Why Gantt Charts Are DEAD for Modern Project Management in 2024

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[paperlessmove]

If you're still not convinced that Gantt is dead, here are two articles from our co-founder and multi-business owner that provide detailed insights on how we effectively manage even highly complex projects without using Gantt charts. I hope you find them helpful.

[impulsesystems]

I first learned about Gantt charts nearly 40 years ago, when my then manager had no planning skills at all. I showed we could not meet the promised delivery based on lead times from our suppliers, no matter how optimistic we were about our deliverables! Not a popular opinion!

Thanks for the video. I am not involved in project management these days but I have been on software projects, in the past, where the project doc was the god we spent most of our time on. It was madness. I could see it then and you have shown me there are better ways!

[DaleSimpson]

Anyone using Gantt charts for detailed project planning and execution in 2024 is nothing short of incompetent. The layered planning approach you talk about is what I've been using for over 10 years and it works. The Gantt chart didn't go away though. It's moved to the level of detail where it delivers the most value, outcome-based planning over longer timeframes. Specifically, that is the scope of both programmes portfolios. For projects, Lean or Agile-based approaches are best for managing the execution of projects at the detailed task level. This layered approach of Gantt-stype road maps at the time and Agile-based iterative & incremental delivery at the bottom provides the best both sets of tools have to offer and delivers on the level of agility that is needed today.

Btw, Love your videos!

[Guipvideotek]

Most of my time at beginning of a project is spent on defining Milestones with Project Client / Sponsor "What does (s)he want to achieve (business wise) in 3 months / 6 months?", then "what will make you say 'Yeah, it's done' ?".. then, we're able to define the products that need being done by the teams. And we focus on those products.

For me, Gantt Chart are a time waster especially when trying to focus on resource allocation (up to the hour per week... gosh!) while things happen with the basics : "if the team is properly managed on a daily basis/ weekly basis, people do what they can... what's important then is to handle product scope in order to keep the client / sponsor happy. When you talk back to the sponsor, then, you propose product scope changes in the light of what he wants to achieve, and it's easier to link it to business considerations"

[ruzzellp]

Gantt charts have been outdated for 30 years. They are fine for presentations to top management.

[ksoonsoon]

I don’t think I actually heard a solution. So the proposal seems to be to get rid of the Gant chart because they are too labor intensive. How do you keep track of the final schedule without one? What is your proposal? Can you summarize it in a nutshell without a hour long video?

[nfn]

What is the solution?

Previously, the solution involved using a Gantt chart.

A Gantt chart is a tool that illustrates the amount of work completed over time in comparison to the planned schedule.

What are you using as a replacement?

I’ve heard there is a planning framework in use. However, it’s important to note that a Gantt chart and a planning strategy are not the same. A strategy outlines how you plan, while visualization tools like a Gantt chart depict the scope, timeline, and progress of work. So your framework describes as layer planning could also you the visual Gantt chart.

Example, If you meet a new client tomorrow and they want to understand the project scope, you will need to show them a clear plan that outlines the following:

1. Scope of work – What tasks are involved in the project.
2. Timeline – When each task will be completed.
3. Budget – An overview of estimated costs and resources.


1. Strategy vs. Visualization Tool:
A planning strategy (like layered planning) outlines how you approach planning, prioritization, and execution of work. A Gantt chart, on the other hand, is a visualization tool used to represent the plan—not the strategy itself.

2. A Gantt Chart Represents What Is Occurring:
This is true. A Gantt chart visualizes the current project scope, tasks, and timelines based on the plan. If the project changes, the Gantt chart needs to be updated to reflect those changes, making it a snapshot of what is currently planned rather than the strategy driving the project.

How will you present this information in a way that gives the client confidence in your timeline and budget projections?

[alwayson]

Trashing a proven method but not giving real alternatives.

[paperlessmove]

How do you currently handle unexpected changes in your projects? Do you stick with traditional tools like Gantt charts, or have you tried more flexible, adaptive approaches? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear what’s working (or not working) for your team!