Build PERT charts in draw.io

What is a PERT chart?

A PERT chart or diagram is a management tool used for mapping dependencies. It’s used in project management to analyze and represent tasks, focusing on the time required to complete a given task, as well as to identify the minimum amount of time needed to complete the whole project.

In this blogpost, we’ll be looking at a brief history of PERT, and how to build PERT charts in draw.io.

Some PERTinent history

PERT originally stood for Program Evaluation Research Task, which was subsequently renamed as Program Evaluation and Review Technique.

Source: Wikipedia, PERT Summary Report Phase 2, 1958

Developed by the United States Navy Special Projects Office, the aim of PERT was to simplify the planning and scheduling of large and complex projects. According to PERT co-inventor Willard Fazar, PERT charts look at the interdependence of events as well as the necessary time to complete each activity between two successive events. Each activity is assessed by, “most likely time”, “optimistic time”, “pessimistic time”, or “expected time” to be completed.^[1]

PERT charts today

PERT charts continue to be used today. The big advantage of PERT is that it incorporates uncertainty, meaning project managers can create a timeline without knowing all the precise task durations in advance. It is therefore a dependency-mapping tool that focuses on the events themselves, rather than the project start and end.

It’s primarily used for projects where time is a major factor that must be accounted for, rather than factors relating to cost. Example use cases include: large-scale, one-time, complex, non-routine infrastructure projects, as well as R&D projects.^[2]

Another key factor is that PERT charts clearly identify what’s known as the critical path, i.e. the sequence of tasks that directly impacts the project completion date. This allows project managers to focus on the most crucial activities and identify potential bottlenecks.^[3]

How to build a PERT chart in draw.io

PERT charts are constructed using arrows and nodes. Arrows represent activities or the work required to reach nodes (signifying events) that indicate each completed phase of the project.

The first step is to determine the specific project tasks and the order in which they must be completed. Time estimates given to activities must reflect normal, non-rushed time to gauge a realistic estimate of the project duration.^[4]

PERT chart templates

In draw.io, the choice is yours: either build your PERT chart from scratch, or use one of our templates to get started.

There are two PERT chart templates; these can be found in our Template Library, under the Business category. Click on the zoom (magnifying glass) icon in the top right of a template to preview it.

PERT chart templates in draw.io

Add shapes to your personal Scratchpad

If you’re building your PERT chart from scratch, your personal Scratchpad is here to help. Add shapes, groups of shapes, connectors – even entire diagrams, to the Scratchpad, to quickly reuse throughout your diagram. Of course, you can customize the color and font of these shapes first, meaning each time you add the shape to your diagram, it’s already formatted in the style of your choosing.

Animate connectors

Using animated connectors is a great way to ensure your diagram flow is easy to read and that your critical path stands out in your PERT chart. Animated connectors visually represent the diagram flow, making it immediately clear to viewers the order in which tasks must be completed. Using different connector colors and line thickness will help here, too.

And the best part? These animated connectors persist on your Confluence page. This means your dynamic PERT chart isn’t just a separate file; it’s seamlessly embedded within your key documentation, transforming the entire page into a comprehensive and engaging presentation for stakeholders.

Animated connectors to draw attention to specific flows in your diagram

PERT and Gantt charts

Once you’ve mapped out your events and the critical path, you can then translate this information into a Gantt chart for more detailed scheduling, resource management, and progress tracking over time.

Gantt charts are often used concurrently with PERT methodology to provide a comprehensive project overview. The PERT chart represents “what needs to happen in what order,” while the Gantt chart shows ” when it will happen and how we are doing.”

Cut out the uncertainty

PERT charts remain an invaluable tool for navigating project complexity, particularly when you’re faced with uncertain timelines. But after reading this post, there should be no uncertainty about how to build them easily in draw.io!

Create these powerful diagrams intuitively with draw.io, whether from a template or starting from scratch. Leverage the Scratchpad for shapes that are ready at hand to use time and time again, and use animated connectors to make your diagram flows really stand out.

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