Fortunately, you can visualize all the information from your Notion timelines and task lists using ProjectManager’s Gantt chart and track many other aspects of your project such as resource utilization, costs and the critical path activities of your project.

5. Your Notion Gantt Chart Is Ready to Edit in ProjectManager

If you see a new window that says “Success,” that means you’ve successfully imported the Notion Gantt chart CSV file you can continue to edit your Gantt chart in ProjectManager.

Success popup Notion Gantt chart

What Can a Notion Gantt Chart Be Used For?

Even though Notion Gantt charts have some drawbacks that make them a limited tool for project management, they can still be used for many purposes, like these examples.

  • Making a product roadmap that shows the various stages of product development
  • Creating a basic project timeline to estimate the total duration of your projects
  • Assigning work to your team members and monitoring their performance
  • Planning, scheduling and tracking short-term projects

Let’s review the key features of a Notion Gantt chart to better understand its capabilities and limitations when it comes to managing projects.

Notion Gantt Chart Key Features

A Notion Gantt chart allows you to create a project schedule, assign tasks to your team members and track their progress, which makes it useful for implementing action plans for your organization. Here’s a quick overview of its key features.

  • Task dependencies: Notion Gantt charts can only identify finish-to-start task dependencies. Identifying task dependencies is important when creating an accurate and realistic project schedule. However, Notion can’t link start-to-finish, start-to-start or finish-to-finish, which can cause issues when executing projects.
  • Percentage of completion: Notion Gantt charts show the percentage of completion for each task in the visual project timeline.
  • Task prioritization: You can use a Notion Gantt chart to set a priority level for all project tasks.

Notion Gantt Chart Example

Let’s now take a look at a Notion Gantt chart example. This particular example is a roadmap template that shows the activities across product areas over the upcoming months. To start, let’s look at Notion’s project timeline tool. As you can see in the image below, it shows project task names, their due dates, duration, percentage of completion and arrows to indicate task dependencies.

Notion Gantt chart

 

By clicking these project timeline bars, you can see additional information for each task, such as their priority level, status, and subtasks. Now, let’s review the other half of a Notion Gantt chart. By default, Notion’s task lists show your task names, status, assignee, due date and priority, but you can add other columns.

Notion Gantt chart

Cons of a Notion Gantt Chart

A Notion Gantt chart can be used for making basic project schedules but lacks the advanced project management features needed for managing all areas of a project. Here are some of them.

  • Resource management: A Notion Gantt chart has no resource management features, which is one of the main disadvantages. While tasks can be assigned to team members, a Notion Gantt chart doesn’t allow for the allocation of any other type of resources to project tasks or track resource utilization as the project is executed.
  • Cost tracking: Similarly, Notion Gantt charts don’t have any cost management capabilities. This means it only tracks the percentage of completion of tasks but won’t be able to track the costs of resources such as people, materials and equipment.
  • Database-dependent Gantt chart: The process of making a Gantt chart in Notion requires the creation of a dataset, which is then automatically turned into a Gantt chart by the tool. While it may facilitate the process, it generates a Gantt chart with limited functionality, which makes Notion feel more like a data visualization tool rather than a project management software.
  • Critical path method (CPM): A Notion Gantt chart doesn’t have critical path analysis features which are very important for project scheduling. The critical path of a project is the longest sequence of tasks that need to be delivered on time, or else project completion will be delayed. Having a Gantt chart with CPM features will help you better understand what tasks need to be prioritized to complete your projects on time.

The Best Notion Gantt Chart Alternative

As explained, Notion has project timelines and task lists that can be used to emulate the experience of using a Gantt chart. For example, these tools allow you to assign tasks to your team members or create basic project schedules, but shouldn’t be used for planning or managing the execution of projects due to their lack of advanced project management features such as cost, resource or risk tracking.

Let’s look into some other reasons why you should use ProjectManager for your Gantt charts instead.

Manage Resources and Monitor Project Costs

ProjectManager’s Gantt chart view allows you to allocate project resources for all your project tasks, estimate their costs and then compare your project cost estimates with the actual resource utilization and costs of your project. Besides this built-in resource management feature, ProjectManager’s Gantt chart automatically syncs with real-time dashboards, timesheets and workload management charts so you can accurately track project costs and monitor how project resources are spent.

Dashboard in ProjectManager

Multiple Project Management Views

Gantt charts are just one of the project management views that ProjectManager offers. You can also manage your projects using kanban boards, project calendars and task lists to schedule projects and manage your team’s workload. These tools can help you view your projects from different perspectives and allow your teams to work with different project management methodologies and styles such as waterfall or agile.

