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FastTrack Schedule 9 Evaluation Guide

1. s allocation i Customize each element of your Resource Graph to clearly view each resource s usage information Ten bm l Pepi ss Ei g Section 3 Resource Tracking 22 Section 4 Powerful Scheduling Tracking Your Progress Linking Activity Bars Setting Bar Constraints Determining Critical Path Formatting Calculation Columns and Column Summaries Exchanging Data with Microsoft Project and other Programs FastTrack Schedule not only makes it easy to plan a project but also provides the powerful tools necessary to track and update progress through the project s completion FastTrack Schedule supplies more sophisticated scheduling features than day planning programs yet it s easier to use than costly high end project management applications FastTrack Schedule has the power to track and revise project dates and durations perform spreadsheet like calculations with project values create activity dependencies determine Critical Path and exchange data with Microsoft Project and other applications Tracking Your Progress e Track up to three sets of dates and durations for a single task e Use the Revise Bar Tool to easily adjust task status e Illustrate percent complete graphically as a bar fill or as a separate bar fees fas ian es Fra a ia tes a on a bar to view and edit a task s scheduled iraa hme ore rua E Fm aaa ia revised and actual dates and durations rD Co
2. ee ee aia tias porsewienies Your kay code cont the number of mea ae na ar Fak Reach a iat m Baedd hopes Te edd achiral ers Limie Cored lier E Bales 43 Concurrent User Versions System Requirements and Contact Information System Requirements WINDOWS VERSION e Windows XP Me 2000 98SE NT 4 0 e 16 MB of RAM e Color monitor with 1024 x 768 resolution or greater e 60 MB of available hard disk space e CD ROM drive NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEMS PROTOCOLS SUPPORTED FastTrack Schedule 9 is compatible with all popular network operating systems including Novell NetWare Microsoft Windows NT Server Microsoft Windows 2000 Banyan Vines and AppleTalk Appleshare CROSS PLATFORM SCHEDULING SOLUTIONS For mixed platform office environments FastTrack Schedule 9 provides seamless file compatibility between the Windows and Mac versions Contact Information MARKETING amp MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS Ryan Kish Vice President Marketing amp Marketing Communications Phone 800 450 1985 703 450 1980 Fax 703 450 9786 Email media aecsoftware com Web www aecsoftware com Electronic versions of press releases box shots and screen captures are available for download in high resolution formats for both Windows and Mac Please visit our online Press Room at www aecsoftware com company press_room TECHNICAL SUPPORT Phone 703 450 2318 Fax 703 450 9786 Email support aecsoftware com Web www aecsoftware
3. Format Column dialog f e r tom JJa da7 son atp me aero a 1 MTTF FENE La ee ee ee io Section 1 Easy Accurate Scheduling 10 Section 2 Flexible Scheduling e Entering Project Details Quickly and Easily e Working with Columns e Customizing Bars and Milestones e Filtering and Sorting Tasks e Working with Ranges e Creating Custom Layouts FastTrack Schedule provides the freedom to customize your schedules to meet the specific needs of your company or industry FastTrack Schedule s flexibility allows you to customize all aspects of your project plans including timescales durations columns and rows even bar styles and milestones With Toolbars of customizable filters and sorts to quickly locate key activities and a variety of preset and customizable layouts you ll always get just the right view of your project details Entering Project Details Quickly and Easily e Prioritize tasks by dragging and dropping e Double click on a bar to view and edit all task values e Store project values in drop down value lists Whether you prefer to click and drag or type and tab FastTrack Schedule allows for easy entry of all your project details Activities can be a simple list of to do items or a complex set of activities with many levels of subactivities Enter task names directly into any cell in the Activity Name column and rows automatically resize to accom
4. a L EEE Tm T d mepe ee jju jam gin ji fares jmi pa m wee es eco r3 a E T g o gga da 2a ces oe oe fe fee Ga Ml a a e a a a ee oe 2a tE Toms p mef Fm B A iji i FastTrack Schedule Help Systems 42 Concurrent User Versions Whether operating in a small office or a large corporate environment FastTrack Schedule 9 is scalable for all networks and compatible with all popular network operating system protocols Available in 5 User and custom configured versions the FastTrack Schedule 9 Concurrent User Version provides all the key features of the popular desktop version plus productivity and administration benefits Tri level passwording file locking and locally stored preferences allow users to maintain their own files or update shared schedules Network administrators can also establish a global default schedule and global templates by capturing preferred settings for dates columns layouts filters sorts even bar styles and milestones FastTrack Schedule s Concurrent User versions are also upwardly scalable A built in Key Code System monitors the total number of licenses and adding additional licenses is as easy as entering a new valid Key Code in the Users panel of the About dialog automatically unlocking additional licenses without having to reinstall the application Cama Ta FS A hia Mii Ren oepacbe jai i iei be cael ee wl rier F S teii maaan
5. direct to disk When performed from Print Preview export options include the document only the document and page items or the document and paper frame When performed directly e Create customized HTML tables from either the Schedule Resource or Calendar Views an image is exported without regard to page of project values margins and Print Preview items FastTrack Schedule also enables easy transfer of project details to the web Entire schedules can be exported directly as JPG and PNG images and saved as web graphics A schedule can also be exported as a complete HTML data table with customizable headers footers and borders e 7 E J D ff fe Oe Bee Ch ee Ce oe oe ee Make an impact add FastTrack Schedules to web a m ar ss E sites presentations reports and proposals B E ejl l jl Sie e a See TF 1 PET Li 1 Web Pages Presentations inp IH i El Reports and Memos 35 Section 5 Presentation Quality Schedules Publishing Schedules as iCalendar Files Import and export iCalendar In addition to displaying project tasks in a traditional Calendar View FastTrack Schedule 9 now sup ics files ports the data exchange format known as iCalendar iCalendar ics files are a standard for calendar data exchange enabling you to view project data in calendar form e Publish projects as iCalendar files to public or private With FastTrack Schedule 9 you can publish your pro
6. j be S8 0 6 cm of oe oe tet Be s s SSS i Customize each element of the calendar to easily view project status and objectives in a traditional wall calendar format E Stem inc Portu ther Se Eni Feet Sipe el Lest Din isi El Sirens s ic Cel liga 33 Section 5 Presentation Quality Schedules Using Print Preview e Choose from Standard Wall FastTrack Schedule s Print Preview supplies you with the tools to make the best presentation quality Chart and Fit to Page options schedules Headers footers text blocks graphics and stamps can be added and positioned on each page to produce brilliant professional project schedules e Export your schedule as a picture to the Clipboard or to Print Preview is a separate window in the application that displays the pages of the schedule just as disk they will appear when printed This preview window is also interactive enabling you to add pictures legends text boxes and other information to individual pages e Add headers footers and page number date time and file FastTrack Schedule provides four easy to use tools Arrow Draw Text Box Scrolling Hand and Zoom name stamps for working in Print Preview These tools make it easy to add resize and reposition graphic objects within Print Preview Adjust margins by simply dragging the handles at the ends of the blue and red lines Insert headers and footers
7. pam Em mirti kT en ee HE i Si ta urar rewa ee ee eo a E d Dermat ao ae ee Si Se fe l tr aT Pg bhk ipm m m E ar Demag foa bi hi nei TE E chee Paai W na m h E Dari peg ie mi am ana aa al ampa ee El ma i a meri ea t a haima iniaa ie ei a B rsi i a hy mm bhm mim om et ae i a ees i he Eee maa esi on il Sacco saa a ae ae ig ki oam ew cet E be ee mm mm arasonar ees a ee a a a0 ae T mithean m ul Seon Poem i ha irn ra Ce i e a 1 si Project 2003 E Project 2002 Project 2000 amp Project 98 l Project 4 0 e Open Microsoft Project MPP files directly in FastTrack Schedule e Open and export XML MPX and ASCII files e Convert MS Project files to FastTrack Schedule files with our free online Project Converter FastTrack Schedule 9 Open Microsoft Project MPP files in FastTrack Schedule 9 and exchange project data through XML and MPX 29 Section 4 Powerful Scheduling Section 5 Presentation Quality Schedules e Adding Graphics Text Boxes and Legends e Summarizing Project Values Across Time Periods e Displaying Project Details in the Calendar View e Using Print Preview e Exporting Schedules as Pictures Web Graphics and HTML Tables e Publishing Schedules as iCalendar Files FastTrack Schedule s presentation capabilities are unmatched in the project management arena You can customize all schedule el
