Creating a New Project File


Opening an Existing File

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "File Open", as described above


Contents
Welcome to ProjectVision

Creating a New Project File

Opening an Existing Project File

Saving a File

Saving a File Under a New Name

Setting up the Printer

Printing the Network Chart Main Window

Processing a Batch Update File

The Batch Update File Format

Moving an Activity Within the Display Window

Deleting a Task, Milestone, or Subproject from the Project

Copying a Task, Milestone, or Subproject for Pasting in the Project

Pasting a Task or Milestone into the Project

Clearing a Task or Milestone from the Project Without Cutting to the Clipboard

Clearing all Tasks, Milestones, and Subprojects from the Project

Making a New Task

Editing a Task

Setting a Task Duration

Assigning Resources to a Task

Making a New Milestone

Editing a Milestone

Making a New Subproject

Including Existing Activities in Subprojects

Viewing and Setting Project Name, WBS, and Start Date

Editing the Project

Editing the Project Calendar

The Project Calendar Dialog

Defining and Editing the Project Resources

Using The Resources Editor Dialog

Displaying the Main Window at Actual Size

Displaying the Entire Network in the Window

Zooming the Display

Setting the Display Scale and Page Size

The Display and Report Dimensions Dialog

Calculating the Project

Calculating and Recording an Earned Value Reporting Period

Turning Project Automatic Calculation on and off

Controlling Activity Appearance on the Screen and On Reports

The Activity Display Settings Dialog

Displaying the ProjectVision Earned Value Analysis Window

Displaying the ProjectVision Gantt Chart Window

Changing ProjectVision WYSIWYG Fonts and Text Sizes

Editing a Subproject

Returning From a Subproject

Getting Text Reports

Getting a Resource Schedule Chart

The Network Window Display Area

Connecting or Creating a Dependency Between Activities

Editing the Project Gantt Chart

The Project "Earned Value" Window


Welcome to ProjectVision

ProjectVision is a new kind of Project scheduling, budgeting, and management program for Windows. ProjectVision's advanced "Earned Value" modelling capabilities provide you with unparalleled and unprecedented power. ProjectVision is easy for anyone to use, making it unique among all fully featured project management software programs. We at Tribal Software advocate that the Project manager can and should personally use ProjectVision to manage the project eliminating the need for expensive consultants and experts needed to run and use other project management software.

When your job and reputation is on the line there should be something that gives you the power to know exactly what project status and cost is, along with allowing you to predict and control the outcome of your project's destiny.  ProjectVision gives you this power.

Using ProjectVision you can predict:

*	what the project will actually cost
*	when you will actually finish
*	what you need to do to catch up or throttle back.

These predictions are provided for you directly by ProjectVision. You don't need to hire a consultant to spend weeks analyzing reams of data to find out where you really are.


Saving a File

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "File Save" described above.


Saving a File Under an New Name


Setting up the Printer


Printing the Network Chart Main Window

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Print", as described above


Processing a Batch Update File

ProjectVision PRO and higher versions of ProjectVision allow you to update project task and milestone percentage completion, and actual cost using a text input file. This capability is especially useful for large projects where there are many tasks. Even on a large project you can update the project status almost instantly this way because of the relative speed of the batch update versus normal interactive use.


The Batch Update File Format

ProjectVision batch update files have file extension .UPD. These files have one line per activity and are formatted as follows:

activityName "percentComplete" nnn
activityName "actualCost" nnnnnn

where activity name is the name of the task or milestone to be updated, "percentComplete" and  "actualCost" are literally as shown here, nnn is a number from 0 to 100 representing percentage completion, and nnnnnn is the actual cost of the task.


Determining What Version of ProjectVision you Have

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "About ProjectVision", as described above


Deleting a Task, Milestone, or Subproject from the
Deleting a Task, Milestone, or Subproject from the Project

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Cut", as described above


Copying a Task, Milestone, or Subproject for Pasti
Copying a Task, Milestone, or Subproject for Pasting in the Project

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Copy", as described above


Pasteing a Task or Milestone into the Project
Pasting a Task or Milestone into the Project

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Copy", as described above


Clearing a Task or Milestone from the Project With
Clearing a Task or Milestone from the Project Without Cutting to the Clipboard


Clearing all Tasks, Milestones, and Subprojects
Clearing all Tasks, Milestones, and Subprojects from the Project Without Cutting to the Clipboard


Making a New Task

To make a new Task within the project select the task tool as described below and drag from another activity with the mouse right button held down, to the point on the network where you want the new task to appear. Release the mouse button and the task definition dialog will appear. The task must, as a minimum, be given a name using this dialog. Selection of the task tool from either the menu or tool bar is described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Task", as described above


Editing a Task

To edit a Task double click on the Task in the network or gantt window. The Task Edit Dialog will appear. Use of the Task Edit Dialog is as described below.


