Using a planning board is an excellent method for visually scheduling processes and tasks. Planning boards have traditionally been created using manual methods. These methods commonly use a large board, and small pieces of paper or something similar. Tasks are written and arranged visually on the board to create an overall process. These can then be rearranged as necessary to accommodate changes in scheduling, personnel, priorities or other outside influences.

The Production Scheduling Software Directory offers information on vendors with diverse software systems. The most typical involves virtual square or rectangular “tags” which can be arranged along a horizontal plane. When clicked, more detail on that particular item can be viewed or edited depending on the user’s access level. Color coding can make it simple to determine workcenter, personnel, teams or other overall information.

For processes, a drag-and-drop Gantt chart can provide similar functionality. Within an even larger Gantt chart with cascading processes it’s possible to gain an instant view of how an overall project is progressing.

There are a number of possible planning boards available. Another type gives a calendar view, showing days horizontally with a vertical timeline. This is particularly useful for those who are used to some of the more popular commercial email applications.

Managers have been scheduling jobs and processes visually for quite some time now. Using an appropriate scheduling software system for this methodology will render a wealth of information in an instant, with a deeper look if necessary, all within a single application.