Kanban board in ProjectManager

Pros of a Notion Gantt Chart

While a Notion Gantt chart has many limitations for managing projects, there are some benefits to using the software’s timeline feature.

  • View projects easily
  • Identify the degree of completion
  • See the status of the work
  • Find out who owns the work
  • Link finish-to-start dependencies

However, as we noted, the limitations of the Notion Gantt chart far outweigh the benefits. Notion’s Gantt chart isn’t a true Gantt chart and has minimal capabilities that most project managers won’t find sufficient. If you’re looking for a best-in-class Gantt chart that has all the in-depth features you need to plan and manage your project, try ProjectManager.

Related Gantt Chart Content

We’ve created dozens of blogs, templates and guides to help you make Gantt charts for planning, scheduling and tracking your projects. Here are some Gantt chart-related pages that you might find useful.

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams in the office, out in the field and anywhere in between. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay up to date with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who are using our tool to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free. 

The post Notion Gantt Chart: Key Features, Pros and Cons appeared first on ProjectManager.

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Notion Gantt chart Construction Gantt – light mode – task info general CTA BUTTON (1) notion-pm integration Gantt import light mode import success prompt notion gantt chart (1) Notion Gantt chart – task list Dashboard-light-mode operations implementation kanban 150
Tableau Gantt Chart: A How-to Guide With Pros, Cons & Alternatives https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/tableau-gantt-chart Wed, 18 Dec 2024 15:00:15 +0000 https://www.projectmanager.com/?p=69666 Creating a Gantt chart is an essential part of scheduling projects. They can organize tasks, break larger projects into phases...
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Creating a Gantt chart is an essential part of scheduling projects. They can organize tasks, break larger projects into phases and provide a timeline to show the entire project on one screen. Therefore, most project management professionals want Gantt chart software.

Tableau is an analytical tool, but does it have a Gantt chart? Can one be built? How good is its Gantt chart? These are just some of the questions we answer in the following blog. Anyone curious about using Tableau for project management needs to read further to see if it’s the project management solution for them.

What Is Tableau?

Tableau is an analytics platform that allows organizations to visualize their data on powerful yet user-friendly data analysis charts and diagrams powered by machine learning, natural language processing and predictive analytics. It has interactive, shareable dashboards and reports.

This app is widely used by businesses, data analysts and other professionals to make sense of complex data, uncover insights and drive decision-making. There are a variety of Tableau products, from desktop to online.

This easy-to-use powerful data analytics tool isn’t designed with project management features. However, it can be used by project managers to analyze and visualize project data. It can even be used to make a Gantt chart. In this blog, we’ll learn how to make a Gantt chart in Tableau and explore its key features and limitations.

Does Tableau Have a Gantt Chart?

Gantt charts are a type of bar chart used in project management to represent the timeline of a project. It is divided into two parts, one is a spreadsheet that collects project data, such as start and finish dates, milestones and dependencies. The other is a visual timeline that shows the entire project on one screen.

In a Gantt chart, each task is represented by a horizontal bar, with the length of the bar indicating the duration of the task. The position of the bar on the timeline shows when it starts and ends. Gantt charts can be used to track project progress, visualize task dependencies, plan resource allocation and identify potential delays.

While Tableau isn’t a project management software, it can be used to help with managing projects, as we’ve already stated. But does it have this all-important tool? Let’s take a look at what Tableau can and can’t do regarding a Gantt chart.

Short Answer: No, Tableau Doesn’t Have Gantt Charts

No, Tableau doesn’t have a built-in Gantt chart feature, so you’ll need to manually set up its stacked bar charts to make one. The result will be a Gantt chart diagram that shows your project schedule and basic details such as project task names, duration and due dates.

Tableau Gantt chart

Long Answer: Tableau Gantt Charts Lack Key Features for Project Management

Okay, so Tableau can make a Gantt chart, but is that a fully functional tool or just a poor workaround? First, and already a problem, is that unlike Gantt chart software that has Gantt charts ready and waiting for use, this one must be manually set up. This is time-consuming and may require a certain level of expertise in the software.

Another ding on this product is that it doesn’t natively support task dependencies. This must be managed manually, which is cumbersome in larger projects. Task dependencies are essential to identify those tasks that can’t start or be completed until another has started or been completed. Having a limited Gantt chart that doesn’t do this automatically is frustrating.

