What is a Gantt chart?
A Gantt chart is an essential element of most large construction projects today. Named after American engineer Henry L. Gantt who came up with the idea in the early 20th century, in simple terms it is a bar chart used to display the details of a construction job to help manage and deliver it. . just in time.
Often the chart will show the task to be performed on the vertical axis and the time interval on the horizontal axis.
It will include things like when aspects of the scheme should start and be completed – and what each of these aspects involves.
It is believed that one of the first significant applications of Gantt charts was by the United States during World War I. For many years, Gantt charts were written on paper. Magnetic blocks and Lego bricks became popular as a Gantt planning tool before personal computers and Gantt software became widespread. The use of technology has obviously meant that Gantt charts have become easier to manipulate and use.
What is Gantt Chart software?
With the advent of digital tools, Gantt charts have managed to evolve and provide many features and functionalities to users. Gantt chart software can play a decisive role in connecting the meeting room with the construction site and improving communication between the different project stakeholders.
For example, a user can add milestones, create task dependencies, and schedule a set of project objectives (i.e., a project's critical path) based on the latest data. It becomes readily clear, then, that using reliable Gantt chart software can have a significant impact on the planning and management process of a project.
Many construction stakeholders used to rely on local desktop systems (e.g. Microsoft Project) to streamline their projects, but that is now changing. People understand the value of working in an open, collaborative Gantt chart where all project participants can exchange information and updates in real time.
Real-time construction management can pave the way for fast, effective collaboration with less administrative and mental burden. Most importantly, it can give all project stakeholders the confidence that they have all the information they need to complete their tasks on time and within budget.
Gantt Charts in Construction: The Biggest Benefits
The long-standing popularity of the Gantt chart is understandable. There are many advantages to using it. It has been tried and tested and is a relatively simple method of ensuring a project runs smoothly and stays on track.
A big part of the attraction is the simplicity of a Gantt chart – it's a very easy way to visualize whether a project is progressing as it should. Additionally, Gantt charts support data-driven decision making and direct communication between different parties.
The chart can help identify potential issues with the schedule and where bottlenecks will or are occurring.
This also means that you are typically able to prevent resource overload from occurring. Within a Gantt chart, you can delegate tasks to different individuals and align team resources without bombarding people. Obviously, if resources are managed correctly, there is a better chance of a project being completed on time.
The other advantage is that the method can alleviate some of the stress on the project as a whole. If you're not constantly worrying about your project timeline, it frees you up for more important problem-solving issues and allows you to focus on getting the work over budget and deadline.
A Gantt chart can also provide clarity for the rest of the team so everyone understands what they should be doing. This can have a huge effect on reducing rework rates and delays.
And a final, very attractive advantage is that a system like this can really help you reduce costs. If a project manager has full oversight of resources and deadlines, they are much more likely to be in a position to achieve efficiencies.
With the use of software, Gantt charts can also be easily updated and this can be done in real time with the click of a button. It doesn't take much to understand that, with the emergence of digital solutions, Gantt charts have become much more powerful and agile, allowing people on and off site to connect more quickly and effectively.
The best thing is that a team can share all their thoughts, tasks and goals with everyone else working on the project. It also means that people must understand their roles and responsibilities – there is a strong element of transparency. A Gatt chart should also encourage feedback, again helping to keep everything on track.
Gantt charts are popular in construction, but they are also used by many other sectors, for anyone wanting to plan a project – be it IT, marketing or education.
Building a Gantt Chart Under Construction: Online vs Desktop
So what's the best way to build a Gantt chart? Before you get started properly, you'll probably want to look at the options available in terms of charting software. The basic dilemma is desktop versus online software. Desktop software is best suited for a manager, who may not necessarily want to share the project with others. It usually only involves one license per user, so it can end up expensive.
The advantages of online software
On the other hand, online software is much easier to share and lays the foundation for a more collaborative approach. Some online software companies operating in this area offer useful options, such as email alerts that signal team members when a new task has been created or is due.
