The Gantt chart is a tool, has numerous advantages and some disadvantages. It is advisable to know what they are to be able to squeeze all their possibilities.
Advantages of Gantt charts
- A relatively simple image of a complex system is obtained. That is to say, in a very visual way, we are faced with a graph that reflects the organization of the phases of a project. Here the phrase “a picture is worth a thousand words” is entirely applicable since the visualization of the Gantt chart greatly facilitates the understanding of the whole process.
- Help organize the ideas. When objectives and actions are divided into smaller segments, they are more accessible, more comfortable to achieve. At the same time, its possible complexity is more precise. The construction of a Gantt chart forces to section the whole into different parts and creates a picture with all its pieces.
- It demonstrates knowledge, the “savoir-faire” of whoever creates it. When designing a well-presented Gantt chart, with properly organized tasks and appropriately allocated resources, it says a lot about the professionalism of the project manager. It is immediately perceived if he knows the needs and objectives in-depth, and is a predictive element about his chances of success.
- It helps to establish realistic deadlines. The bars on the Gantt chart shows in which period a task or set of jobs will be completed. It allows you to take an adequate time perspective and is useful for the timely achievement of the objectives set. Noteworthy is also to take into account other events of the company outside the project, which could also consume resources and time.
 Precautions to take into account when using the Gantt Chart
Taking into account the limitations of this technique about risk management, to optimize its use, some measures can be made that minimize the percentage of errors and help optimize management. They are the following:
- Complete the Gant t Diagram with information about the events that warn about an incident of relevance to the project.
- Carry out priority setting based on deadlines, activities, and resources; to avoid failures in planning.
- Never forget the need to update all the data shown in the chart, informing all participants in the project of updates, to avoid misunderstandings.
- Increase the effectiveness of the Gantt chart by completing it with other techniques such as Pert or CPM, which supplement its most obvious deficiencies and are, in either case, the right combination in terms of planning and results.