Project Scheduling Software Question

[RobertH]

Looking for a simple program to produce a simple Gantt Chart. Not looking for anything too sophisticated or too integrated. Anyone have any recommendations? We are a residential remodeling contractor doing many different types of projects. Have been considering Microsoft Project 2010 but considering the cost to put 10 users on it wanted to see what else may be out there that may fit our needs. We have previsously used earlier versions of MS Project to produce our schedules per project. Should also note we are using Co-Construct for some of our projects but not all.
Thanks in advance,
Rob

[Allan Edwards]

I guess there's a reason you don't use Co-Construct on all jobs? You might look at Virtual Boss, it has Gantt Charts and is reasonably priced and very easy to learn and get up and running.

http://www.virtualboss.net/

[jstoddard]

I'd echo Allan 100%. First - why aren't you making use of Co-Construct?

#2 - Unless you're doing schedule transmittals to the people who are supposed to be doing the work, you're planning a party but not inviting anyone to it. Microsoft Project is really tough to make work that way - even if you're willing to pay for all the licenses, etc. OTOH, VirtualBoss does that perfectly. It was written by a contractor.

JLS

[Ohiobuilder]

And I will echo that as well…why not Co-Construct? I used Virtualboss for 7 years and really did like their Gantt chart, there was no quicker way to view and adjust a schedule for me. I found it to be easier to use than MS Project and the company is great.

I have moved to Co Construct and utilize their schedule for my jobs. It has a Gantt chart but I do not use it much. I tend to view it from the list view and gather other information via the reporting features.

The power of a good web based system is the communication with the parties tied to the schedule. That was the problem that I had with VB and Project. VB does have a web based system but not as nice as CC.

Came across this the other day: http://webplanner.com/pages/screenshot.php

[parkwest]

That's the million dollar question, if you already have co-construct, why AREN'T you using it? Inquisitive minds want to know.

[RobertH]

Appreciate the responses. VirtualBoss looks like a great option for what we are looking for at this time. To answer the question why not Co Construct it boils down to several things. One is our original set up with Co Construct. We purchased a 40 project per year plan with options to upgrade x amount of projects at a time should the need arise. We are very new to their product. We are still learning all the applications it has for our company. Our original thinking was to put 40 of the larger projects on Co Construct. Donny has been great to work with and we would recommend his software. We have severall divisions within our company, Handyman, Window and Door and Exterior Finishes, Roofing, and then General Remodeling which encompasses all the rest, Kitchens, Baths, Basements, Additions, Interior Remodels, etc...etc... Since we have several divisions and complete so many projects a year and the average dollar size is small relatively speaking we were loooking for a software that we could use during the sales process to show the preliminary schedule, something for the project manager to take from that point and further refine and share in whatever format best suited for that particular job and for that particular client and then update as necessary. Many of our projects have durations of less than three weeks and at this moment in time we have not seen the value in setting these types of projets up on Co Construct but we do see the value in having a schedule for each and every project that we complete. Our thinking may be off a bit and subject to change as time goes on but for now that is what we are/were thinking. Perhaps one day in the future we will set up each and every project on Co Construct. Further input / advice is welcome.
Many Thanks,
Rob

[Ohiobuilder]

Most of my jobs run from 8 weeks for a remodel to 9 months+ for a new home. I can see your point with not setting up projects that are fairly small within CC and wish I had a solution for you.

Having everything in one spot is awfully nice though.

[Fredremodeler]

I'm experimenting with creating a Google Calender for each large job. Not a true gantt linked tasks, etc, but at least I can share it easily.

[jud aley]

We are currently using this on a project. It is not construction specific, but is flexible enough that it seems to work well.


http://www.smartsheet.com/


We set up tabs with a Gantt chart schedule, a finish schedule (mouldings by room, door hardware etc) a to-do list, another for a list of SK's that we need from the Architect and another for who is buying what it terms of fixtures and hardware.

We own MS Project and while it is a great program the Smart Sheets has everything we need and is easier to work with.

The biggest benefit is that it is already on the web and can be shared with an unlimited number of people with various degrees of editing rights.

-Jud

[jstoddard]

Jud
I think SmartSheet is absolutely brilliant - but unfortunately I believe they've over-priced it for the casual user ,and that's going to stop people from trying it long-term. This is the kind of application you don't know how you're going to use exactly right off the bat - and you discover new things you can do with it over time. Unfortunately, the $10/mo account turns off some of the most important features for a contractor -- Gantt charts and reporting for instance. If you have a specific use for it as you do - it might well be worth $30/mo... but I felt that nobody would pay that much to experiment. And when I looked at it the templates they were supplying were pretty much useless.

I tried to convince them that they'd increase their userbase exponentially in the construction biz. if they'd make their current $30/mo offering the $9.95 level. - OR, If I could have the features of the "full" account for $10/mo and then pay a little more for every sheet I published - that would be great as well. They were receptive - I think if we mounted a write-in campaign we could convince them to change their pricing model. What they're doing is truly unique and could be used for all sorts of things in building/remodeling - but it's still gotta be priced right or nobody will try it out.
JLS

[Jef@FDB]

Jud, I am using Smartsheet too, and love it. LOVE IT. Joe is right on the aspect of having to figure it out, which I believe I have to a certain extent. I'm willing to share my sheets with you and see what we can learn from each other...you game?

I currently use it for construction schedules, marketing plan, sales pipeline, and warranty items and dates. We have a master to do list for my employees that mines all of our sheets..let's talk...