The costs are also often lower than desktop software – so in most cases it makes more sense to just use online software.
When it comes to compiling a Gantt chart, whatever software you're using, the best place to start is by making a list of all the tasks you have ahead of you. Indicate the earliest start time and the approximate deadline for each job. If tasks are to be performed in order, it is best to specify which stages they depend on.
Then add charts with the days or weeks until the end of the project. At this point, you should plot your goals and tasks on the chart. Write each job on the chart indicating the earliest likely start date and estimated completion time.
Now you need to prepare a schedule for your tasks. The key here is to ensure that your dependent activities don't start before the tasks they depend on are completed. After that, you must prepare the final version of the chart that should ideally show when the project will start and end.
The Disadvantages of Using a Gantt Chart
So are there any disadvantages to using a Gantt chart? Some have raised concerns about using the method in projects that have more than 30 activities. A critical path method (CPM) could be a better approach in this case. Additionally, it's worth keeping in mind that Gantt charts don't necessarily illustrate how complex a project can be.
Another element to keep in mind is how detailed you create your Gantt chart. Listing things like meetings or review processes may not always be the best thing, as it can add a layer of confusion.
At the end of the day, what really matters is finding the Gantt chart software that best suits your needs. This depends on a number of factors, such as the type of your project, the number of people involved, your budget and your ultimate goal.
In any case, though, reliable Gantt chart software can make a big difference to your project, regardless of the few disadvantages that may come from it.
Real-time construction management
Our Gantt chart allows you to collaborate in real time and effortlessly monitor the progress of your project. It is cloud-based and allows stakeholders to access current and past tasks across different projects.
This way, you can have the flexibility you need when managing multiple projects.
Instant site-to-office communication and effective collaboration
Having access to your Gantt chart through your cell phone or tablet can bridge the gap between the construction site and the office. The ability to report progress and last-minute changes at the click of a button can substantially help in reducing errors during the construction process and responding much faster in crisis situations.
Fewer emails and calls
For many project managers in construction, keeping track of their inbox and voicemail is a real challenge. A reliable Gantt chart can remove this heavy burden from your shoulders and help you focus on what's most important.
At the same time, everyone can stay up to date with the latest progress on their tasks and complete them without you having to constantly call or text them.
Greater operational efficiency
- Receive accurate and up-to-date delivery dates for your materials and any type of resource you may need.
- Plan operations and activities efficiently and quickly across multiple projects.
- Get insights into various tasks and projects.
Less admin
- Advanced dependencies: The user can make complex changes to tasks with dependencies easily and quickly.
- Automation of manual processes: Linked tasks are automatically adjusted and all parties involved are informed in real time.
- Live project monitoring: Keep up with the latest changes to a project whenever works best for you.
- Effective management: Track the latest RFI's (request for information), AI's (architect's instructions), variations and change orders within your project schedule tasks.
Accountability, transparency and a complete audit trail
Thanks to our integrated real-time audit trail, project managers can further leverage their Gantt charts in the following ways:
- Keep real-time records of activity across all tasks, automatically, throughout the life of your projects.
- Store complete documentation of your project audit trail and be prepared for any legal conflicts at any time.
- Easily detect changes to your project by comparing revisions to baselines.
Take back control of your projects
As you can see, there are many positive aspects to knowing how to correctly compile and use a Gantt chart in construction. With deadlines and money always at the forefront of a project manager's mind, it's worth taking a look at them – or getting the latest software.
With the right digital solution and Gantt chart, you have the opportunity to take back control of your projects and operate on time and within budget. This way, you will be able to see clearly and quickly whether a project is developing as it should.
In the long run, this will allow you to improve your delivery, have more proactive meetings, and reduce the micromanagement that comes with paperwork. This greater transparency and accountability could pave the way for a more efficient construction process, with fewer budget overruns and project delays.