While Tableau can visualize tasks, it doesn’t provide built-in features like critical path analysis or milestone tracking. Add to that the lack of drag-and-drop functionality to reschedule tasks, meaning more manual duties for users, and anyone who hoped Tableau’s built Gantt chart would be helpful is sure to be disappointed.

If you need a Gantt chart that allows you to do that and much more, you should try ProjectManager. ProjectManager’s Gantt chart allows you to plan, schedule and track your projects from start to end and sync with a variety of project management tools such as kanban boards, project dashboards, timesheets, workload charts and much more. But more than that, all four types of task dependencies can be linked to avoid costly delays. The critical path can be found easily by filtering the Gantt chart, which shows essential tasks that must be completed to deliver a successful project. Once the project is scheduled, set a baseline to track progress in real time to never miss a deadline. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

Gantt chart in ProjectManager
ProjectManager’s Gantt chart is a robust project planning, scheduling and tracking tool. Learn more

How to Make a Tableau Gantt Chart Better With ProjectManager

In some cases, creating a Gantt chart in Tableau can be helpful, but it pales in comparison to Gantt chart software. With ProjectManager, you get online project and portfolio software that offers a suite of tools to plan and manage every stage of your project. With best-in-class Gantt charts that track all four types of dependencies, built-in resource management, real-time collaboration and so much more, you’ll quickly see why this is preferred over Tableau’s weak features. If needed, you can always import your Tableau data into ProjectManager for a closer look at key metrics.

Use ProjectManager’s Gantt chart to set a baseline, identify the critical path, oversee resources and track costs. In a few clicks, assign tasks to your team members, set priority and recurrence and collaborate with your team. Use unlimited file storage to keep track of all documents and share files from wherever you’re working. Try it free for 30 days.

Tableau Gantt chart import image into ProjectManager
ProjectManager is free to use and has stronger Gantt charts than Tableau. Get started for free

1. Export & Import Your Tableau Project

Choose the project from Tableau that you want to export and save it as an Excel or CSV file. It is now ready to import into ProjectManager. In ProjectManager, toggle to the Gantt chart where you’ll see an import button.  Click “Select file” and find your Tableau project.

Import Tableau project into ProjectManager

2. Add Data to a New or Existing Project

Now that your Tableau file is uploaded to ProjectManager, decide if you want to add the data to a new project or if you prefer to add it to an existing project. If you’re adding to an existing project, be sure to determine whether to keep the existing data or delete it.

3. Choose What Data to Import

Then, determine if you want to import all of the data from your Tableau file or only the task list. Select the option you want and click next.

4. Create a Thorough Tableau Gantt Chart!

When the “Success!” popup appears, the process is complete. The Tableau file has been imported and you can now use a real Gantt chart in ProjectManager. Now, you’ll be able to see what a true Gantt chart can accomplish as it’s packed with features and keeps you connected to the rest of your team.

Success popup import Tableau Gantt chart into ProjectManager

What Can You Use a Tableau Gantt Chart For?

Gantt charts in Tableau are basic at best. They outline the duration of events or activities in any given project, helping project managers see the project schedule and stay on track throughout various phases. However, the lack of true project management features is a significant hole in its usability, and there’s no time tracking, critical path or resource allocation, to name a few.

For example, if someone besides the project manager prefers to look at the data from a different view, it will be difficult to do so. All formulas have to be set up by hand which leaves room for human error. This isn’t ideal when the success of the project is on the line. Plus, sharing files with stakeholders is tricky and time-consuming.

Tableau Gantt Chart Key Features

Knowing how to make a Gantt chart in Tableau can help you turn data sets, spreadsheets and task lists into data-driven project schedules for your organization. It could be a good alternative for project managers who just need to visualize the duration and due dates of project tasks on a timeline but don’t need a Gantt chart to manage the project’s day-to-day execution. Here are some benefits of using a Tableau Gantt chart.

  • Map data from large data set into a project timeline using stacked bar charts
  • Create accurate and realistic Gantt charts and avoid human error
  • Import data from a variety of file formats such as CSV, JSON, XML and Excel files, among many others

Tableau Gantt Chart Example

If you’re still set on using Tableau, we’ve outlined what a Tableau Gantt chart looks like. As you can see, it’s a typical Gantt chart that lists project tasks on the left side and uses a stacked bar chart on the right to represent project tasks on a timeline. Upon closer inspection of each task, this Gantt chart also shows the due dates and total duration of these tasks.