Setting a Task Duration

Set a Task's duration by setting the number of person days it takes to perform the task. The number of "Person Days" is an input within the "Task Planner Input Area" on the Task Dialog. Task duration is a function of the calendar, assigned resources, and person days to perform the task.


Assigning Resources to a Task

To assign resources to a Task, use the "Select" button in the "Resources" area of the Task edit dialog.


Making a New Milestone

To make a new Milestone within the project select the milestone tool as described below and drag from another activity with the mouse right button held down, to the point on the network where you want the new milestone to appear. Release the mouse button and the milestone definition dialog will appear. The milestone must, as a minimum, be given a name using this dialog. Selection of the milestone tool from either the menu or tool bar is described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Milestone", as described above.


Editing a Milestone


Making a New Subproject

To make a new Subproject within the project select the subproject tool as described below and drag from another activity with the mouse right button held down, to the point on the network where you want the new subproject to appear. Release the mouse button and the subproject definition dialog will appear. The subproject must, as a minimum, be given a name using this dialog. Selection of the subproject tool from either the menu or tool bar is described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Subproject", as described above


Including Existing Activities in Subprojects

If you would like for any of the activities currently on screen in the project to be included in the subproject simply select all of these activities by drawing a box around them with the mouse. They will turn black after you do this. Then proceed as normal to make the Subproject. All selected activities prior to the Subproject definition will be moved out of the main task into the new Subproject. All connections to these activities will become connections to the new Subproject. You should immediately enter the new Subproject and as a minimum connect the activities within it to the start and end milestones.


Viewing and Setting Project Name, WBS, Start Dates
Viewing and Setting Project Name, WBS, and Start Date

To set the project name, description, start date, and top level WBS value use the menu "Tool Project" or the toolbar as described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Project", as described above.


Editing the Project


Editing the Project Calendar

To edit the Project Calendar including definition of holidays, workdays during the week, and other non-work days use the menu "Tool Calendar" or toolbar as described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Calendar", as described above


The Project Calendar Dialog


Defining and Editing the Project Resources

To edit the Project Resources including people, materials, and organization costs to the project use the menu "Tool Resources" or toolbar as described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Resources", as described above.


Using The Resources Editor Dialog

Setting a Resource Cost

To set a Resource Unit cost edit the "Unit Cost" field of the Resource Editor dialog. To set the fixed cost of the resource edit the "Fixed Cost" field of the Resource Editor dialog.

Making a New Resource

To make a new resource, first use the "New" button on the Resource Editor dialog. This will create a template resource named "A New Resource". Next edit the Name, Number of Person Days per Unit Cost, and Fixed and Unit costs to the values you desire. Finally, select the "Update" button on the Resource Editor dialog to change the template resource into your project resource.


Displaying the Main Window at Actual Size

To pan the main window out to actual print size at the current selected WYSIWYG font size and page size, use either the menu "Actual Size" item or the "Actual Size" button on the toolbar as described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Actual Size", as described above


Displaying the Entire Network in the Window

To fit  the current selected WYSIWYG page size into the main window, use either the menu "Fit in Window" item or the "Fit in Window" button on the toolbar as described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Fit in Window", as described above


Zooming the Display

To Zoom the display, use either the menu "Zoom" item or the "Zoom" button on the toolbar as described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Zoom", as described above.


Setting the Display Scale and Page Size

ProjectVision is a true WYSIWYG Windows Application. The display scale is a function of the selected printed page size. To set the page size use the menu "Dimensions" item or the toolbar "Dimensions" button as described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Dimensions", as described above.


