Network diagrams in project management — definition, types and benefits

In the world of project management, staying organised and effectively managing complex tasks can be a daunting challenge. This is where a network diagram can come to the rescue.

What is a network diagram in project management?

A network diagram serves as a visual representation of project tasks, their relationships and the flow of activities. Network diagrams provide a visual roadmap, highlighting critical paths and allowing project teams to identify dependencies, analyse project timelines and optimise resource allocation for successful project execution.

What is a project schedule network diagram in project management?

A project schedule network diagram, also known as a network diagram in project management, is a visual representation of the sequential and logical relationships between tasks within a project. It serves as a project network, presenting activities, their durations and interdependencies in a graphical format.

By mapping out the relationships between tasks, a project schedule network diagram helps project teams identify critical paths, determine project timelines and assess the impact of changes on the overall project plan. It provides a comprehensive overview of the project’s structure, facilitating effective communication and co-ordination among team members and stakeholders.

Types of network diagrams

There are two main types of network diagrams commonly used in project management — the Arrow Diagram Method (ADM) and the Precedence Diagram Method (PDM). We’ll also discuss the Blank Project Network Diagram.

The Arrow Diagram Method (ADM), also known as the Activity Network Diagram or Activity on Arrow, is a graphical technique that represents activities as arrows and nodes to depict their relationships and dependencies. In ADM, the arrows represent activities and the nodes represent events or milestones. The length of the arrows indicates the duration of each activity and the arrows’ connections show the logical sequence of activities.

ADM aims to visualise the critical path, identify project constraints and facilitate project scheduling and resource allocation. It provides a straightforward representation of project activities and their interdependencies.

The Precedence Diagram Method (PDM), also referred to as the Node Network or Activity on Node, is another type of network diagram used in project management. PDM represents activities as nodes and uses arrows to depict relationships and dependencies. The nodes in PDM represent activities and the arrows represent dependencies between them.

Unlike ADM, PDM focuses on the relationships between activities rather than their durations. PDM allows for flexibility in managing complex projects with multiple dependencies, as it can handle different types of relationships such as finish-to-start, start-to-start, finish-to-finish and start-to-finish. It helps in determining the critical path, optimising project schedules and identifying potential bottlenecks or areas of risk.

Additionally, there is the Blank Project Network Diagram, which serves as a template for creating customised network diagrams specific to a particular project. It provides a blank canvas where project managers can visualise and organise the activities, milestones and dependencies relevant to their projects.

This type of network diagram is typically used for unique or specialised projects that require a tailored approach to planning and scheduling. It allows project teams to create a customised graphical representation that aligns with the specific requirements and characteristics of the project at hand.

Benefits of a network diagram

A network diagram offers many benefits that may vary depending on the specific project and its requirements. The following list encompasses the most common advantages that a network diagram provides:

• Time-efficiency. Having a clear idea about the time it takes to complete a task gives the project manager the ability to plan accordingly.
• Control over the task sequence. Project managers can gain a clear understanding of the relationships between tasks with a network diagram, allowing them to establish and maintain a logical and well-organised sequence of activities.
• Task time management. Network diagrams assist in estimating task durations and allocating appropriate resources. By visualising dependencies and task durations, project teams can better manage their time and ensure timely completion of project milestones.
• Visual representation of progress for stakeholders. Stakeholders often require visual representations to track project progress. Network diagrams provide an easily understandable visual roadmap that shows completed tasks, ongoing activities and upcoming milestones.
• Establishing project workflows. Network diagrams help define and streamline project workflows by identifying the order and dependencies of tasks. Established workflows let project teams to maintain efficient processes and allocate resources accordingly.
• Tracking dependencies and potential bottlenecks. By identifying critical paths and understanding task dependencies, a network diagram highlights the interdependencies between tasks, allowing project teams to proactively track potential bottlenecks.

Use a project network diagram with the right software

Using a project network diagram with the right software can revolutionise the way your team plans, tracks and organises tasks within a project. A network diagram in project management provides a comprehensive visual representation of project dependencies and critical paths, enabling effective project management from start to finish.

When you’re ready to get started, see how you can make work frictionless. From cross-team collaboration to executive dashboards, Adobe Workfront can help you to define your project strategy, seamlessly roll it out across your entire organisation and connect it to the planning, assigning and delivery of work.

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Additional reading

To keep improving your project management skills, learn how to use PERT in project management.