How SI's Gantt View Can Provide Insight and Perspective

For this latest entry, we thought it would be a good idea to review a relatively new feature in SI that many teams have still not discovered or fully utilized: the Gantt View.

Despite being released several SI versions ago, it remains something of an unrealized asset in the SI arsenal. While this mechanism is replete with unique methods of usage, it does merit a thorough review of best practices as well as an understanding of the values present to leverage its potential.

So whether you’ve used Gantt-related functionalities on other software platforms or not, your team will certainly benefit from utilizing this somewhat advanced SI feature.

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What is the SI Gantt View?

The Gantt View in SI allows users to view data from Projects, Tasks, and Checklists in a linear calendar presentation alongside specific data fields from those Projects, Tasks, and Checklists that are related to the actual deployment values associated with all the items within the SI Project itself.

This mechanism is outstanding at placing multiple values into a single split-screen view for various aspects of Project Management, review of installation dates, and overall elements of the success of installation milestones.

Getting Started with the Gantt View in SI

Assuming most users have not spent time reviewing this usage in SI, here is a brief tutorial on where to go to begin your assessment:

1. 1.Proceed to the Project Explorer and select any relevant Project.
2. 2.Click on Tasks in the sub-tab row below your list of Projects.
3. 3.On the row below there, simply click on Gantt View.
4. 4.A new window will open with corresponding icons in the ribbon.

Basic Steps to Get Started

• ​Step 1: Click on Add in the left side of the ribbon.
• ​From the drop-down, select From Project.
• ​This will open a window that allows you to build the type of presentation you would like to see in your Gantt View.

Your Level options here are a “when, where, what” scenario in terms of how to place the Project data in your Gantt View:

• ​Phase equals when
• ​Location equals where
• ​System equals what

You do not have to use all three; you can use any combination of the Levels for your plotting, including only using one or two.

Once you have selected your various Level designations, a screen will load that provides a preview of your pending Gantt View. If you need to make any changes, click on Previous to return to the prior screen. This could be necessary if you have loaded any Phases, Locations, or Systems that have zero hours. If all looks good, clicking on Finish will launch your Gantt View.

Factors and Considerations When Using Gantt View

While there is a lot to consider when configuring your Gantt View, here are some points of interest for basic usage:

• ​Scheduling Dates: The date fields of Start and End allow you to set these values for field executions prior to sending them to the Task generator.
• ​Predecessors: This essential designation allows you to open prior events in your Gantt View so those can be marked as completed prior to the selected event’s commencement. Once determined, these Predecessors will appear in the line item evaluation for the event.
• ​Milestones: Marking any row as a Predecessor could serve as a reminder to execute billing or simply as a distinction of specific time achievement in the lifespan of any Project. This distinction, along with the Predecessors, will show in your Excel export of the Gantt View or in the PDF should you choose to print it.
• ​Resource Name(s): SI users can select their team members who will be assigned the Task once the Gantt View is converted to a field deployment state.

Deploying Events from the Gantt View to the Field

SI offers users the ability to convert any and all deployable lines within a Project’s Gantt View to field events for the Mobile Install technicians. These are known as Tasks within SI.

1. 1.Begin by selecting the lines you wish to deploy from within the visual matrix (by Phase could be a good first step).
2. 2.Once selected, click on Convert in the top left portion of the ribbon.
3. 3.Deselect Create Summary Tasks before doing so unless that is your intention.
4. 4.SI will request that you click Save prior to exporting the values from the Gantt View to the Project’s Task list.
5. 5.A prompt will load asking if you would like to add corresponding items from your Project to the Tasks. Selecting Yes is strongly recommended, as you can always modify such values once the Tasks are created in your Project’s Task list.

By having the Tasks preloaded with your items, you save time and enable other SI users to run reports on the items to be installed, such as Packing and Pick lists.

Status Updates in Real Time

Another great aspect of having this view in SI is the ability to review values as they are updated from other users and the field technicians via the Mobile Install web-app. Data and reference points such as budgeted hours, resources, start and end dates, completion percentage, and Task status are available in your Gantt View.

This allows users to make assessments about future deployment and resource availability during specific time periods.

A Note on the Linear Calendar

Other than being an effective view of your deployment timeline, this interactive display also allows users to modify the dates of installation events that are present. Simply click and hold on the white oblong disc-shaped item below the dark grey one that is set for each Phase of your deployment and drag into the future to modify the date. Upon saving and converting, your selected dates will then populate to your ready-to-publish Tasks.

This is a major time saver, especially if you need to modify the dates of multiple events in your timeline view.

With this type of usage, your team can successfully and quickly modify dates, items, resources, and other deployment-related details in the Gantt View. This is an incredibly effective tool in SI that will serve your team well for years to come.

While only a few mechanisms and methodologies have been covered here, this is merely scratching the surface of what SI can achieve for Project Managers. Each team will leverage and utilize these features in their own unique way. It is strongly recommended for new (as well as experienced) SI users to reach out to the PSG division to gain further insight from industry professionals with extensive SI experience.

SI’s features function in such a fashion that enables users to quickly and effectively execute, review, and modify values related to their deployment timeline via the Gantt View. Be sure to tune back in for future installments on SI’s v21 and beyond.

A Perspective

The team is continually evaluating ways to improve and enhance your team’s usage of and experience with the SI platform. Therefore, it is beneficial to explore these and other features by securing time with the Professional Services Group of SI and integration industry veterans to maximize your team’s ability to succeed with the software.

In Summation…

• ​Update to v21 if you have not already done so.
• ​Review, utilize, and deploy the features listed above to ensure success with Gantt View.
• ​Sign up for webinars, training, or visit the online documentation wiki for tutorial assistance.
• ​Get focused, get serious, and make money.

With all of that said, there’s still plenty more in store for you with SI and forthcoming product releases, so keep an eye out for future updates.

The team is always reviewing Feature Requests to determine the best step forward and next course of action with future SI product releases.

In Closing…

For more information on these and other features of SI, see the D-Tools v21 documentation. You can also review other videos and support documentation.

You can get more detailed information about v21 via upcoming webinars and by enrolling in SI training with the PSG team. Please review the “ What’s new in v21” webinar that is now available.

That’s why the team is here: to ensure your success with the product! Be sure to check back for more on v21.