8. period of the project schedule to view QuickRange Toolbar whether it s the next two weeks or the next two years e Apply a predefined range to Each view within FastTrack Schedule has the ability to display a different span or range of dates view an alternate span of time The QuickRange Toolbar gives you immediate access to the Start and Finish dates of the timeline in within your schedule the Schedule and Resource Views and the calendar in the Calendar View The dates you set in the QuickRange Toolbar affect only the View you are looking at and always correspond to the Start and e Set a Master Range to quickly Finish dates displayed in the Range section of the Format View dialog By context clicking anywhere in return to a default time period the Toolbar you can capture and save the range for future use or make it the Master Range for your schedule FastTrack Schedule s Range Toolbar allows you to determine precisely what span of time you see in the timeline and the calendar Set a default Master Range so that you can look ahead a few weeks or a few months and easily return to your original time period Choose from FastTrack Schedule s pre defined ranges such as Current Day Current Week Current Month 14 day Look Ahead 90 day Look Ahead or create your own and add them to the list of ranges in the Range Toolbar TO PamTem Schedles in bi View inary format Tesh ichetaln Wendow Paip Sd wpa hd FA ee pe W ce Ala Lal Fe ee Akh j
9. registers a corresponding start date and time finish date and time and duration for the activity entering them in the corresponding columns Alternatively you can type in start dates and times finish dates and times and durations into column cells and FastTrack Schedule automatically draws bars in the timeline graph Dates can easily be entered with the ExpressDate calendar or typed in any format such as 10 20 06 or Oct 20 2006 Activity start and finish times can be entered quickly with the ExpressTime clock a e a e a A odkada f ian aa eea i alpre Saat t Oso Aet Name m g EEEE EMEA EE 7 Te seronep ss wD faalata m The i ee Maple St as ateanas n i ee i i a sidan ri Wee Botte ieee ie esl 3 Cm Changes MEH EHA q i apes Pract Scheie w eae F ss Fi sium g Bim m tain E Tma AE fih Gamiem bern n a Misima a Uim ties Tie feed Po i ee ere a e Accept mis Ka Appa rep Parse Ly Se ee Boy ee Taca D oe Gage ay Pa Hr bm eer Lele lt a Section 1 Easy Accurate Scheduling Outlining and Summarizing Activities FastTrack Schedule has a built in outliner for creating an unlimited number of outline levels such as projects phases activities and subactivities Once outlined activity levels can be collapsed and expanded to show different levels of detail by using the Expand Collapse action column or using a variety of menu options Expandi
10. time range time units and other aspects can be adjusted within the Format Schedule View dialog 8 Activity Bars graphical representations of activity start dates finish dates and durations 9 Graphic Items Text boxes legends and pictures can be added and repositioned in the timeline graph area or in Print Preview Graphic items can also be formatted with backgrounds borders and shadows 10 Column Summaries and Summary Graphs summarize values within columns and across periods of time 11 Status Bar anchors the Application Window providing key information for the current view of activities and scheduling tool in use 12 The Toolbox core tools for scheduling and formatting project details Arrow Tool all purpose tool for entering activity details in columns as well as selecting dragging and resizing bars pictures and text boxes Draw Bar Tool draws activity bars in the timeline graph Draw Link Tool links activity bars to create dependencies Revise Bar Tool changes an activity s Revised start and or finish dates times and durations Bar Complete Tool defines the percent complete and Actual start finish and duration of an activity a Be BF Le Draw Text Box Tool draws and edits text boxes in the timeline graph and in the Print Preview Window T oe fee ee ie ee s J Section 1 Easy Accurate Scheduling 4 Calendar View The Calendar View displays project details in the tradit
11. works across platforms so consolidated files can originate from either the subordinate files individually or Windows or Mac versions of FastTrack Schedule 9 all at once The file you create by consolidating existing files is called a master file and files inserted into a master e Consolidate projects with file are called subordinate files Subordinate files having the same Work Calendar as the Master can different Project Finish Dates be consolidated as subprojects sharing a common Project Finish Date with the Master or as separate projects with different Project Finish Dates When consolidating files the following project data is consolidated all column data except calculation columns links assignments bars and barstyles pictures textboxes pointers and legends A Consolidation icon appears in the Information action column for the first row of a subordinate file and every subordinate file contains a summary bar Changes to data in the master file do not affect subordinate files and all appearance formatting is dictated by the master files preferences You can edit Filter Sort Layout Range FastSteps and format settings in the master file but the changes will not be applied to the subordinate file unless you manually apply them ii Insert one or multiple files into a master file to monitor the progress of subordinate projects ines baer ere Panpa aay mee bie SE a Fiag gra pipiga
12. 36 Section6 Consolidation Automation and Scripting e Consolidating Projects e FastSteps Scripting e Scripting through Visual Basic and AppleScript e Inserting OLE Objects FastTrack Schedule s consolidation automation and scripting features provide a robust set of tools to increase your productivity and communication in the project management process By consolidating schedules planning and controlling multiple projects is easier than ever Consolidation works across platforms so consoli dated files can originate from either the Windows or Mac versions of FastTrack Schedule 9 With full support for VBA and AppleScript it s easy to include FastTrack Schedule in customized macros and business solutions that automate repetitive tasks exchange data with other applications and save time creating and updating project schedules You can also create timesaving scripts that perform routine scheduling procedures with FastSteps FastTrack Schedule s easy to use scripting engine Consolidating Projects e Consolidate multiple projects With FastTrack Schedule it s easy to stay focused on the big picture even while you monitor the prog into a master project file ress of distinct project teams You can easily consolidate your FastTrack Schedule files into one master file to analyze the separate components of a large project or see every project your team is currently e Receive updates from working on Consolidation
13. 92 9 2 Beer sont oot one 9 21 9 21 Q Sel eri cts O 3 10 4 10 4 Ta A E A Market Research 8 24 9 11 ME Kate Jensen 6 400 Creative Concept 9 4 9 7 13 000 5 amp Design 9 12 9 15 13 900 948 9 21 a E 15 400 e E Bids 9 25 9 29 Pau Holstrider 3 400 a Producten onae e E pacha sE Mkt Sales Strategy 9 26 10 4 LEGEND MEE Jerri Kline Kate Jensen 12 000 9 Direct Mail Design 10 2 10 6 p Marketing fomai Summary Graph a Printing 10 9 10 16 L Creative ME Development P Press Releases 10 4 10 11 EEE PR Etorts Temm Lint lt 12 Press Tour 10 6 10 16 Tn _ a 13 Launch 10 17 10 17 mes sae ters jim Da massy 1 4 TS a aa Sasa nase Weekly amp Cumulative 61 691 51 434 Cash Flow 38 094 19 324 16 710 15 400 10 257 Le Psfsl liel 30 2 ss 24fse 6 az xe 1320 21 22 23 25 2027 28 2 Summarize project values such as cash flows across periods of time with descriptive histograms and line graphs mup am Demy iba Dprara Dira lr Cins Gf Fissiira kipina Cl Sepmhai Disa tare na we M Gs oe E Decenai Macs E E 5 Cae a Se Section 5 Presentation Quality Schedules Displaying Project Details in the Calendar View The Calendar View displays information from the Schedule View in the traditional look of a wall calen e View projects in a traditional dar Within this View you can draw move and hide bars as well as edit Scheduled Revi
14. E a ee lam wina E i birawa va n wi ioe eS aaa e ans i Edit link parameters within the Link tab of the Information form i iJ 4 a b E r Ld TP th bi E E ih kanl Tr L i ma TPF 7 PS PP 25 Section 4 Powerful Scheduling Setting Bar Constraints e Utilize eight different constraint types to control levels of slippage for activity dates and times e Provide elasticity between linked activities with Soft constraints Lock activity finish or start dates with Hard constraints Constraints are the parameters you can assign to activities to control the behavior of bars as your project changes Constraints in FastTrack Schedule are based on the CPM Critical Path Method project management model and follow the CPM standards FastTrack Schedule s eight constraint types As Soon As Possible As Late As Possible Start On Or After Start On Or Before Finish On Or After Finish On Or Before Must Start On Must Finish On are grouped into three distinct categories Soft Moderate and Hard A constraint categorized as Soft will allow activities in your schedule to begin and end within an elastic window of time until the activity s start or finish comes into conflict with another dependency A constraint categorized as Moderate will not allow activities in your schedule to begin and end before or after the date or time you have specified A constraint categorized as Hard wi
