What is PERT diagram? How to draw a detailed PERT network diagram

PERT diagrams are used by many administrators to support project progress control, especially projects with large scale and workload. So what specifically is a PERT chart? How to build PERT network diagrams quickly and professionally? Let's find the answer with 1C Vietnam in the article below.

1. What is PERT diagram?

A PERT diagram is a chart that shows the progress of a project. A PERT diagram often includes the following elements: tasks to be performed, costs, and time needed to complete the proposed plan. When using this chart, administrators will determine the necessary resources to replenish promptly as well as anticipate possible risks.

Below is an example of a PERT network diagram in a production project consisting of 7 tasks and the following execution sequence:

From the job data in the table, businesses can draw a PERT diagram as follows:

2. When is a PERT chart used?

PERT diagrams are often applied in many different project cases, specifically as follows:

• PERT charts are used in large-scale projects with many complex and difficult tasks such as changing the salary and bonus structure, re-systemizing human resources of departments, etc. The PERT chart will support Administrators can model work for easier management, while helping employees quickly grasp their tasks to perform.

• PERT charts can also help simplify and create seamless implementation processes in projects with large investments and a combination of many different investors.

3.4 main elements of PERT diagram

To be able to apply this model effectively in practice, administrators need to understand the 4 main elements in the PERT diagram , including: Events, jobs, reserve time and critical path:

3.1 Events

Events are milestones in a PERT diagram , marking the start and end dates of a planned activity. Typically, these events are represented as numbered circles. The event starts when the first circle appears with the number 1 and an arrow pointing outward. The event ends at the last circle and has an inward arrow. Events in between will have both an in arrow and an out arrow.

3.2 Work

Jobs in a PERT diagram are operational tasks with scheduled staffing and timing, and once completed, move to the next event. Work is represented as a line between event circles. The time to complete the task will correspond to the length of the ramp.

3.3 Reserve time

Reserve time in the PERT chart is also called waiting time. This is a period of time calculated to minimize the risk of impact from delayed work on the overall progress of the project. This factor should be marked on the job supply curves. In case tasks are completed earlier than the waiting time, businesses can mark small dots on the arc.

3.4 Critical path

Critical paths are the limiting paths on the PERT chart. The critical path is a way for managers to control and ensure work progress. The longest critical path will be the line connecting the start point to the end point of the PERT chart. If any element along the path is stalled, it means progress is behind schedule.

4. How to draw PERT diagrams in project management

There are many ways to draw PERT diagrams such as drawing PERT diagrams online, drawing PERT diagrams in excel or using professional PERT diagram software. No matter which method you use, businesses need to follow these 5 basic steps:

• Step 1: Make a list of tasks that need to be done to complete the project. For projects that are highly complex and involve the coordination of many parties, businesses need to take the step of listing details and accurately. Each job can be represented as another small network diagram representing lower level jobs. This means that a large network diagram can consist of a collection of many smaller network diagrams if the project is highly complex.
• Step 2: Set up the execution order for each job.
• Step 3: Based on the work relationship, the business will draw diagrams in order from beginning to end.
• Step 4: Calculate the execution time for each job

• Step 5: Determine the critical path
  • Determine the necessary and sufficient conditions for the longest critical path and the critical path through the events.
  • Identify critical events.
  • Track the critical paths through the event to determine the longest critical path.

5. Difference between PERT and Gantt charts

Besides PERT, Gantt is also a project management chart used by many people. For general purposes, these two types of charts are created to help administrators monitor project progress. However, each type has its own differences, suitable for each different type of project. Below is a table that differentiates PERT charts and Gantt charts so businesses can refer to and choose the most suitable method.

6. Office software No. 1C:Document Management supports project management

Besides applying PERT charts, businesses can deploy software to manage projects more automatically and effectively. Developed on a modern technology platform, 1C:Document Management Digital Office software is a comprehensive solution that provides the necessary features to fully manage the overall life cycle of a project.

Some outstanding features of 1C:Document Management include:

• Project planning: Allows you to create or edit tasks in the plan and allocate personnel. At the same time, this feature can also assign execution time to each task in the plan, display the hierarchical structure and link tasks according to FS, SS, SF, FF. Project planning time is automatically calculated based on the link between project tasks and work schedule.
• Manage project work items: This feature allows administrators to track employee work items: Incomplete, completed, overdue, overdue tasks , done on time,...
• Control project progress: Administrators can easily control work and approve work extensions; Employees can also request extensions and stay informed of tasks thanks to the reminder feature via sms, email, etc. Managers can analyze project progress based on the reporting system as well as set up Milestones control point - Important "milestone" of the project.

PERT diagram is an effective tool to help administrators control and monitor project progress. This type of chart is especially suitable for large-scale and complex projects. However, PERT is considered difficult to apply and time-consuming to build due to many principles that need to be remembered. Don't forget to follow other articles on 1C Vietnam's website to update useful information about project management!