free excel templates for project management

#Free excel templates for project management how to#
#Free excel templates for project management update#

If the tasks requires intermediate reviews and feedback, update the Actual column when you ask for a review or feedback, so that the client can see how much time has been spent already, and how much time is left. Don't wait to surprise them with the actual costs in an invoice. If you work hourly, keep the Actual column updated to let your client know how you are spending their money. This may include listing the specific documents, images, files or prototypes that will be delivered as part of the project.Ĭosts and Time Estimates: Use the Cost and Hours section to help communicate costs, either fixed bids or estimates of hours. You may need to use and refer to other documents if the details cannot be communicated effectively using the Description column or cell comments.ĭefine Deliverables: Use the Deliverables section to summarize the deliverables and specify due dates. Make sure the tasks are described in detail. Use Detailed Descriptions: Ambiguity is one of the biggest evils in consulting, contracting, and freelance work.

Use Concise Project and Task Names: Choose project and task names that can be easily referred to in the subject line of emails and other communication. If you are the service provider, you may need to ask your client now and then to verify the priority of the projects. Set Priorities: If you are the client, make sure to set priorities and remember that not all tasks can be the most important. Send a quick email to notify others if you've made changes you want them to see. Keep the Status Up-to-Date: Review the Project Tracker regularly and keep the status column updated. When adding a new comment, add it to the top of the existing comments, and include the date along with your name like this: 'Jon Wittwer (): Needs a bit more re-work. Use email to discuss details, and use the project tool to summarize things agreed upon.Īdding Comments: Comments are the key to communication using this template. It's inevitable that you'll have long email chains as you communicate about the details of the project. The purpose of the tool is to keep things organized, see the progress of individual tasks all in one place, and to track time and costs. the Project Tool: Don't expect the project tracking tool to eliminate the need for email. Add cell comments in this column to include notes about the status.Įmail vs. This is the column you flag to let them know they need to pay attention to something. Use it to notify the client of line items that need to be reviewed. Notifications: The real key to this template is the very first column. To make this truly useful, everyone needs to be able to see it regularly.

#Free excel templates for project management how to#

How to Use this Project Tracking TemplateĬollaboration: Keep the project tracker in a shared folder or Dropbox, or use the Google Docs version, so that both the client and service provider have real-time access to it. New Discussion-Style Comments in Google Spreadsheets Perfect for Collaboration - You can use this to post questions and comments about the project tracker as well.