Timelines show the steps or events of a
process or project over a certain period of time. They show minimal detail, but
they do make it easy to see when each step of the process must be completed.
A
Timeline consists of a horizontal bar or line representing time progressing
from left to right. This bar is marked with events or steps to indicate when
they should or did happen.
Concrete-Techgroup recommends SmartDrawfor drawing Highly Professional Timelines.....easily.....
Video : Project Management, Documentation, Business Graphics & Presentations with SmartDraw
Timelines
show a broad overview of a certain project or process and are especially useful
when there is a project with many different aspects that must be completed by a
certain time. They simplistically show the deadline of each task. They can also
be used to show when past events have occurred. Timelines should not be used to
indicate what individuals need to do to reach the completion of the project;
instead they show when deadlines for various segments of the process or
project.
Best Practices:
Identify the purpose: Determine what
project or process for which the Timeline is being made. Place a fitting title
at the top of the page.
Make the timeline: Decide when the project
or process begins and when it must be completed. Make a horizontal line or bar
in the center of the page. Place the start date at the beginning of the line
and the end date at the end. Create Timelines quickly and easily using the
Timeline template offered by SmartDraw.
Divide the timeline: Based upon the total
duration of the project, divide the timeline into equal, reasonable sections
using small vertical line segments or dashes and labeling each as what it is.
(For instance, if your timeline covers a year you may want to divide it into
months, for a day it should be divided into hours, and for a century, into
decades, etc.)
Change time: If there is a period of time
with no activity, it may be bypassed by removing that segment and adding a
zigzag line.
Add events: Place small circles or points
along the line wherever an event takes place or a task must be completed. Then
attach a vertical line and extend it from the dot up or down, depending on how
crowded the page is, and write the event or task due in a box at the end of the
line. If the Timeline is very crowded, use angled arrows instead. This may also
indicate that the scale of the Timeline is too small.
Add visuals: Use pictures to further
illustrate the event or task on the Timeline. This can add clarity and appeal.
Don't deviate: Use the Timeline as a guide
to finish the project and its steps on time.
Concrete-Techgroup recommends SmartDrawfor drawing Highly Professional Timelines......easily.....
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