The Display and Report Dimensions Dialog

ProjectVision is a true WYSIWYG Windows Application. The display scale is a function of the selected printed page size. To run the Display and Report Dimensions Dialog use the menu "Dimensions" item or the toolbar. Use of this dialog is described below.


Calculating the Project

ProjectVision defaults to dymamically recalculating all project and activity parameters automatically. This can be time consuming on extremely large projects or on older slower computers. To manually cause recalculation of the project when automatic project recalculation is turned off use the "Recalculate Project" menu item or toolbar item as described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Recalculate Project", as described above.


Calculating and Recording an Earned Value Reportin
Calculating and Recording an Earned Value Reporting Period

ProjectVision PRO EV provides advanced project earned value modelling features. Among these is the capability to calculate and record project Earned Value at periodic reporting periods. To record a reporting periods data use the "Calculate Reporting Period" menu item or toolbar button as described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Calculate Reporting Period", as described above.


Turning Project Automatic Calculation on and off

ProjectVision defaults to automatic calculation of all project and activity parameters . This can be time consuming on extremely large projects or on older slower computers. To toggle automatic calculation on or off use the "Automatic Calculation" menu item or toolbar button as described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Automatic Calculation", as described above


Controlling Activity Appearance on the Screen and
Controlling Activity Appearance on the Screen and On Reports

ProjectVision provides you with the capability to control the parameters that surround each activity as shown on the screen including start and finish dates, slack, costs, etc. To control this aspect of the ProjectVision display and reports use the menu or toolbar "Activity Display Settings" as described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Activity Display Settings", as described above.


The Activity Display Settings Dialog

ProjectVision provides you with the capability to control the parameters that surround each activity as shown on the screen including start and finish dates, slack, costs, etc. To display this dialog use the menu or toolbar "Activity Display Settings". The Activity Display Settings dialog is used as defined below.


Displaying the ProjectVision Earned Value Analysis
Displaying the ProjectVision Earned Value Analysis Window

ProjectVision PRO EV provides you unparalleled and unprecedented capabilities to do project Earned Value analysis. To control this aspect of the ProjectVision display and reports use the menu or toolbar "Display Earned Value Analysis" as described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Display Earned Value Analysis", as described above.


Displaying the ProjectVision Gantt Chart Window

ProjectVision provides you with a capability to view, edit, and update status of your project as a Gantt Chart. To control this aspect of the ProjectVision display and reports use the menu or toolbar "Gantt Chart View" as described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Gantt Chart View", as described above.


Changing ProjectVision WYSIWYG Fonts and Text Size
Changing ProjectVision WYSIWYG Fonts and Text Sizes

ProjectVision provides you with a capability to change the fonts of all graphical charts and windows to any font defined in your Windows system. This is accomplished either with the menu "Text Font Menu" or with the toolbar font listbox and text size scroller. Use of these controls is as described below. All ProjectVision graphics dynamically resize themselves in response to your text font and size controls.

To use this control pull down on the listbox with the mouse to select the font you want for all graphic windows. To control text size use the scroller and adjust the size of your schedule as it dynamically updates in the WYSIWYG window.


Editing a Subproject

Editing a Subproject is a very simple thing to do in ProjectVision. Simply click on the  subproject with the mouse once from the network window, selecting it. Then choose either the menu "Edit Subproject" item or the toolbar "Edit Subproject" button, as described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Edit Subproject", as described above.


Returning From a Subproject

Returning from a Subproject is a very simple thing to do in ProjectVision. Simply choose either the menu "Return From Subproject" item or the toolbar "Return From Subproject" button, as described below.

To use this button click on it with the mouse. This has exactly the same effect as using the menu "Return From Subproject", as described above.


Getting a Project Summary Text Report

ProjectVision provides a high level text report on the project suitable for high level status reporting. Generation of this report in a text window is accomplished through use of the "Project Summary" report menu item as described below.


Getting a Project Activity Text Report

ProjectVision provides a spreadsheet compatible text report of all activities on the project. Generation of this report in a text window is accomplished through use of the "Activity" report menu item as described below.


Getting an Earned Value Reporting Period Text Repo
Getting an Earned Value Reporting Period Text Report

ProjectVision provides a spreadsheet compatible text report of all recorded earned, planned and actual value during the life of the project. Generation of this report in a text window is accomplished through use of the "Earned Value Reporting Periods" report menu item as described below.


