I’ve used a Project Dashboard (PD) for so long, “Why?” seems like an odd question.

The first answer is it’s just easier to control a project when literally everything is at your fingertips. I keep all my docs, contact info for my team and other stakeholders there, along with my budget, gantt chart, risk and communication plans and so on.

The PD is not a substitute for the Gantt. The PD adds another dimension as it acts like a dynamic file cabinet that grows with the project. You can use it for collaborating with your team online or off, recording everything in the PD.

Being a visual representation of the project, the PD is great for virtual meetings. Everyone can see the discussion as items are added, then and there. As I’m based in Asia, I find this really helps a lot with multi-cultural teams. Non-native speakers are better able to grasp what’s being discussed, making it easier to participate.

What I really love is using filters to simplify complex projects. Being able to filter out everything but incomplete tasks or showing only tasks assigned to one person is a huge help.

Frankly, I’d be lost without it. I have it up on the screen when I’m on my own, with the team, or presenting to management or my client. One file for all! With all docs attached, it makes a perfect project archive, too. Now that’s managing efficiently! If you’d like to learn more about how I use the PD, visit http://www.mm4projects.com