15. EVALUATION GUIDE FastTrack Schedule 9 Project Management for Project Success Table of Contents Introducing FastTrack Schedule 9 Section 1 Easy Accurate Scheduling The FastTrack Schedule Environment Getting Started Quickly with Templates and Examples Formatting Your Timeline in the Schedule View Drawing Bars to Enter Dates or Typing Dates to Draw Bars Outlining and Summarizing Activities Using a Work Breakdown Structure Section 2 Flexible Scheduling Entering Project Details Quickly and Easily Working with Columns Customizing Bars and Milestones Filtering and Sorting Tasks Working with Ranges Creating Custom Layouts Section 3 Resource Tracking Adding Resources with the Resource Information Form Creating and Modifying Resource Work Calendars Assigning Resources to Activities Formatting Resource Graphs Section 4 Powerful Scheduling Tracking Your Progress Linking Activity Bars Setting Bar Constraints Determining Critical Path Formatting Calculation Columns and Column Summaries Exchanging Data with Microsoft Project and other Programs Section 5 Presentation Quality Schedules Adding Graphics Text Boxes and Legends Summarizing Project Values Across Time Periods Displaying Project Details in the Calendar View Using Print Preview Exporting Schedules as Pictures Web Graphics and HTML Tables Publishing Schedules as iCalendar Files Section 6 Consolidation Automation and Scripting Consolidatin
16. account for multiple work shifts and breaks within a single work day FastTrack Schedule will store up to eight different shifts for a sin gle day You can even copy and paste individual Resource Work Calendars to use for other resources Daina Work Caberedar Hoenn in oO or Dative Tical Weah Dayi T m meim m C cort Ai Paste Calendar Paste Cony Tiina EJ Toe Ved inor ii te Ta te Ste Oi ie Soe See Setanta Some A ot an frah Tea BTD Ah TAD Ph 400 1 00 FM 5 00 PM an GOOFM MEA 4 00 dak L gt Li kii Gi Define a typical work day base work day or set hours for a specific day in the Resource Work Calendar Section 3 Resource Tracking 20 Assigning Resources To Activities Assignments link a resource and all its data to a task or tasks within the schedule Because the Schedule View and the Resource View draw from two different pools of information assignments act as a bridge between the two information databases Until you assign a resource to a task within the schedule the Schedule View and the Resource View cannot interact Resource assignments are made within the Schedule View Simply type resource names in the Assigned Resources column or double click on the bar you would like to assign a resource to and open the Information form The Assignments table displays a list of resources currently assigned to that activity You may add a new resource to that bar by clicking the Sel
17. and includes an automated Calculation Check to validate calculations Column summaries appear at the bottom of a column and can generate the total average standard deviation minimum maximum or count for values displayed within the column Formar Cohan Graauch Qapiay formt dummatiwa Caled CHunn Mim Set up basic or sophisticated calculations Mata the Deiat that instantly return project values as tasks Eve fails Cema hink are updated Calta i A Cenpkipja and M Cenpime a N UdL WOT sianed 0a hedar ee ee M Coenpiee Gana i Conphse lt Pi eed WOT Samed MAND Schedale Eres i afatan Mal aeae aaa LOO and Pi Competed E Ured kearbed Ahead i B hra in kdprmaoga Fh 5 g d diiiulihaa Cech Sten comets Ard pertest used eefurmirsy tend kiiri for b EELT Thi Caleelanes Merai Tint Fumaticona AN Prensa ay tsuen O Op Furs Eagrri E E Campi AeH umia AETA Meera Ang t e Aiteil Duration r kegl Angad i Ei insa Finish Date d Essihumbart L Aibmi iah Tirk ea a Dabiy Month Poet m detak Geert Due 7 th Dhara bre ear Check Catrulutien fonction Betereree Section 4 Powerful Scheduling 28 Exchanging Data with Microsoft Project and other Programs FastTrack Schedule exchanges data with spreadsheets databases and other project management programs including Microsoft Project Transferring project information between FastTrack Schedule and Microso
18. anges are made to outline levels e Choose from over 10 different separators including periods dashes commas and more Gi Customize WBS display settings per outline level with unique sequences and separators E SSE E a eve Convert the hierarchy of your project into a work breakdown structure WBS and identify project tasks with numeric or alphanumeric labels FastTrack Schedule s WBS codes precisely identify each task s placement within the flow of your project and can be customized to match your style of project management When you indent a row beneath another in your schedule it creates outline levels These outline levels produce a hierarchical structure in your schedule known as a work breakdown structure The key strategy of a WBS is to divide the project into manageable pieces that can be individually planned estimated and controlled WBS uses codes to represent an activity s location in the hierarchy To create a WBS organize your tasks using outline levels and insert a WBS column in your schedule In the Work Breakdown Structure dialog assign each outline level a numeric or alphanumeric code that will label its position in the hierarchy The default setting is numbers separated by a period Like all other columns properties for the WBS column can be set in the Format Column dialog You can also access the Work Breakdown Structure dialog by clicking the Format WBS button in the Dis play tab of the
19. aries convert project e Display multiple summary graphs in a single row graph summaries values into colorful charts that appear at the base of a timeline and span the entire timeline range Each summary graph row can also contain one or several different numeric text histogram and line There are six different types of summaries count total average minimum maximum and standard deviation Two of these summaries count and total can be displayed as cumulative totals You can customize the font size style and color of summary graph rows as well as move label and resize the height of the rows Summary graphs can also be set to display within layouts te e i ees iri AME am x Format To Hrib rie teg DeLee oe O us oe pl s 4 me it fe Ee Mzs22T Aee eee SE ene fore hena Hi A September 2006 October 2006 oe 4 ProjectsTasks Start Finish Week 36 Week 37 Week 38 Week 39 Week 40 Week 41 Week 42 Task Date Date M T w T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S Cost 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 1516 17 18 19 20 21 2 vy Project Austin 8 24 10 17 89 790 Meetings
20. aved as separate projects Sorting activities rearranges project details according to the sort order defined such as listing com pleted activities in chronological order Tasks can also be sorted within specific outline levels Filters can be simple or consist of multi criteria statements You also have access to a powerful set of intelligent search options which can locate and display related activities contained within outline levels above or below the specific searched item Filters and sorts can be activated on the fly by simply context clicking on a project value Jadan oy Zanat amp Hews biem tee i a LE mai a Mi tog Been Lome hen Sipe Da hese re bee Baa Dri Lenpes Peay Lapa fess c3 PCy Py D Deer vma mma DA para Te ey e Quick access Toolbar of customizable filters and sorts e Advanced multi criteria searches and options for displaying related activities e Filter and sort on the fly i Segment schedules into manageable parts with customizable filters that search for and display specific tasks Flie H Dery Farge iter Miners CaCa 15 Section 2 Flexible Scheduling Working with Ranges e Adjust the Start and Finish FastTrack Schedule can simplify even the most complex projects by segmenting them into manageable dates of the timeline with the parts The range features allow you to specify a particular time
21. ay Form Suremarien Cenpesined Coleen Kame Actie Name a Cine Deia Y eiui Coleen Hamy actrty ame nj pew har inser Column a deere m nimmat n fee fetee gh uigbor e Predefined columns for tracking scheduled revised actual and percent complete values e Hyperlink columns for connecting to files and email web addresses e Store values per bar or per row amp Insert any of FastTrack Schedule s predefined columns to store all your project values 13 Section 2 Flexible Scheduling Customizing Bars and Milestones e Combine colors with patterns for unique bar styles e Customize the scheduled revised and actual bar components e Import pictures and use them as milestones or start and end points for bars FastTrack Schedule has a palette of fully customizable bars and milestones to graphically represent task dates and durations on a timeline Activity bars and milestones are the graphical representa tion of the activities you are scheduling An activity bar has a start date finish date and a duration Alternatively a milestone is used to denote tasks that occur in a single moment of time such as a meeting or deadline Bars and milestones are stored in the Bar Styles Toolbar FastTrack Schedule does not attach a specific meaning to the appearance of a bar style so you can customize bars and milestones to fit your own specific requirements T
