Replies

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Jun 23, 2003 11:45pm | #1

   Welcome to the forum.  Try to do a search here for scheduling software...this discussion comes up every 6 mos or so.  Good luck with the search function.

   Microsoft Project does a great job and is probably all you need, but it costs about $500.  TurboProject by IMSI is a clone that works ok, costs under a c-note.

   Do it right, or do it twice.

1. 
   benchmark | Jun 27, 2003 06:38pm | #2

   Mr. CID,

   Are you currently running Microsoft Project 2000?

   Are you content with it or do you have your eyes on another program?

   Does it have a construction scheduling capabilities? (Calendar bar graph)

   Mark

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Jun 28, 2003 02:46am | #3

   Alas, no.  I used it when I was employed, but now that I'm on my own I can't afford it.  I think there are three levels of scheduling programs: Primavera, which costs thousands, and for which companies will hire people who do nothing all day but run the program.  Useful if you're building a nuclear submarine or The world trade center or something.  Second level is Microsoft Project for aabout $500.  Great program.  Time scale divisions can be set from a month down to 15 minutes, I think, so if you arer in manufacturing you can schedule individual processes, etc.  Third level is Turbo Project and the stuff you download for free...actually Turbo is better than that.  It's a knockoff of Microsoft Project, but with some of the customization options missing.  Having used both, Turbo is a little frustrating.

   My opinion...if you're new to computerized scheduling and want to try it out, or if money is tight, Turbo Project would be a good choice.  If you can afford it, buy Microsoft Project, it's probably all you will ever need.  Yes it has calendar bar graphs, and lots of stuff you probably haven't thought about.

   Do it right, or do it twice.

1. 
   JerraldHayes | Jun 28, 2003 05:05am | #4

   ELCID72 by any chance have you ever used or taken a look at AECSofts Fasttrack? As I mentioned to Cloud Hidden in the Mac OS discussion the other night:

   Thinking about it just now I'm 100% jaguar with all my apps with the exception of believe it or not Apple MacProject II. I think were talking 1989 was the last upgrade with that! God, I wish they would revive that application. It's real Critical Path Management (CPM) program and not just a souped up Gannt chart application like MSProject or AEC's Fastrack.

   I'm actually now considering Fastrack since it has the ability to work with a Palm handheld exchanging information and I was just looking to hear about other experiences with it. I figure I can at least use it to publish schedules while still doing the real CPM computations in MacProject II.

   To tell you the truth I'm also very seriously considering breaking down and purchasing a Windows machine so I can use MSProject with the ProChain enhancements that allow it to do Critical Chain Project Management. Are you (or anyone else for that matter) at all familiar with Critical Chain?

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   "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead

1. 
   FastEddie1 | Jun 28, 2003 05:49am | #5

   I have no experience with the software you mention.  Maybe because I'm not smart enough to use an apple?  Seriously, Microsoft Project does way more than I need, and I'm comfortable with it.  I also don't have a palm pilot...never saw the need for it.

   I'm 100% jaguar with   What?  Not familiar with that phrase.

   Do it right, or do it twice.

2. 
   JerraldHayes | Jun 28, 2003 06:47am | #6

   ELCID, AECSofts Fasttrack is cross platform: Mac, Palm, and Windows. I just looking around for other people who have used it as I play around with the demo.

   I also don't have a palm pilot...never saw the need for it.

   We use palms for keeping timecard information, contact lists, do lists, project information, and even a baluster layout application. I think some of the other guys have some other construction type calculators apps too.

   re:I'm 100% jaguar with    What?  Not familiar with that phrase.

   Jaguar is the code or slang name for Mac OS 10.2 (or OS X) which is radically different than it's predecessor OS 9. While Jaguar can run OS 9 applications by essentially running the OS 9 system (called Classic) at the same time within OS X what I was refering to by being 100% Jaguar was that I run almost all the upgarded OS X versions of my applications. That takes advantage of the incredible stability of the system. 287 days now and only one forced restart.

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   "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." - Margaret Mead