You can use our Gantt chart and sheet view to create and manage your work breakdown structure. Unlike a static WBS document, any updates made to the WBS will reflect across the software in real time.
Getting Started With Your WBS
Start by creating your WBS using the Gantt or sheet view. Regardless of which view you prefer to create your WBS, all data feeds across our views at all times. Enter your tasks and the WBS column will automatically populate and help you break these tasks into phases and manageable chunks.
Decimals for Deeper Levels
The WBS column allows the creation of a hierarchical structure through a coding scheme. In the screenshot below, you'll see various numbers separated by decimal points in the WBS column.
You can indent, outdent and expand the WBS columns as needed using the "indent" and "outdent" icons that are located on the top menu of the Gantt chart.
For example, 2.1.1 in the WBS column below means that the item is a Level 3 WBS element as there are three numbers separated by two decimal points. You're able to indent as many times as needed.
Furling and Unfurling
Break down tasks further into subtasks and link tasks by dependencies so you can create a critical path toward your final deliverable. A collection of related tasks that fall under one umbrella is also referred to as a parent task or summary task. You can use the small "+" and "-" buttons.
How Your WBS Reflects Across Views
Across project views, parent tasks are represented by a small flag as demonstrated by the list view below.
Tip: Link subtasks by creating WBS task dependencies. Read more about task dependencies here.
You'll also be able to see the relationship between tasks in the task card view marked with a small arrow as demonstrated below. For example, you can house multiple sub-tasks under one summary task.
Pulling Your WBS Into Reports
To see your WBS reflected in reports, you can run particular reports such as the project status report that includes the WBS column.
When creating reports, make sure that the WBS column is checked so it reflects in your report.
If you have any questions about how to create a work breakdown structure, please email support@projectmanager.com.