22. cheduling Getting Started Quickly with Templates and Examples e Over 30 example schedules and template spanning various industries e New File Assistant complete with template directory e Open Template point and click formatting Gi You can create new schedules by using your FastTrack Schedule files as templates When creating a new schedule it s easy to leverage form and structure from an existing file FastTrack Schedule provides an instant framework for all project details with a suite of templates and example schedules The New File Assistant enables you to start with a new blank schedule or select a template or example schedule from which to build You can even add your own files to the template directory for future access There are also over 30 FastTrack Schedule example files and templates spanning various industries Example schedules can be edited customized and then saved as separate schedules If you wish to create a new schedule with many of the same attributes of an existing schedule simply select a template from the directory This powerful feature lets you select the elements of the template s Schedule Calendar and Resource Views that you wish to retain for your new schedule Section 1 Easy Accurate Scheduling Formatting Your Timeline in the Schedule View Principle settings for the timeline and duration units are contained within a single dialog Format Schedule View wh
23. ckly and easily 39 Section 6 Consolidation Automation and Scripting Scripting Through Visual Basic and AppleScript e Create time saving business FastTrack Schedule fully supports each of the preeminent programming and scripting languages for solutions Windows and Mac operating systems Visual Basic for Applications VBA and AppleScript e Include FastTrack Schedule in IT and MIS professionals system integrators and VARs will be able to include FastTrack Schedule in custom VBA macros customized macros and business solutions that automate repetitive tasks exchange data with other applications and save time in the schedule building process Adding FastTrack Schedule objects and e Full support of AppleScript elements to custom macros and scripts automates and streamlines scheduling operations providing immediate benefits for both novice and professional project managers For Windows users while using a Visual Basic editor you can easily reference any of FastTrack Schedule s objects in your macro code then use the object s properties data and methods behavior to perform actions To access detailed descriptions for any of FastTrack Schedule s objects while work ing in the Visual Basic editor simply select the object s property or method and press the F1 function key This launches the FastTrack Schedule Online Help System and automatically displays the appropriate help topic For Mac users FastTrack Schedule exp
24. com support Technical Support 8 00 AM to 5 00 PM EST Mon Fri Technical support is available for registered users MAC VERSION e Mac OS X version 10 3 9 or greater e 16 MB of RAM e Color monitor with 1024 x 768 resolution or greater e 60 MB of available hard disk space e CD ROM drive SALES amp BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Bill Keech Vice President Sales amp Business Development Phone 800 450 1985 703 450 1980 Fax 703 450 9786 Email sales aecsoftware com Web www aecsoftware com CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS AEC Software Inc 22611 113 Markey Ct Sterling VA 20166 USA Phone 703 450 1980 Fax 703 450 9786 Email info aecsoftware com Web www aecsoftware com SOFTWARE Copyright 2005 AEC Software Inc All rights reserved FastTrack Schedule FastSteps ExpressDate and ExpressTime are trademarks of AEC Software Inc Microsoft Microsoft Project Windows Windows 98 Windows 2000 Windows Me Windows XP and Windows NT are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation Macintosh Apple Mac Mac OS X Spotlight Mac and iCal are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc Other brand names referenced herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders This document is for informational purposes only System Requirements and Contact Information 44
25. e rearranged by dragging and dropping and can be prioritized into unlimited outline levels each with a unique style In minutes project plans come to life in rich colorful schedules The FastTrack Schedule Environment Schedule View ee er eee ee ee a ma cenm cue Hf 1 Views Toolbar Three buttons Jaat es ee o ou September 2006 October 2006 a providing quick access to FastTrack Ol Projects Tasks_ S tt Finish Week 36 Week 37 Week 38 Week 39 Week 40 gf Week 41 Week 42 oe Date Date M T w T F S S M T W T F S S M T W T F S S M T w T F S S M T W T F M T wiTtlF s s m t witlFls Cost 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 gt Schedule s Resource Calendar and Jo s aa ay Project Austin 8 24 10 17 89 790 Schedule Views Meetings 912 9 12 f ari 921 sept 12 egez A ta yo Octo 3 10 4 10 4 ba _ a A Market Research 6 24 9 11 yume Kate Jensen 6 400 pe Schedule Vi Creative Concept 9 4 9 7 13 000 amp Design 9 2 9 15 13 900 mee OCTIECUIE VIEW 8 ana 921 e T Siso ed Bids 9 25 9 29 E Paul H
26. ect Resource drop down list in the Resource Name column From the list you can select from existing resources or choose Create Resource to open the Resource Information dialog and create a new resource Editing the rate information in the Assignments tab affects only that particular assignment You can also enter the percentage of the resource s time you want devoted to this specific task This value will recalculate automatically when you enter the Assigned Work Units which is the total number of the task s work units to which this particular resource will be assigned The assignment cost will be calcu lated as the Per Use Cost Standard Rate x Duration Overtime Rate x Overtime Duration qa FastTeach Schade ie Gn Vers aen lom Tech ieheily meie ig Seuss BO oF Se ROH eee aw a PLIE kil PEF 7 6 E P e Tm iai raar Sy wra anm mes i Si Gee imi dee ee Soho es os Sek oe bii ieme Se ae e See poep en mS wre men g Sie iE kkil Be ESeQeie Be ar n ma eee f buma me Gi j ne nbp me imm Targ oot ay Labh ibh ere Leon Tinig E id Fie Sena or eS LIH BL bbe EREET i e Make resource assignments within the Schedule View e Assign resources by selecting them from a drop down list of predefined resources e Display and edit percent effort per use cost standard and over time rates in the Assignments tab amp Assign resources to each bar in your sched
27. ements from gridlines to graphics and enhance schedules with colorful text boxes legends pointers and stamps directly within an interactive Print Preview window Project snapshots can then be exported as pictures HTML tables iCalendar files and web graphics and easily added to proposals presentations or websites FastTrack Schedule s vibrant schedules crystallize project statuses and objectives keeping team members and clients informed and up to date Adding Graphics Text Boxes and Legends FastTrack Schedule makes it easy to enhance the overall presentation of project schedules with color e Enhance schedules with pictures ful pictures text boxes and legends These graphic items can all be formatted with shadows colors and logos backgrounds borders and titles and can be resized and positioned anywhere on the timeline or in Print Preview e Add text boxes to draw attention to key events You can select and position pictures in the timeline graph just as you can activity bars and text boxes Using such features as the definable alignment grid and back to front ordering you can place items e Build legends to supply meaning precisely where you want them to appear to bars and milestones Adding text boxes to the timeline graph helps to describe and label items in the schedule Text boxes are created with the Text tool and can be of any font style or color They can also be positioned on top of or beneath other item
28. ez CI call U Fi D es i E aie eked a 7 i ee o n e merer d du a mr maan a a maas Paer amaserar mm Ld Be ise mima ee pete ee z i Bed Ha Seed Det terete e P Deri p ie prr es eem i ima baas Lil arias Paa Panan Ero came ma i msi aag ii iaa ma a vishak epr e a Eo t ee ee e e r a ih imee me Be ose Be s te eee E seman in om ar ia Lanm SE va maaa manaa 4 eei kae tee ee a ee op Gorey tee bap fl ge ian nes tek EEE A w et a bee eh ee mi i i ee bee ee Hmi Saree i We oer rame eb ee ee Lpp Genre E artem merece ma ee dos oo me eee a PA Caram Daa n Choose the span of time you would like to display by applying a range or by using the QuickRange Toolbar Section 2 Flexible Scheduling 16 Creating Custom Layouts FastTrack Schedule is extremely flexible in its reporting of project details You can define and save custom layouts that can be applied to the schedule at any time A layout is a specific view of your schedule Applying a layout to a schedule is a shortcut to showing hiding and moving individual columns the timeline graph timescale areas and summary graphs You can choose from predefined layouts or create your own Selecting a layout in the Layout Toolbar automatically hides shows and rearranges columns timescales summary graphs and the timeline graph according to the settings defined for the selected layout You can al
