The complexity of modern projects and the need for quick decisions are major factors in the general acceptance of graphics as the best way to communicate project plans and status. EZPERT^(TM) now automatically produces Gantt Barcharts, Cost and Manpower Resource grphs, and Task Charts (an aid to develope the logic of a project network), in addition to Time-Phased Network Diagrams.

These agumented capabilities mean that today's EZPERT^(TM) automatically generates graphical displays of data used by managers making rapid decisions aimed at bringing projects in one schedule and within budget, subject to resource availability constraints.

There are Four different models of EZPERT^(TM) Systems, each of which can be expanded by adding optional special features. The Model designations are EN1, EN2, AN1, and AN2. Each model of the EZPERT^(TM) Systems operates in Four Graphics Modes. The Prenet Mode produces Task Charts and Logic networks which, are used as tools in the initial planning effort. The Gantt Barchart Mode produces time-Phased Barcharts and the Network Mode produces Time-Phased Network diagrams for reporting and monitoring schedule progress. The Cost/Resource Mode produces a wide variety of graphs (Cost, Manpower, Earned Value, etc.) showing project data which are used for budget and manpower controls.

The primary difference between the models occur in the Network Mode. Model AN1 produces networks in the Precedence format. The activities are shown as nodes and the relationships between activities are the lines which connect the nodes to form a network. Model AN2 produces networks in the Precedence format. The activities are shown as nodes and the relationships between activities are the lines which connect the nodes to form a network. Both Model EN1 and EN2 produce network diagrams showing events as nodes, which are connected by activity lines. Networks drawn by a Model EN1 system is "Finish Oriented" Time Scaled Diagrams are drwan against a date scale of Late Finish Dates. Model EN2 draws "Start Oriented" Time Scaled Diagrams is drawn against a date scale of Early Start Dates.

The Cost/Resource Mode is identical in all three-system models. Except for minor differences called out in the text, the basic capabilities provided in the Gantt Barchart Mode are the same for all models. The Prenet Mode serves the same function (graphic tool to aid in the initial development of the project plan) in all models. The display format differs between models in keeping with the type of network diagrams, which can be produced in the Network Mode.

Optional Features:

Display Options:

Three different optional features are available for producing special-purpose displays of networks and barcharts. Diagrams can be produced in pages for binding in book form. Activities can be grouped according to functio, trade, etc., and displayed in a user-spcified region within the plot. On pen plotters, network diagrams can be drawn at virtually any size. The limitation imposed by the plotter width is removed by rotating the plot and producing the full network in time segement panels.

Selection Options:

Four different optional features are available for producing network and barchart displays of selected portions of the input data. Activities may be extracted from the input reports on the basis of a user specified float or slack interval of interest. a time segment, or "snapshot" of the project may be displayed between any two user specified dates. When the input file contains several different subnets, the user can select the ones to be plotted while ignoring the reports for the other subnets. Plots showing activities selected on the basis of department, trade, etc., can be produced only activities belonging to the specified group are displayed. Activities in the project which are not selected for plotting, are simply ignored by EZPERT^(tm) Systems.

Computing System/Driver Options:

EZPERT^(tm) is hardware independent. The program runs on all the following platforms and operating systems; Windows 95/98 & NT, HP/UX, SUN/OS, PC/DOS, OS2, IBM/MVS, VAX/VMS, Alpha/OpenVMS, Alpha/UNIX and Alpha/AXP. EZPERT^(tm) output drives a plotting or terminal device. The ouput interface modules are designed according to the particular make and model of plotter or terminal in use. A basic EZPERT^(tm) System comes with the interfaces to accept input from one type of network analysis program and to produce output on one type of plotter. Multiple input and/or output interfaces may be ordered to accept input from multiple network analysis programs and/or to drive multiple types of plotters.

Manufacturers of widely used plotters and terminals inlude:


Hewlett Packard
ADM
AED
Brunning
Calcomp
Color Postscript
Imagen
DEC
PCPLOT Emulator
QMS
Ramtek
Raster Technologies
Selinar
GraphOn
Northwest Digital Systems
Houston Instruments
Howtek Pixel Master
SunView Workstation
Tektronix
Versatec
X-Windows
Zeta

Interfacing Options:

EZPERT^(tm) not only interfaces to most common project management systems, it also allows any input file to be defined in for EZPERT^(tm). The powerful Intermediate Plot File Driver (IPFDRV)^(tm) utilitiy of EZPERT^(tm) will give you the best flavor of Object Orientated capability of this software package. When operating in either the Network or Gantt Barchart Mode, EZPERT^(tm) obtains the input data directly from the tabular schedule reports (stored on disk) generated as output by the project management program used to perform the schedule calculations. EZPERT^(tm) input interface modules are designed to accept output reports in the exact format in which they are produced by the project management program. Interface modules can be obtained for all widely used network analysis programs as well as special systems unique to a particular comapny. The following project management systems currently interface to EZPERT^(tm).

To view more information about EZPERT^(TM) requires the Adobe Acrobat Reader ^(TM). (Click here to go to Adobe Systems and download this software for free). Call your GAE sales representative today at 650-302-3993 for more information on these and other exciting software products or please send your request via fax to 650-347-4234 or send your E-Mail online to

gaeinc@gaeinc.com.