Gant Chart is a graphical representation of tasks as segments on a time scale. It helps plan and monitor project development or resource allocation. The left hand side of the Gant chart is a column with lists of tasks. The horizontal axis is a time scale, expressed either in absolute or relative time.
In a gant chart, each task takes up one row. Dates run along the top in increments of days, weeks or months. Rows of bars in the Gant chart show the start and end dates of each task in the project. Tasks may run sequentially, in parallel or overlapping.
ConceptDraw Project is a project management software based on Gant chart representation of project workflow. It offers the comprehensive managerial toolset to effectively start, track and report project on Windows and Mac OS X.
Sample Gantt Chart
History of a Gant Chart
Gant chart was created by Henry L. Gant, an American engineer, in 1917. He developed the first Gant chart for planning of building ships in the First World War times. The chart proved to be such a powerful analytical instrument that it had not undergone any changes for almost 100 years. It was only in 90s of the last century when link lines between tasks were added to the Gant chart. Tip using Gant Chart For large projects, tasks can be split into subtasks with own Gant charts to maintain readability.
Addendum: Gantt Spelling
Widely discussed, but difficult to spell, and far more than a buzzword, Gantt’s unusual surname gives rise to much dismay as people search for information on Gant Charts, Ghant Charts, and Gannt Charts. As such, I have included these common misspelling.