29. ft Project is quick and easy through a variety of methods including XML MPX and AEC Software s Project Converter FastTrack Schedule 9 now opens Microsoft Project MPP files This is the fastest and most convenient means of acquiring data from a Microsoft Project file Data exchange between these two popular project managers is also possible by through XML and MPX file formats FastTrack Schedule supports the ability to both open and save in these data formats AEC Software s Project Converter http convert aecsoftware com is a free online service that converts Microsoft Project files into FastTrack Schedule files Users can upload up to three Microsoft Project files simultaneously for conversion Once uploaded AEC Software s online servers convert the Microsoft Project files into FastTrack Schedule 9 files and return the converted files to users via email FastTrack Schedule also imports and exports ASCII text the standard text format With the Import Data dialog you can oversee and manage the import process with buttons that import next record import all remaining records delete last record import next record and cancel the import Igoe a7 dan appr eee is Sut EE ji I T a ae be tas uem ea bamar cone a i i e lem e e h m Sa am gt se A a N M ee eo E jo T P ee Pe be ma mem er o oy oy bE nm scm F r g a a bi ha a a binik pome amsi im mm eem
30. g Projects FastSteps Scripting Scripting through Visual Basic and AppleScript Inserting OLE Objects FastTrack Schedule 9 Help Systems Concurrent User Versions System Requirements and Contact Information CoO OND A 12 13 15 16 17 19 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 31 32 33 34 35 36 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 Introducing FastTrack Schedule 9 FastTrack Schedule has been setting the standard for quick and easy project management since 1988 For over seventeen years and through nine major upgrades FastTrack Schedule has offered a combination of simplicity flexibility and power not usually associated with affordably priced project management programs Complete with new productivity features project consolidation capabilities and a bold new interface Version 9 of FastTrack Schedule once again raises the standard for quick and easy project management Scheduling and managing projects transcends industries and professions it s essential for success fully achieving project goals and objectives FastTrack Schedule 9 simplifies project planning in an easy to learn cost effective tool ideal for experienced project managers as well as the occasional project manager Whether you need to schedule a day s worth of activities or plan multi year projects FastTrack Schedule 9 makes it easy to organize track and manage all your project details Powerful schedule building tools help you plan more effic
31. h a Resource Information form that allows you to quickly enter and display resource cost information and customizable work calen dars you can plan and track with pinpoint accuracy ensuring that your project fits within your budget and time constraints Adding Resources with the Resource Information Form Tracking who or what is responsible for completing tasks is one of the most important aspects of managing a project New resources can be created from FastTrack Schedule s Resource View by typing directly into columns or by using the Resource Information form The form allows you to enter and define key data on each resource such as name type per use cost standard rate and overtime rate Each resource has a finite amount of time it can be used and an associated cost attached to it whether it s a flat fee a standard rate an overtime rate or any combination thereof The information that you enter into the Per Use Cost field will be factored into the Total Task Cost of each activity This is the flat fee paid to each resource every time it is assigned to a task Standard Rate may be calculated per hour day week month quarter or year in relation to the task s duration You can enter a dollar amount for overtime pay Leaving this field blank assumes the rate is the same as the Standard Rate or entering 0 means the resource receives no overtime pay You also have the option to create custom columns for other resource
32. ically with the Draw Link in your schedule Linking in FastTrack Schedule is based on the CPM Critical Path Method project Tool management model and follows the standards therein e Set Finish to Start Start to Start Linking tasks together creates a dependency between the start or finish point of one bar and the start Finish to Finish and Start to or finish point of another bar or bars For instance if the start of an activity cannot begin until another Finish links activity has been completed the activities are dependent and should therefore be linked FastTrack Schedule supports four link types Finish to Start Start to Start Finish to Finish and Start to Finish e Control lag and duration for links within the Information Tasks can be linked together graphically by using the Draw Link Tool by typing in the Predecessor and form Successor columns or by entering new data in the Links tab within the Information form This form allows you to set and modify important link data such as the predecessor and successor bars and duration of the link The appearance of links can be customized within the Format Link dialog and the type of link can always be altered or a link can be deleted Use constraints and lag time to control how activity bars and milestones react to changes in the originally scheduled dates and times Oai pasirah Seisis Wie fit Wes iment Forest Too MAsids Window iaip E j wow bany aerie erto Sw eB Owe ja HEN
33. ich is opened from the Format menu It is here that the overall schedule parameters such as the start and finish date the timeline units and the duration units are controlled Similar time line settings and formatting options are available in the Resource View within the Format Resource View dialog Changing the timeline graph s units also called timeline units lets you display the timeline graph in hours days weeks months quarters or years For instance if the schedule is in units of weeks there will be one timeline graph column for every week At any time you can change the timeline units to see more or less time To see the timeline in more detail simply change the timeline units to days each timeline column will then represent a single day Additional timescale rows can be stacked above the base timescale row and even mirrored on the bottom of the timeline graph FastTrack Schedule calculates durations in either work units or calendar units of time such as hours days weeks months quarters and years When calculating durations in either work hours or work days FastTrack Schedule references the built in work calendar ensuring that all tasks are automati cally scheduled only during valid work shifts and times e Display timelines in hourly to yearly increments e Shade or hide non work time e Easily adjust timeline start and finish dates Calculate durations in work units as well as standard units of
34. iently keeping your projects on track and within budget For those with project information in another application FastTrack Schedule 9 easily exchanges data with spreadsheets databases and other project management programs including Microsoft Project With FastTrack Schedule s support for Windows and Mac OS X you can work on your platform of choice and seamlessly exchange files across platforms to colleagues and clients FastTrack Schedule 9 is also available in International Versions and Concurrent User Versions for large project teams 2S eee Section 1 Easy Accurate Scheduling The FastTrack Schedule Environment Getting Started Quickly with Templates and Examples Formatting Your Timeline in the Schedule View Drawing Bars to Enter Dates or Typing Dates to Draw Bars Outlining and Summarizing Activities Using a Work Breakdown Structure FastTrack Schedule 9 is easy to use and intuitive so regardless of your project management experience you ll produce presentation quality schedules quickly and easily Whether your project spans a single day or several years FastTrack Schedule offers hourly to yearly timelines that illustrate task dura tions graphically Get started quickly with a suite of templates and example schedules that provide an instant framework for all your project details Enter key deadlines and tasks by either drawing bars to enter dates or entering dates to draw bars Activities can easily b
