The Gantt chart is a staple of project management today.  It allows for the easy-to-communicate view of major workstreams and the interconnections of key milestones across workstreams.  When paired with a weekly project status update, the Gantt chart is a key tool to keeping projects on track.

Beware, however, with Gantt charts that you keep the functional requirements in mind– I’ve seen too many projects where project managers deliver on time with something that doesn’t meet the needed objectives.  A dead-on-arrival deliverable isn’t helpful to anyone.

How it works:

The Gantt chart is used to show timelines against major workstreams and deliverables.

• Workstreams: Workstreams are the major, bolded segments in the left column.  Each workstream will have associated deliverables and milestones
• Deliverables: These are the concrete tasks and building blocks that need to be delivered.
• Timelines: These are the times you expect the tasks to be in progress, with a marker for key milestones.  A solid line generally means a major focus, with dotted lines sometimes indicating followon work or potential for some secondary deliverables.
• Lead/ Resources: Highlights who is accountable for delivering the work.  This is most helpful when tied to a functional budget, which lays out resources involved, key people/ assets engaged, and budget allocated

The Gantt chart gets its name from Henry Gantt, who popularized its use in the 1910-1915 period, where it was seen as a major breakthrough.

Today, the Gantt chart competes with other means of tracking projects, including software like Microsoft Project, online tools like Basecamp, and alternate forms of project management including Agile development.

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