ProjectLibre - Introducción

Getting Started with ProjectLibre

Introduction to Project Management Software

• The video introduces a series focused on basic functionalities of project management software, specifically highlighting Microsoft Project and its open-source alternative, ProjectLibre.

• ProjectLibre is chosen for its similar functionality to Microsoft Project but is completely free and open-source.

Downloading and Installing ProjectLibre

• Viewers are directed to the official website (projectlibre.com) where two versions are available: Cloud version and Community Edition, the latter being the focus of this tutorial.

• Instructions are provided for downloading version 1.9.3 by clicking the download button twice, leading to installation like any other software.

Initial Setup and Interface Overview

• Upon installation completion, users can either open an existing project or create a new one; a new project is created named "mi proyecto."

• The interface resembles that of Microsoft Project with options grouped under file management, printing, and project settings.

Capturing Tasks in ProjectLibre

Understanding Task Input

• The video outlines three main tasks: capturing activities within the project, grouping those tasks, assigning durations, and establishing relationships between them.

Importance of Hierarchical Structure

• Emphasizes that project management tools help automate scheduling while noting that comprehensive planning documents should include a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS).

• A WBS is typically hierarchical; thus, it’s crucial to reflect this hierarchy when entering activities into the software.

Creating a Work Breakdown Structure

• Demonstrates how to input tasks hierarchically starting with "proyecto de prueba" followed by work packages (e.g., "paquete de trabajo uno").

• Shows how to enter sub-tasks under each work package (e.g., "actividad uno punto uno" and "actividad uno punto dos").

Establishing Task Relationships

Formatting Hierarchical Tasks

• To reflect task hierarchy visually in the software, users must select tasks in the first column and use the indent feature ("sangrar") for proper organization.

• After indenting tasks under their respective work packages (e.g., making "paquete de trabajo uno" bold), it indicates they belong hierarchically beneath it.

Finalizing Task Groupings

• Reiterates applying indentation for all relevant sub-tasks ensuring clarity in task relationships within the project's structure.

Project Planning and Task Management

Overview of Project Documentation

• The project planning document is essential for outlining activities, with the highest hierarchy being the project itself, followed by work packages and their respective activities.

Capturing Activities

• To capture project activities, users can navigate to the "Gantt" view after clicking on the task tab. This allows for a visual representation of tasks.

Modifying Project Information

• Users can modify key project details such as title, start date, and calendar settings through the file information icon. This is crucial for maintaining accurate project documentation.

Task Duration Settings

• When selecting an activity, users can access task-specific information to set estimated durations. The default workday is eight hours, which influences how durations are calculated.

• Users have flexibility in defining task duration: they can input days directly or convert hours (e.g., 4 hours translates to half a day). Weeks can also be used but will convert back to days.

Assigning Durations Efficiently

• A straightforward method for assigning task duration involves clicking on the duration cell and entering a number; this automatically converts it into days.

• Once activity durations are set, the software calculates total durations for work packages and overall projects based on these inputs.

Establishing Activity Sequences

• To organize tasks sequentially, users must identify predecessor relationships between activities. For example, if Activity 4 follows Activity 3, this relationship needs to be established in the predecessor column.

• By entering predecessor numbers (e.g., typing '3' under Activity 4), the software links these tasks so that one starts upon completion of another.