35. in ered bures a common Frajt Frosh Coy Bense mote Mi subsrcinate ikea majai nare Pa game Work Caenia sa the Maer Cima Ca Section 6 Consolidation Automation and Scripting 38 FastSteps Scripting FastSteps are a scripting ability built into FastTrack Schedule and are available in the Schedule Point and click scripting Calendar and Resource Views as well as Print Preview FastSteps allow you to automate repetitive scheduling tasks by grouping a series of commands into a single sequence which can then be initi e Automate repetitive steps and ated with a single click procedures Use a predefined FastStep or choose from a list of common tasks and routine operations to write e Choose from a suite of your own scripts Whether it s filtering activities and printing weekly reports for each team member or predefined commands exporting a schedule to post on a web site it s easy to create time saving macros that perform these multi step operations quickly and efficiently For instance if every time you update a particular schedule you want a report of the activities that remain unfinished Using FastSteps you can create a sequence which applies a filter for incomplete activities prints the filtered schedule restores those activities hidden by the filter saves the file and then closes that schedule i Create automated macros within FastTrack Schedule that perform routine scheduling procedures qui
36. inked or embedded as objects within other applications ig sit ete ee be n mnm mL a F ET DAA LE eet sows wt to ii m a SS ati nea w gt i ge ne g i on 2 ie pe ee oe en aaa Geode we gray a a aod is Wika apja cig ie i i lisken erered perike A med r y e ee apa i ea ir TE al A eae amped io dats Fam ee a ir az T F eae eS ah nman Taenia pon Ba ond ore werd ee ee eet hey anew iia ier Souter e Drag and drop OLE objects into schedules e Format OLE objects with borders and shadows e Double click an object to launch its application ii Insert linked objects from other applica tions such as Microsoft Excel directly into your schedules 41 Section 6 Consolidation Automation and Scripting FastTrack Schedule 9 Help Systems Help tips help tags tutorials and comprehensive webhelp topics are all online and can quickly provide extensive information about FastTrack Schedule s features These help systems are easily accessible through help buttons within dialogs or directly from the help menu Fast Track Schedule has a Help button located in the bottom left corner of each dialog This online help button is context sensitive selecting it launches your default Internet browser and automati cally displays the appropriate help topic for the program options referenced i
37. into any document by choosing from over fifteen predefined data stamps or add your own text Headers and footers may be aligned to the left right or center of a page and may be displayed on any or all of the pages in your document You can also select from Standard Wall Chart or Fit to Page options and output schedules to virtually all printers from basic ink jets to large format color plotters T k faerTrazh Sehedule file Edn waew imien formar Tools Promi Previn Window Heip E i niin heey aa 406 Sse Bee Os vem na to toe eee OU O ABO Ae ee Gi Add the finishing touches to a your schedule or export it as a picture in Print Preview TO E n E ee BEET MATE E MEAE EERTE I ee eee ee n a J m z 1 ze Hill ili H f a g tii aiiin gi i ij AUN i l ETI Fenm Pi in Pape Section 5 Presentation Quality Schedules 34 Exporting Schedules as Pictures Web Graphics and HTML Tables Communication is the key to successful scheduling and FastTrack Schedule makes it easy to share e Post schedules as web graphics vital project information with colleagues and clients Schedules can be exported directly to intranet and Internet sites or pasted into other documents to enhance overall presentation e Export schedules as TIF JPG PNG BMP WMF EMF and PICT In addition to printing presentation quality schedules you can export a picture of the schedule to the graphic files Clipboard or
38. ional look of a wall calendar This allows you to view time vertically rather than horizontally as you do in the Schedule and Resource Views The simplicity of the calendar makes it easy to identify project goals and the status of project tasks Within this view you can draw and move bars hide bars and edit Scheduled Revised and Actual dates and times You can also create individual calendars for each resource by filtering only the activities you wish to see Calendars can also be printed using defined ranges and custom configurations Resource View Use the Resource View to track the people equipment and materi als essential to project success Within this display you can see exactly what tasks resources are assigned to what percentage of their total available time is being used and how many hours they are working in a given amount of time The graph format makes it easy to identify where resources are under or over allocated allow ing you to adjust your schedule or resources accordingly You can also create new resources move bars in the timeline and change the Scheduled Revised and Actual dates of tasks directly from the Resource View Bars will appear in the Resource View once resources have been assigned to a task in the Schedule View 7 ob a Pee ee vee Ree oa i Ral sae eel ie Jae dP ee ea yp ee SS Le pjm Section 1 Easy Accurate S
39. jects as iCalendar files on the Internet for others websites to view project details in a traditional calendar format Entire projects can be exported as iCalendar files to public or private servers and on the Mac you can publish directly to your Mac account or into e Save logs for iCalendar iCal Every time you publish a schedule as an iCalendar file the action is noted in the Schedule Publish publishing Log Data in the log can be cleared or saved as a text file Once published you can view your project calendar by clicking the Visit Page button within the Schedule Published dialog FastTrack Schedule also enables you to quickly send an email notification to colleagues or clients automatically placing the URL to the project calendar within the body of the message Og ee ta e m a Tash ihai Window Fiaip ma mn g Bl ae i m E E EJE T Ime HA A si al Sc nap tan ne i parme E Em iow roe be ieat a el a sas i em eee Sf ee 4 eee ee lt amp Fualith akirda a Publih Coteraiar mi Touran ig tenses i Publ an Mat BE ERPS S Sb E E E hee HE bes ie Mia por Peis een ee Suen rimwe Publish your projects for colleagues and clients to view through a web doiki iihi browser _ i _ _ _ _ ap Acad mee comm Warih E anana Bang Tumi cor ha were ear a fewer ot WL Hp tad a oer beck Caner Belong later ae aa E E Section 5 Presentation Quality Schedules
40. l ee G ra within the Information form l bii ales a B E tim m cee Adjust task dates graphically or double click Because projects don t always turn out as planned FastTrack Schedule records changes by tracking three sets of dates times and durations for each activity So if a single task should finish late depen dent tasks will reschedule automatically and all adjustments are viewed instantly FastTrack Schedule uses three sets of dates per activity to track progress scheduled revised and actual Scheduled dates are the dates you enter when you originally planned your schedule also called the baseline or promised dates Revised dates represent the currently projected dates accounting for adjustments or revisions since the project began Actual dates reflect when the activi ties actually occurred and they are also used to track the percentage complete or work in place In addition to being displayed as dates in the columns these three sets of dates can be displayed as separate components for each bar style and as labels for the bars and milestones in the timeline graph Section 4 Powerful Scheduling 24 Linking Activity Bars Linking is a means of controlling how changes to the dates and times of one activity impact the e Define task dependencies scheduling of other activities in your schedule To link is to create dependencies between activities graph
41. ll not allow activities in your schedule to begin or end on any date or time except those which you specified A hard constraint effectively locks your bar s finish or start and if the bar is linked bypasses the defined dependency if that dependency conflicts with its speci fied start or finish imi e le al Lele stalled la Set activity constraints within the Bars Tracking tab of the Information form Section 4 Powerful Scheduling 26 Determining Critical Path In FastTrack Schedule the Critical Path is the route between linked bars with the least total slack e Determine Critical Path to between tasks The total amount of slack is determined by subtracting a link s minimum lead lag identify the path of least time from a link s duration flexibility for change Because Critical Path is defined by the dependency of one task on another only linked bars are con Select from multiple Critical sidered part of a Critical Path FastTrack Schedule can show as many Critical Paths as you can create Path Styles independent series of linked bars This allows you to have several sub projects inside of one larger project In the circumstance that there are linked bars with identical start dates you can set the bar s e Assign priority values for priority directing the program to highlight the correct Critical Path activities with like start dates and times You can choose whether or not to display Cri
