Blog: Frequently Asked Questions about Timebars Project Scheduling

What is the fundamental approach of the Timebars project scheduling process?

The Timebars process is fundamentally driven by a centralized, metadata-driven approach to resource and project organization. This begins with configuring a resource pool by importing resource details (IDs, names, roles, skills, rates) via a spreadsheet template. Similarly, projects can be organized using custom attributes defined in a Tags Table. This centralized metadata ensures consistency and facilitates efficient resource allocation and project tracking.

How are project schedules built and managed in Timebars?

Project schedules are constructed hierarchically, starting with the creation of Work Packages (represented as orange bars). Underneath these, individual tasks are defined. Dependencies between tasks are established using intuitive drag-and-drop gestures, enabling automatic adjustment of successor tasks when predecessors are rescheduled. Users also have the option to apply constraints to override these automatic adjustments when specific scheduling requirements exist.

How are resources assigned to tasks within Timebars?

Resources from the pre-configured centralized resource pool are assigned to specific tasks using a dedicated Resource Allocator. This process automatically calculates the total hours and associated costs based on the resource's defined rate and the task duration. This integrated approach streamlines the allocation process and provides immediate cost visibility.

What capabilities does Timebars offer for managing resource utilization?

Timebars provides visual tools to monitor resource usage across the project timeline. This allows project managers to identify potential overallocation issues and proactively adjust assignments to ensure an optimal distribution of the workforce, preventing resource bottlenecks and maximizing efficiency.

How are task dependencies handled in Timebars, and what is the benefit of this approach?

Task dependencies are created visually using intuitive drag gestures between tasks. This establishes the sequence in which tasks need to be completed. The primary benefit of this approach is the automatic adjustment of successor tasks' start dates when predecessor tasks are rescheduled. This dynamic scheduling capability helps maintain a realistic and up-to-date project plan with minimal manual intervention.

Can users customize how projects are organized and tracked in Timebars?

Yes, Timebars offers a high degree of customization in project organization and tracking through its metadata-driven approach. Users can define custom attributes for projects using a common Tags Table. This allows for organizing and filtering projects based on criteria relevant to their specific needs, providing flexibility in how projects are managed and reported on.