Taking the Work Out of WBS

  Schedule Management   Scheduling   Work Breakdown Structures (WBS)  

While most project managers recognize the value of a WBS in the project planning process, few project managers actually take the time to do one, because it is just too tedious to create and update--you can learn more about creating WBS charts in Break it Down. If you've never bothered to use a WBS chart because it was too hard to use, you might want to check out WBS Chart Pro, created by Critical Tools. This easy-to-use software tool takes all the legwork out of creating, refining and maintaining WBS diagrams.

I recently interviewed Jim Spiller, founder and President of Critical Tools, to find out how WBS Chart Pro can help project managers make better project plans. Critical Tools, Inc. produces two Project Management Software packages: WBS Chart Pro and PERT Chart EXPERT. Based in Austin, Texas , Critical Tools just celebrated its 10th year in business. Spiller has been in the PM Software business since 1985.

Getting Started with WBS
Gantthead: It's Monday morning and I've got to get my project plans on my boss's desk by lunch. How easily (and quickly) can I start the project planning process with WBS Chart Pro?

Spiller: You start WBS Chart Pro with a blank canvas on-screen, where you can begin sketching out your project. WBS Chart Pro works in a "Top-Down" mode. This means that you define the highest level of detail in your project first before breaking it down into …

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