42. modate large amounts of text Once entered activities can be arranged and prioritized by dragging and dropping Value lists and the ExpressDate calendar make data entry fast and accurate Customizable value lists store preset values per column and appear as drop down lists when clicking directly in column cells FastTrack Schedule s ExpressDate month at a glance calendar makes task start and finish date entry a simple point and click process while the ExpressTime clock makes it easy to enter task start and finish times All activity details are also accessible within an Information form Simply double click on a bar or click in a row s Information i action column to enter edit and view all the information for an activity Within the Information form it is also possible to browse between rows to edit data of other activities i cette wt ls d Spake A Jg F Jda poale rp mri ma T E MLE EF _ _ _ 1 2 wee meer me re u om xT a i 4 p 3 4 ft a a ae i oe ee _ z Gi Enter task dates quickly and easily with the L F a l g mM i ExpressDate calendar or doubleclick on a a bar to view or edit all task values in a single i f Information form z i th i 1 T me T i wee j EEE LF 7 a mnt n _ _ ji be n a aS _T a ae z a TES m es Lem F IH TEH _ s 7 L f om Some km aa i j fn
43. n the dialog From the Help menu you can open the Contents section of the help system which contains the most comprehensive and up to date information an index search options a function reference and a glos sary You can also access Tutorials that guide you through the basics of learning FastTrack Schedule and a guide to keyboard shortcuts for FastTrack Schedule 9 To see a description of the tools in your Toolbars select to display Tool Tips To receive a detailed description of any dialog option button or tool simply turn on dialog Help Tips Windows version or dialog Help Tags Mac version and float your cursor over that option In Windows display the extended Help Tip by clicking on the question mark icon in the top right corner and then clicking on the option In the Mac OS while the help pop up is displayed hold down the Command key and an extended Help Tag providing additional information will appear The AEC Software website hosts a searchable frequently updated database of common questions received from customers about the latest version of FastTrack Schedule It also contains a knowledge base of questions from recent versions that can be searched by keyword article number or title For specific questions regarding the operation of FastTrack Schedule 9 users can also rely on the FastTrack Schedule User Manual or contact our Technical Support Department i o ia imm eG ER i A
44. ng activities rolls down collapsed activities allowing you to see all of the level s subactivi ties Collapsing activities rolls up all of the outline level s subactivities This in effect summarizes the entire outline level and draws either a separate summary bar for each bar style and or milestone style a single summary bar or milestone style or no summary bar at all You can show or hide specific outline levels in the whole schedule at once using the Outline Toolbar or the menubar Summary bars can be dragged up and down in the row but not left to right as the program calculates their position Dates durations costs and other activity values contained within columns can be sum marized when activity levels are collapsed or expanded CO MastTeach Schadele Mie Di View khem format Tesh phie Window Fip Se ene DB SRF 4a YOR eet ew ee HO a PSF ed ee ee os T Sat as etait Cent ES e Built in outliner for organizing tasks e Collapse outline levels to show comprehensive summary bars or display summary bars at all times e Unlimited outline levels Summarize outline levels using a single sum mary bar milestone style or summary bars for each bar milestone style NIN Section 1 Easy Accurate Scheduling Using a Work Breakdown Structure e Define unique WBS codes as a series of numbers letters or a combination of both e WBS codes update automatically when ch
45. o edit an existing bar select the bar or milestone from the Bar Styles Toolbar then from the Format menu select Bar Style To create a new bar style or milestone choose Bar Style form the Insert menu or simply select New Bar Style from the Bar Styles Toolbar Bars and milestones have three separate components scheduled revised and actual Each compo nent can be independently formatted with different patterns colors outlines endpoints and labels You can even create unique endpoints by pasting in pictures or drawing them with a polygon editor In addition FastTrack Schedule ships with a template file containing over 200 different bar and mile stone styles that can easily be copied and pasted into other FastTrack Schedule files Customize task bars and milestones with a palette of colors and patterns even design unique endpoints Section 2 Flexible Scheduling 14 Filtering and Sorting Tasks A complete schedule is truly the sum of its parts and with FastTrack Schedule you can easily segment your schedule into manageable pieces FastTrack Schedule s Toolbars of customizable filters and sorts quickly locate and organize key activities that meet your specific search criteria Filtering activities enables you to display or highlight only those activities meeting specific search criteria such as displaying only the tasks that have been completed Once filtered activities can be edited printed or s
46. olstrider 3 400 7 Production 10 2 10716 10 700 la i C d yi s E Mkt Sales Strategy 9 26 10 4 LEGEND EEE Jerri Kline Kate Jensen 12 000 k alendar View 5 Direct Mail Design 10 2 10 6 EEE Marketing HR Pu Hoistrider Zane Lee 1 600 5 Printing 10 9 1016 Creative PE Mark Jones 2 540 E Development 11 Press Releases 10 4 10 11 p i m aT 5 250 i 7 Press Tour 106 10 16 55 600 R V 12 e esource View 4 ie 5 Launch 10 17 10717 A 107 ee M M i ns 78 136 Weekly amp Cumulati 2 Columns predefined columns within eony amp cumuiave PY au 1691 Cash Flow sro sisao the Schedule and Resource Views sais Ts ca sae 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 151 090 display activity names dates durations costs resources calculations hyperlinks time work ID codes numbers and text values Action Columns simplify operations performed on activities and resource rows 4 Timescale Rows displayed in standard units of time from hours to years as well as fiscal and generic units Timescale rows can appear above and below the timeline graph with the width of the base timescale row determining the width of the timeline columns Bar Styles Toolbar these cells contain customizable bar and milestone styles to graphically represent project tasks in the timeline 6 Rows each contains an activity its data and its activity bar or bars Timeline Graph shows position of activity bars The
47. om 7 _ 9 a nemi nam GECI Et nee T imag taw DETIT ay inai B k a E a q ar ot p_a ee oe eae ee ee Be ee ee ee Be Le Ld Section 2 Flexible Scheduling 12 Working with Columns Organized project details are the core of successful scheduling and with FastTrack Schedule it s easy to enter and arrange all your tasks deadlines resources assignments and costs into distinct columns FastTrack Schedule stores columns in three distinct ways Columns for the Schedule View are stored either per row or per bar Columns for the Resource View are stored per resource row Columns within the Schedule and Resource Views are organized into date duration text number ID code cost calcu lation hyperlink time and work categories Every column in the Schedule View and Resource View is application defined You change the look of your schedule by showing hiding and arranging columns Groups of selected columns are called layouts and columns are hidden until you choose to insert them into a layout No column can truly be deleted and the Column Map can help you keep track of which of the hundreds of available columns you have inserted and possibly renamed FastTrack Schedule s unique ability to display multiple bars or milestones in a single row means that values can be stored per row or per activity bar whichever is most appropriate for your project scheduling needs O Default Values Value Lin Displ
48. oses a suite of events and objects that provide full support for AppleScript FastTrack Schedule also leverages new AppleScript technology such as Automator Export data from spreadsheets and other programs I Ba ipe ma ja p e ee a2 Import data into FastTrack Schedule 9 EEE b ceri oe E nji ist E T E Export project schedules as pictures for presentations ere Cr errr res i Ereje ee nin eT p Section 6 Consolidation Automation and Scripting 40 Inserting OLE Objects With Object Linking and Embedding OLE you can include objects such as graphs tables charts and text documents directly within schedules or include FastTrack Schedule files within other documents OLE extends the flexibility and power of FastTrack Schedule by enabling you to include the contents and capabilities of other OLE applications in your projects OLE objects can be added to schedules by dragging and dropping or by using the Insert Object dialog from the Insert menu FastTrack Schedule supports both linked and embedded OLE objects Once inserted an OLE object enjoys the same formatting options as that of text boxes and graphics contained within FastTrack Schedule This means that all linked or embedded OLE objects can be enhanced with borders shadows and backgrounds FastTrack Schedule also functions an an OLE Server which means that FastTrack Schedule files can be l
