This free add-in helps you to create and modify a project schedule in a spreadsheet faster and more accurately than by hand. At first run it creates a sheet with columns to describe tasks and a Gantt chart for visualization and a sheet to contain information on project level. Then you can edit the schedule and change the view from the add-in’s task pane.

The tasks can be put in a hierarchical WBS structure by indenting the task descriptions. The tasks get a WBS code accordingly. Summary tasks can be collapsed/expanded for a better overview. The dates for starting and finishing a task can be entered in the spreadsheet but also with a date picker in the task pane. Summary tasks in the WBS receive start and finish dates from their sub-tasks. All dates appear as a bar from start to finish in the Gantt chart for the part they fall inside the set timescale. The start date of the timescale can be changed as well as the period.

During project execution you can enter progress as a percentage to each task. The percentage can be entered in the spreadsheet but also with a slider in the task pane. 100% completed tasks can be filtered out. Summary tasks in the WBS and the overall project receive a progress percentage from their sub tasks taking into account their durations. Optional color indications in the schedule table or Gantt chart give alerts for progress and delay.

The optional Pro version includes automated project scheduling based on task duration and the linking of tasks, taking working hours and non-working holidays into account. Resources are kept in a separate worksheet and can be assigned to tasks. A resource can be work or material. Costs are calculated based on resource rate and work hours. You can try this with a free trial of 10 days without any obligation. Pro licenses are purchased for a year in-app using PayPal without subscription or direct debits. You need a Microsoft account for authentication.

ProjectSheet - Gantt chart

by Forscale