What is the difference between a Gantt chart and a roadmap?
Aren’t Gantt charts and roadmaps just different ways of viewing the same thing? Both tools display information related to finishing a long-term project, such as developing a product. Both tools also set milestones for different parts of the task after some time. But our answer to this common question is a reasonable No: Gantt charts and roadmaps are different tools with totally different purposes.
What is a Gantt chart? Definition & meaning
A Gantt chart is a bar diagram that shows tasks schedules related to a particular project. It was invented by the American consultant Henry Gantt.
A Gantt chart is well-known for the following basics:
- There is a list of tasks and subtasks in the left column
- It contains a header that displays time units
- It also includes bars on a timeline that contain tasks.
With the help of the chart, project teams can understand the required work and the order in which the tasks should be completed. The chart allows visualizing a project’s start and finish dates and the start and endpoints of every task, people assigned to particular tasks, task dependencies, project milestones, and deadlines.
Where do we use a Gantt chart?
Gantt chart looks helpful in:
- IT project management
- Web design
- Construction
- Marketing
- Retail
- Education
- Healthcare
- Business planning
- Event planning
- Consulting
What is a Gantt chart tool?
62% of respondents believe that project work will increase in the future, according to the annual Wellingtone report. It means that the popularity of professional project management and planning tools will also grow.
In this case, online project management tools like Kanbanchi will grow in use. Kanbanchi is a project management and team collaboration tool made specifically for Google Workspace users that provides Gantt Chart and Kanban tool in one app. Kanbanchi integrates with Google immediately after you sign up with your account.
What is a roadmap? Definition & meaning
A roadmap is a planning tool for keeping all participants of the project updated. It is designed with the help of a Gantt chart, and most roadmap tools are based on the Gantt Chart. A product/project roadmap represents the outlined goals with the required steps. Using a handy bar diagram for road mapping, you can set up a plan detailing how the team will complete it. A well-developed roadmap reflects the product strategy.
Where do we use a roadmap?
Roadmaps are used in different industries, from IT to finance. It will help you to:
- Start a project on time
- Meet stakeholder expectations
- Share the progress of your project
- Split a team and stakeholders
- Create a foundation for a future project plan
What is a roadmap tool?
An online roadmap tool enables companies to manage their product/project life cycles and communicate the strategy and goals to management, team, and all stakeholders. A roadmap and a Gantt chart both have advantages and disadvantages. They can work together to help you empower your plan’s strategic elements and execute that plan most effectively.