Tableau Gantt Chart Example

Disadvantages of Making a Gantt Chart In Tableau

Tableau simply doesn’t have the features you need from Gantt chart software. All you can do is use its stacked bar chart to mimic a Gantt chart, but it’s clear that this is just a mere data visualization chart and not the project planning, scheduling or tracking tool that a Gantt chart should be. Having said this, here are some of the key disadvantages of making a Gantt chart in Tableau.

  • Can’t be used for cost tracking, resource allocation or critical path analysis
  • Making a Gantt chart in Tableau is time-consuming and requires you to manually set up lots of things such as formulas
  • While Tableau claims to be a user-friendly analytics platform, its user interface is still hard to use and navigate for most people, especially those new to this type of software
  • Due to its total lack of project management features, Tableau can’t be considered Gantt chart software
  • Files can only be saved as a Tableau Workbook file format (.twb), which makes it hard to export data into other software and share files with team members

The Best Tableau Gantt Chart Alternative

Let’s explore some other reasons that make ProjectManager a much better Gantt chart tool than Tableau.

Advanced Gantt Chart Features

As we hinted at, ProjectManager has one of the best Gantt chart tools any project management software can offer. Besides creating an interactive, online project schedule that allows you to collaborate with your team online, ProjectManager’s Gantt chart allows you to allocate resources, estimate project costs, link four types of task dependencies, identify the critical path of your projects and much more.

ProjectManager's Gantt chart with task information panel showing

Multiple Project Management Tools

One of the main advantages of ProjectManager’s Gantt chart is that it syncs automatically with other project management tools like kanban boards, project calendars, project dashboards, timesheets and workload management charts, so you can manage all the different areas of your project.

Collaborate With Your Team Online

One of the biggest drawbacks of Tableau’s Gantt chart is that it’s a desktop-based solution that doesn’t work for teams that need to collaborate online. ProjectManager on the other hand, is an online project management solution with unlimited file storage and team collaboration features like messaging and file sharing.

ProjectManager also has email notifications that alert you when someone makes changes to tasks or projects you’re in, or whenever you’re mentioned in a message so you’re always updated on your team’s progress.

If you’re still interested in creating a Gantt chart in Tableau, read on as we outline each step you need to make one from scratch. However, if you’re new to Tableau and you’re having a hard time adapting to this tool, you can also use our Gantt chart template for Excel, which will help you create a similar project schedule.

Gantt Chart Template

This free Gantt chart template for Excel can automatically create a Gantt chart for you based on a list of project tasks and their due dates. Simply enter that data and this free Gantt chart template for Excel will automatically calculate the duration of each task and generate a stacked bar chart to depict the project schedule.

Gantt chart template ProjectManager

How to Make a Gantt Chart in Tableau

To make a Gantt chart in Tableau, you’ll need to have a project or business data set, which can be anything from an Excel spreadsheet with a few project tasks and due dates, to large data sets with hundreds of tasks. If you don’t have a data set, you can download our construction schedule template as a CSV or Excel file. Let’s get started with the process of making a Gantt chart.

1. Import a Data Source File

The first step when making a Gantt chart in Tableau is to upload data into the software. For this example, we’ll use data from our construction schedule template, which we’ve downloaded as an Excel file. To get started, click the option that allows Tableau to import a “Microsoft Excel” file. Then select the file you’d like to import from your computer.

 

Tableau Gantt chart

 

2. Select Your Data

Once you import your file into Tableau, you’ll land on the “Data Source” screen. Here you can preview your data set, select the data you’d like to import and remove unnecessary columns if needed.

In this case, we’re exporting a file that contains project scheduling data for a construction project that can be used to make a Gantt chart, such as the list of project tasks that need to be completed, their due dates and duration. It also contains other details you might choose to display in your Gantt chart such as task costs, resource requirements, task dependencies and more. Once you’re happy with your data, you can switch to the Sheet view.

 

Tableau Gantt chart

3. Add Data to Populate Your Gantt Chart

Now that you’ve imported data into Tableau, you’re ready to make a Gantt chart using the Sheet view. On the left side of your screen, there’s a list of variables from your data set. Now you can simply drag and drop them into the columns and rows fields to automatically generate a Gantt chart in Tableau.

First drag and drop the “Planned Start Date” from the list of data variables to the “Columns” field as shown in the image below.

 

Tableau Gantt chart

 

Once you add this variable, click on it and select “Exact date,” which is the correct date format for making a Gantt chart.

