What is a Gantt Chart for Project Management?

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Representing vast, tiring and cumbersome data in small amount has always been the motive of every person in charge of project scheduling. Gantt chart is just another way of simplifying this task and making it much more attractive and understandable without missing out on any information.

Why GANTT chart is Used


Gantt chart aims at illustrating in duration that each task will take, its beginning time, ending time, and the milestones that need to be achieved. The best thing about Gantt chart is that it is visually viable and interesting to look at. One can easily understand the information.

 GANTT chart | History


Though it is said that the Gantt charts were introduced in 1896, but the basic idea behind these charts date back to 1765 when Joseph Priestly devised the first ever bar chart going by the name, “Chart of Biography”. Development of such graphical illustrations paced up when gradually in 1896, Harmonogram was devised, soon after which, Gantt charts started being used in 1910.

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GANTT chart | How it is used


The basic idea behind these Gantt charts is representing the data on a pre-fixed timeline which can have a range depending upon the need of the task. Different symbols like a Vertical Line to indicate the current date, Flags for milestones to be achieved, Due Dates, and Bars in order to depict the amount of task completed and the amount remaining are usually used in a Gantt chart.

Benefits of GANTT chart


There are numerous benefits in using a Gantt chart, a few of which are listed below.

  • A person can easily view all the dates and duration of the task in a simplified single view.
  • One can make sure that proper resources are being used for the concerned task by referring to Gantt charts.
  • One can plan his work as per the deadlines and clear his schedule accordingly.
  • One can also get to learn the interdependencies of various tasks and can head straight away to the concerned department.
  • The best thing about a Gantt chart is the transparency. Numerous office feuds can be avoided as the chart clearly depicts that which responsibility is levied down on which member of the team.