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pbacot
Joined: 15 Apr 2004
Posts: 837
Location: Northern California
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 Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 7:53 pm Post subject: OT-Organizational / Brainstoming Software |
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This seems like a thoughtful, organized group (of individuals). I would like to know if anyone is using organizing and brainstorming, problems-solving, software.
I'm looking at iGTD and Quicksilver (anyone have problems with Quicksilver on their machines, I don't use many Sytem-wide apps like that.)
But mostly, in the design field. I find each project has issues that need tracking through to their resolutions. For me it's not so much making a big to do list as, collecting all the outlines, people, resources, files, timelines etc for an issue, with integration within the project--so you have a place to review it all and things don't go unresolved.
My wife says this is sort of like having a brain. Any suggestions?
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Peter B |
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MikeCharek
Joined: 14 Apr 2004
Posts: 153
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| Posted: Fri Feb 29, 2008 8:33 pm Post subject: |
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Details 3
I haven't used this particular product, but I do use FastTrack Schedule, also from AEC Software, with some success for project scheduling:
http://www.aecsoftware.com/products/details/overview.asp
Promises to be the be-all and end-all of project tracking software. They have a free demo to download. Maybe you can try it out and let us all know what you think... |
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How Goes It
Joined: 02 May 2005
Posts: 329
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| Posted: Sun Mar 02, 2008 2:12 pm Post subject: |
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Where you mentioned brainstorming, problem-solving, issues tracked through to resolution, resolving matters --- if any of this has to do with the timelines you mentioned, or to do with project management -------
If the above is so, then you might want to take a look at the Network Diagrams (PERT) that Micro Planner does. http://www.microplanning.com/
As far as scheduling & resources with regards to Project Management -- if your work is critical at all, or if there is a bit involved -- then there's no better way to set up a schedule, rather than using Micro Planner's Network Diagram - my opinion.
You can start with a Network Diagram that is real simple and input only what you want, then add detail latter as you go. Or you can go full blown right off the bat, and take on huge projects detailed to the Nth degree, or anywheres in between. And, It's easy to modify the Network.
Most important -- seeing the Critical Path and how it changes as you adjust the Network is so much better than any Gantt, that in my opinion, there just is no comparison. And from what Micro Planner says, Gantts where never intended for setting up a schedule or for plan development, rather, they were meant for reporting.
It's good to have a Gantt up on the wall to look at your daily, weekly, and monthly schedule(s). And of course, Micro Planner has many different types of reports & charts. But if you need to see how things are going to be affected down the line regarding change orders, or if you want to do that brainstorming or do some 'what ifs', and try to shorten that schedule up --- then there's just no better way to absorb the complete project (or numerous (sub)projects) as quickly as scanning a whole Network Diagram with its' converging and diverging paths, showing all the relations and dependencies in near 'blink of the eye' time. It's great for showing clients, subs, or whatever interested party there is, how they are delaying matters in making changes along this network, or in diverting resources having to do with the project(s). It's really a wonderful tool.
The one thing about such programs, is you have to do housekeeping chores on a fairly regular basis, and input changes, show progress and what not. Otherwise, the thing starts to become less effective. But with a little discipline -- taking time to update things now and then, this is no big matter.
Of course there are other programs that do Critical Path & what not. But according to these guys, they apparently feel there is nothing better for doing Networks. http://www.mosaicprojects.com.au/Company_Clients.html#Top And it looks like they know a bit about the various project management programs out there.
Here's what they say of Micro Planner's Network Diagrams -- http://www.mosaicprojects.com.au/Tools.html#Xpert
Problem is, Micro Planner is behind on getting out an OS X version.
I've been using this since about 1987, and I wouldn't consider otherwise for any critical work that has a fair amount to keep track of. |
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