Workflow Gantt Chart Templates

What Is a Workflow Gantt Chart?

In general, Gantt charts are diagrams that illustrate the relationship between tasks and schedules. A workflow Gantt chart is similar, but its data reflects that of a workflow process. It can be used in software development, school projects, and operational plans.

How to Design a Workflow Gantt Chart?

According to the website, Tallyfy, "workflows help streamline recurring tasks and boost efficiency." That information alone should convince you to make a Gantt chart out of your workflow process. If you need help with that, tips and guidelines are readily available below.

1. Identify the Events or Activities Involved

A workflow process is defined as a series of tasks based on conditions set by a user. Before you can incorporate the workflow process into your Gantt chart, make sure to identify the events involved in the process. This way, doing the next step—arranging the events—will be easy for you.

2. Arrange the Events in Sequential Order

As mentioned earlier, the tasks should be arranged in chronological order. This is to help you determine which tasks are either the most important or time-consuming. Also, to help you manage the project timing, it’s best that you write the work schedule beside or under each task.

3. Choose a Suitable Software Application

You’re better off creating something when you’re using a software app that you’re good at. If you’re good with Microsoft Excel, then use it to create your workflow Gantt chart. Launch the application, open a new project, and set the layout.

4. Start Adding in the Events Accordingly

After the layout has been set up, go ahead and start throwing in the events. The standard format of Gantt charts involves laying out the tasks on the left, while the timetable is placed on the top. For uniformity, it would be best to stick with this format for your workflow Gantt chart.

5. Add Progress Bars to Determine Length of Activity

Unlike regular project schedules, Gantt charts come with progress bars to determine how long each task will take. Also, this will help you determine the status of your work and how far you are to complete the process. Add progress bars and assign different colors to distinguish one from the other.

General FAQs

• Who invented the Gantt chart?

  The person responsible for developing the Gantt chart is Henry Laurence Gantt. A mechanical engineer and management consultant, Gantt developed this diagram to help construction workers see where they are in their projects.

• How important are Gantt charts?

  1. It helps the team manage complex projects and find ways to finish it on time.
  2. It allows the team to identify the resources they need to finish the project.
  3. It gets all the members of the team on the same page despite having different assignments.

• What are the types of workflows?

  1. Document approval workflow.
  2. Expense approval workflow.
  3. New employee onboarding workflow.
  4. Leave approval workflow.
  5. New customer workflow.

• What are the components of a workflow process?

  1. Actions - The tasks performed.
  2. Person assigned - Oftentimes, the tasks are assigned to a machine instead of a person.
  3. Results or outcome - The desired outcome after each task is performed.
  4. State or condition - A description of what happened between tasks or processes.

• What are the advantages of having a workflow process?

  1. It helps you to understand better the business process.
  2. It identifies and eliminates unnecessary tasks.
  3. It promotes communication between employees.