 

Tableau Gantt chart

 

Next drag and drop the “Task Name” variable into the “Rows” field. Once you do so, Tableau’s stacked bar chart will begin to look like a Gantt chart, but there still are some steps that you’ll need to complete.

 

Tableau Gantt chart

 

Now click the drop-down menu under “Marks” and select the Gantt chart.

 

 

4. Calculate the Duration of Tasks

Now let’s configure the Gantt chart to show the duration of project tasks with the size of each bar. To do this, follow the steps below.

Open the data visualization drop-down menu and click “Create Calculated Field…”

 

Tableau Gantt chart

 

Name the calculated field and add a formula to it. In this case, we’ll use the “DATEDIFF” formula, which will calculate the difference between two dates. Begin by typing “DATEDIFF” and then select it from the formula menu.

 

Tableau Gantt chart

 

Now fill in the formula variables by typing “(‘day’, [Planned Start Date], [Planned Finish Date])” as shown in the Tableau Gantt chart example below.

 

Tableau Gantt chart

 

Once you add this formula and click “OK,” this custom-calculated field will appear with the rest of the data variables on the left side of your screen. Now drag and drop it into the size icon.

 

Tableau Gantt chart

 

This adjusts the size of the Gantt chart task bars to show the duration of each task so that it accurately depicts the construction project schedule.

 

5. Add Additional Details About Your Tasks to Your Tableau Gantt Chart

For the last step, drag and drop the “Planned Finish Date” and “Planned Duration” variables in the Details box so this information shows as you hover over the Gantt chart bars.

 

 

Note: Set the “Planned Finish Date” as an exact date variable by clicking its drop-down menu and selecting “Exact date.”

Congratulations, you’ve created a Gantt chart in Tableau. Now you can add extra details to your project schedule, such as costs, resources and assignees.

Advantages of a Tableau Gantt Chart

Even though it’s not a best-in-class option, there are some advantages to using a Tableau Gantt chart.

  • The process of creating a Gantt chart is easy and only requires you to import a data set and choose what information you’d like to display
  • In addition to the stacked bar charts you can use to make a Gantt chart in Tableau, there are dozens of data visualization diagrams and charts to analyze business or project data
  • Simple alternative for project managers who only need to see timelines and due dates

However, as stated above, this basic Gantt chart lacks resource management, cost tracking, project budgeting, risk planning and other important project management features. On top of that, this is a desktop-based Gantt chart so you won’t be able to collaborate with your team members online.

Therefore, Tableau Gantt charts can only be used for making a project schedule but they shouldn’t be used to manage the execution phase of your project due to their limited functionality. If you need a robust Gantt chart tool you can use to manage all aspects of your project, try ProjectManager. Let’s review what makes ProjectManager a much superior Gantt chart tool than Tableau.

In Summary: ProjectManager Has a Better Gantt Chart Than Tableau

As discussed above, Tableau can only help you visualize data sets into more digestible charts and diagrams, like a Gantt chart. But unfortunately, Tableau isn’t a Gantt chart tool you can use to actively manage your projects because you won’t be able to assign work to your team members, track project costs, or track the completion of tasks in real time like you would with ProjectManager.

Related Gantt Chart Software Content

Choosing the right Gantt chart software for your team can be challenging if you don’t know what to look for when comparing alternatives. That’s why we’ve created dozens of blogs explaining what are the key features of a Gantt chart, different methods you can use to create one, the best software providers and more to help you make an informed decision.

ProjectManager is online project and portfolio management software that connects teams whether they’re in the office, out in the field or anywhere in between. They can share files, comment at the task level and stay updated with email and in-app notifications. Join teams at Avis, Nestle and Siemens who use our software to deliver successful projects. Get started with ProjectManager today for free.

The post Tableau Gantt Chart: A How-to Guide With Pros, Cons & Alternatives appeared first on ProjectManager.

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Tableau-Gantt-Chart-Final construction gantt – resources – costs – 150 CTA BUTTON (1) tableau-pm integration Gantt import light mode import success prompt Tableau-Gantt-chart-example Construction Gantt – light mode – task info general Gantt Chart Screenshot Tableau Gantt chart – Import Excel file Tableau Gantt chart – select data Tableau Gantt chart – Add planned start data Tableau Gantt chart – edit planned start date format Tableau Gantt chart – Add task names Tableau Gantt chart – Gantt chart mark Tableau Gant chart – create calculated field 1 Tableau Gantt chart – DATEDIFF Tableau-Gantt-chart-DATEDIFF-formula Tableau-Gantt-chart-SUM Tableau Gantt chart – Completed gantt chart