To keep your business running smoothly, you should consider PERT. PERT stands for Performance Evaluation Review Technique, and a PERT chart is one of the fastest-growing ways to keep a complex project organized and running on time.
This chart shows every element involved in the project and all relevant deadlines and benchmarks that people should keep in mind. Every person involved in the project will use the same PERT chart, minimizing misunderstandings and miscommunications.
Project managers swear by these charts because even the most experienced manager can lose track of details while wrangling an extensive and complex project. These are some of the biggest benefits you’ll see when you introduce a PERT chart to your new or ongoing project.
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A Valuable Visual
Around 65 percent of all people are visual learners, which means they may struggle if most of your information about the project is delivered through verbal reminders or text. Backing those regular reminders up with visual aids can make sure you keep every project member on the same page.
It’s highly recommended to incorporate visuals into as many areas of your business as possible, including marketing and online information. People remember things more when they’re engaged in multiple types of learning, and you want to make sure your content sticks in people’s minds.
Another advantage of a PERT chart is that you’ll lay the whole project out from beginning to end in an easy-to-see format. This will create opportunities for discussing potential problems and bottlenecks that might require a push-back in the lead time. Forewarned is forearmed.
Plan Ahead
The more information you have coming into a project, the better. PERT charts serve as a permanent reminder of what parts of the project are ahead, what’s behind you, and what should be your focus right now. If any potential snags emerge, they’ll be easy to spot in the chart.
This makes it much easier to set realistic timelines so you won’t disappoint your customers or clients. If there are any overlaps or gaps in the process, they’ll be visible on the timeline and can be corrected before you run into a collision.
It’s also a great way to keep your staff focused and ensure everyone is productive and engaged in the process. At any given time, a task member who doesn’t know what they’re supposed to be doing can refer to the chart and jump in where help is needed.
Stay Organized
Many projects have a lot of moving parts, with companies being engaged with external partners and other companies. Each of these elements will have its own timeline and supply issues. Knowing what to expect can help to prevent any sudden slowdowns.
Having a chart that can incorporate all these elements as information becomes available makes it easier to plan for what comes next. You’ll know when you’re expecting supplies to come in or a task to be completed with the foresight to spot delays and lags in lead time.
The chart might require the bulk of work upfront, but it’s never quite finished until the final bow is put on the project. You should be updating it regularly as you get new information or information changes. Even towards the end, keep tabs on it regularly and ensure your staff knows that the finish line is in sight.
Understand the Whole Process
If you’re dealing with a larger staff, it’s easy for the different project elements to get disconnected from each other. For example, does your marketing team know what your coding team is doing? Giving each of them a copy of the same chart and comparing notes can help.
Think of your project as an ecosystem. It’ll work more smoothly when everyone is in symbiosis rather than competing. The best way to increase your chances of that is to make sure everyone has the same information.
The best part of working with a PERT chart is that it shows the process from start to finish but is broken down into easily digestible chunks. You want your staff focused on what they should be doing now to stay on the right path, but having the larger picture is key for motivation and making smart long-term decisions. You can also use free project management software to ensure everyone is aware of their responsibilities.
Make Project Management Easier
An informed staff is a successful staff. A well-designed PERT chart can go a long way towards making a complex project easier to manage. Why not set up one in your office today and see the difference it makes?