>The office manager has always specifically wanted to have some big >picture time line ability but hasn't known how to best do so. She >asked me because I work in IT but I have never used any such software. > >Given those details, which of your previous recommendations do you think >would be the best to pursue? >If they want timeline capability, seems like maybe they need more than >spreadsheets and docs? > I know how to use Project Management software and learned CPM in my Operations Research classes in grad school. Despite this I make timelines in Excel. I find that all that other project managemebt baggage gets in the way. I would use Project Management software for a really big project, like building an aircraft carrier, but for normal projects it is overkill.
I adjust the spreadsheet's column widths to be the same as the row height (looks like graph paper). I then run dates across the top and define different stages of the project using rows. I color in different cells (or use Dingbats/Wingdings font) to show important dates. I put text comments into cells to clarify things. I find this works just fine. >On the other hand, as they only have Word processor, Excel and basic >membership Access database skills, and would be boggled by complex >enterprise level software, maybe that is all they can do... ? That is a very good point. Keep it simple! ************************************************************************ * ==> QUICK LIST-COMMAND REFERENCE - Put the following commands in <== * ==> the body of an email & send 'em to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] <== * Join the list: SUBSCRIBE COMPUTERGUYS-L Your Name * Too much mail? Try Daily Digests command: SET COMPUTERGUYS-L DIGEST * Tired of the List? Unsubscribe command: SIGNOFF COMPUTERGUYS-L * New address? From OLD address send: CHANGE COMPUTERGUYS-L YourNewAddress * Need more help? Send mail to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] ************************************************************************ * List archive from 1/1/2000 is on the MARC http://marc.info/?l=computerguys-l * List archive at www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/ * RSS at www.mail-archive.com/[email protected]/maillist.xml * Messages bearing the header "X-No-Archive: yes" will not be archived ************************************************************************
