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GANTT CHARTS AND ROUTE SCHEDULING: DIGITAL ADVANTAGES
20 April 2021 · Jeremy Squire
O f the many different ways in which route planning for field staff can be presented, the Gantt chart is often a powerful visual. But what does it actually mean and what advantages does the a diagram offer? Here, we'll find answers to these questions, and look at digital Gantt solutions.
GANTT CHART - WHAT IS IT?
It is a visualisation method in which processes are plotted on a time axis. In this way, the sequence of individual activities is displayed in the form of bars. It is clear exactly when the activity begins and when it ends.The diagram provides a quick overview of all tasks in a project, so that the current status can always be read. Delays can also be easily displayed so that action can be taken at an early stage.
In addition to the pure display of activities, the following information can also be stored:
- Names of field employees working on the project
- Activity names and descriptors
- Progress and processing status
FIELDS OF APPLICATION
There are many different fields of application for this type of chart. Classically, it is used in project management to clearly divide even complex projects into sub-activities. This reduces complexity and ensures efficient planning of the project duration. In addition, an overview of the status can be gained quickly. Delays are recognised at an early stage and appropriate countermeasures can be initiated.The Gantt chart is also frequently used for route planning in the field. This is because orders can be divided up and assigned to the appropriate field staff at a glance. The presentation is easy to understand and leaves no questions unanswered.
ADVANTAGES IN THE AREA OF TOUR PLANNING FOR YOUR SALES FORCE
The advantages for tour planning in the field service are obvious. On the one hand, an efficient division of the workforce can be carried out and thus a very good efficiency can always be achieved.On the other hand, the chart can also fulfil further tasks, such as:
- Linking of time tracking
- Allocation of field employees to jobs/work orders
- Integrated effort, resource, and cost planning
So the chart greatly simplifies the overview of available resources, such as field workers, machines and vehicles. This way, optimal routes can be planned and downtimes can be avoided as far as possible.
INTELLIGENT DIGITAL GANTT CHARTS
With modern route planning software, it's possible to create intelligent Gantt charts quickly and easily. Changes must be incorporated quickly so that an up-to-date overview is available at all times. If, for example, cancellations or new orders are added, these should be displayed as automatically as possible.Modern software solutions simplify field service management considerably. With the help of a digital Gantt chart, dispatchers have a good overview of the available resources at all times and can thus react to changes in real time. Route and tour planning software helps companies to remain competitive and to always work with optimal efficiency. Software can offer planning security, AI-powered optimisation, continuous data management and exchange, and a reduction in failed visits.
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JEREMY SQUIRE
UK Managing Director
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Jeremy Squire is a business leader and solutions consultant with over 20 years experience in field service scheduling and route optimisation software solutions. He is one of Europe's most recognised and regarded voices in field service technology.