49. related values within the Resource View Create new resources and enter key resource data through the Resource Information form Type directly into resource rows or use the Resource Information form to add new resources e Enter per use cost standard and overtime rates e Create custom columns to track industry specific values within the Resource View 19 Section 3 Resource Tracking Creating and Modifying Resource Work Calendars e Create individual work In addition to the Schedule Work Calendar FastTrack Schedule lets you create an individual work calendars for each resource calendar for each resource Define work days and hours taking into account vacations breaks and variable work shifts for each resource under the Work Calendar tab in the Resource Information form e Account for vacations breaks and variable work shifts The Work Calendar tab enables you to define a base work day a typical work day or set work hours for a specific day Simply click on the date within the calendar to set the hours for that day The e Copy and paste work calendars information is immediately displayed within the calendar Work hours for all non typical work days are within a schedule or across files displayed in the monthly calendar within the dialog FastTrack Schedule defines the default work day as an eight hour day comprised of two shifts 8 00 AM 12 00 PM and 1 00 PM 5 00 PM Should it be necessary to
50. s in the timeline or placed in Print Preview and printed on every page of a schedule The Legend Builder gives meaning to bar and milestone styles Within the Format Legend dialog sim ply choose those bar styles you wish to label from a drop down menu that displays all defined activity bars and milestones within your schedule Labels can be added to the scheduled revised and actual component for each bar style Add graphic elements such as text boxes and legends to enhance the presentation of schedules a ee Bi te Wri AU breton Cm ni el ismi Memes Feed T _ f Lig E pE ia bat ibi a mear i bit mmm iH e DEn i A a l H a Liai ar reias ir bei beas Trap Wier g Dudee beara be d mji Gee kadj Tarat irp F eeri ee eg FENE 31 Section 5 Presentation Quality Schedules Summarizing Project Values Across Time Periods e Summarize values in hourly to yearly time units e Display costs and expenses graphically as histograms Summary graphs keep you on track by summarizing project values such as costs and durations across periods of time and display these values as histograms line graphs or numeric text Summary graphs are ideal for tracking any project value but are particularly useful when summariz ing cash flows including revenues and expenses Summary graphs can span any unit of time including hours days weeks months quarters or years Histograms and line graph summ
51. sed and Actual Calendar format dates and times Sort and filter activities and apply Ranges to see only those tasks that you would like to see for example when printing an individual calendar for each employee s work during the next e Display activities using generic two weeks or custom bar styles The calendar that displays in the Calendar View is completely customizable You can format each e Choose from a variety of print element including the calendar itself from the Format Calendar View dialog You can choose to use options such as Full Month generic bars in the Calendar View or use the same bar styles used in the Schedule View to designate Per Page Fit to Single Page and activities Add data display labels on activity bars by choosing from a list of columns associated with Custom Ranges that task and display percent complete as a fill portion on the bars Because of the vertical orientation of the calendar special layout and date options are available from the Page Options dialog under the File menu Print current dates shown in the QuickRange Toolbar choose a previously defined range or set a custom range by entering the specific dates you would like to print You can also opt to print a full month per page or print a particular range to a single page Both options automatically resize the calendar to ensure that you get the printed materials you need to best communicate project status and goals SEE ia a yT em
52. so combine the flexibility of layouts with the power of filters and sorts to quickly pinpoint and present project details in specific project snapshots BF Cotaren Headings sad Timwscate Tapi BF Couma bersara and Thsescate Bonen l Mirae Timtacake fram Tog CHiram thwr Arlirviy Eoma Mamba Dharstion i Amal Duras Auai Pirin Date E Atual finish Time Ed Amai Saat Date Ed Mtua Start Tires Curen en L Cd iar iD F Banaig Cori 1 e Get just the right view of project values with custom layouts e Create and save lists of layouts in the Layout Toolbar e Lock columns to prevent them from moving when scrolling horizontally ii Create custom layouts of project values by organizing columns time period summaries and timescales into different arrangements 17 Section 2 Flexible Scheduling Section 3 Resource Tracking e Adding Resources with the Resource Information Form e Creating and Modifying Resource Work Calendars e Assigning Resources to Activities e Formatting Resource Graphs The success of a project depends on its resources the people equip ment and materials that are needed to get the job done FastTrack Schedule s Resource View has all the tools you need to track and manage critical resource information Project details such as assign ments percent usage and time usage are displayed in a colorful graphs that are easy to read and even easier to customize Wit
53. tical Paths between tasks in the schedule by selecting it from the View menu within the Schedule View The appearance including color and thickness of lines for each Critical Path within your schedule may be altered along with other links in the Format Link dialog amp Customize and save unique Critical Path styles ELLEELLE 27 Section 4 Powerful Scheduling Formatting Calculation Columns and Column Summaries e Track budgeted and actual cash FastTrack Schedule s spreadsheet like capabilities enable you to create customized calculation columns flows and column summaries Calculation columns and column summaries are powerful reporting tools that generate key project details as your schedules are updated and changed e Summarize values within columns Calculation columns derive their values from other columns Instead of entering values for a calcula tion column you define a statement directing FastTrack Schedule to use operations and functions to e Choose from over 70 predefined automatically calculate the value calculation functions Calculations are easy to format and can track items such as budgeted and actual cash flows Custom calculations can be simple or complex but once defined FastTrack Schedule automatically generates new values or updates existing values as project data is entered and revised FastTrack Schedule sup plies over 70 predefined functions to speed calculation set up
54. time Add multiple D Hiie Cri barh i his Cicer timescale rows in generic fiscal or calendar E Dedy kian iieri l a time units vers Dea ploy Dot io gt ham io eu una Spo Peters fer Werke Teta bat pen A Tamai tose Ae ah we prea _ l Section 1 Easy Accurate Scheduling Drawing Bars to Enter Dates or Typing Dates to Draw Bars e Illustrate tasks graphically with bars and milestones e Enter or edit tasks by drawing bars or typing dates e ExpressDate pop up calendar saves time entering activity start and finish dates Gi Use the Bar tool to enter tasks graphically The Bar Tracking window displays date and duration information for accurate task entry The position of an activity bar in the timeline graph represents an activity s start finish and duration With FastTrack Schedule activities can be entered graphically or by typing Using the Bar tool activities can be drawn in the timeline graph Simply select a bar style from the Bar Styles Toolbar and click and drag to draw a bar The Bar Tracking window will appear displaying date and time information about the drawn bar As you move the cursor across the timeline graph the Cursor Tracking Area also displays the exact date and time over which the cursor is positioned Both tracking windows help you to precisely enter and revise your activity dates and durations Drawing an activity bar in the timeline graph automatically
55. ule by typing resource names in the Assigned Resources column or within the Assignments panel of the Information form 21 Section 3 Resource Tracking Formatting Resource Graphs Display up to three usage graphs for each resource e Use graphs to display over allocation e Customize font attributes and graphs to match your specific needs FastTrack Schedule s Resource View enables you to view resource information clearly for more effec tive tracking of time usage and costs Subrows for each resource display Percent Usage Time Usage and the corresponding activity bars to which the resource has been assigned You have the ability to format each element of the Resource Graph Double click in the Row Number action column to select the resource row you wish to format and the Format Resource Row dialog will open There you can determine the look of both the font and the graph You can customize the font size style justification and color of each text element for a particular row or group of rows Formatting the appearance of graphs in the Resource View s Percent Usage and Time Usage subrows allows you to customize the look of each aspect of your graph Choose a color pattern and outline to represent normal allocation over allocation and typical non work time For example set your graph to appear in red when a resource is over allocated making it easy to identify when you need to adjust a resource

FastTrack Schedule 9 Evaluation Guide

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