Getting a Project Planned Cost by Day Text Report

ProjectVision provides a spreadsheet compatible text report of project planned cost by day for the duration of the project. Generation of this report in a text window is accomplished through use of the "Project Planned Cost by Day" report menu item as described below.


Getting a Project Planned Cost by Week Text Report

ProjectVision provides a spreadsheet compatible text report of project planned cost by week for the duration of the project. Generation of this report in a text window is accomplished through use of the "Project Planned Cost by Week" report menu item as described below.


Getting a Project Planned Cost by Month Text Repor
Getting a Project Planned Cost by Month Text Report

ProjectVision provides a spreadsheet compatible text report of project planned cost by Month for the duration of the project. Generation of this report in a text window is accomplished through use of the "Project Planned Cost by Month" report menu item as described below.


Getting an Activity Planned Cost by Day Text Repor
Getting an Activity Planned Cost by Day Text Report

ProjectVision provides a spreadsheet compatible text report of activity planned cost by day for the duration of the project. Generation of this report in a text window is accomplished through use of the "Activity Planned Cost by Day" report menu item as described below.


Getting Text Reports
Getting a Project Summary Text Report

Getting a Project Activity Text Report

Getting an Earned Value Reporting Period Text Report

Getting a Project Planned Cost by Day Text Report

Getting a Project Planned Cost by Week Text Report

Getting a Project Planned Cost by Month Text Report

Getting an Activity Planned Cost by Day Text Report

Getting an Activity Planned Cost by Week Text Report

Getting an Activity Planned Cost by Month Text Report

Getting a Resource Utilization Report


Getting an Activity Planned Cost by Day Text Repor
Getting an Activity Planned Cost by Day Text Report

ProjectVision provides a spreadsheet compatible text report of activity planned cost by day for the duration of the project. Generation of this report in a text window is accomplished through use of the "Activity Planned Cost by Day" report menu item as described below.


Getting an Activity Planned Cost by Week Text Repo
Getting an Activity Planned Cost by Week Text Report

ProjectVision provides a spreadsheet compatible text report of activity planned cost by Week for the duration of the project. Generation of this report in a text window is accomplished through use of the "Activity Planned Cost by Week" report menu item as described below.


Getting an Activity Planned Cost by Month Text Rep
Getting an Activity Planned Cost by Month Text Report

ProjectVision provides a spreadsheet compatible text report of activity planned cost by Month for the duration of the project. Generation of this report in a text window is accomplished through use of the "Activity Planned Cost by Month" report menu item as described below.


Getting a Resource Utilization Report

ProjectVision provides a spreadsheet compatible text report of resource utilization over the duration of the project. Generation of this report in a text window is accomplished through use of the "Resource Utilization" report menu item as described below.


Getting a Resource Schedule Chart

ProjectVision PRO and ProjectVision PRO EV provide a graphical Gantt chart resource schedule on a per resource basis over the duration of the project. Once generated this chart is fully active and tasks and milestones can be edited directly from the chart window. Generation of this chart in a graphics window is accomplished through use of the "Resource Schedule Chart" report menu item as described below.


The Network Window Display Area

The Network Window Display Area provides a display of activities including tasks, milestones, and subprojects, as well as their connectivity with and dependencies upon each other.


Connecting or Creating a Dependency Between Activi
Connecting or Creating a Dependency Between Activities

Dependencies are created and activity inputs and outputs are defined as follows:


Editing the Project Gantt Chart

The Project "Gantt" Window provides an editable view of the project as a Gantt chart. This chart can be printed and updated interactively with the mouse as is shown below.


The Project "Earned Value" Window

The Project "Earned Value" Window provides an earned value analysis of the project, plotting earned, versus planned, versus actual value of the work performed on the project.. This chart can be printed and zoomed with the mouse to focous on a particular aspect of the analysis as is shown below.


Moving an Activity Within the Display Window

To move an activity, first select it with the mouse. Selection marks will appear at the four corners of the activity. Next, drag the activity by holding down the left mouse button within the area of the activity. This will cause a feedback rectangle to move with the mouse to the selected position on the screen. When the activity is at the desired position within the schedule network, release the left mouse button. The schedule will be redrawn on the screen with the activity in the new position.