For Subscribers

Project Perfect Put your projects on the fast track.

By Liane M. Gouthro

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Using a software application to help manage your projectsshouldn't be more work than the project itself. Unfortunately,in many cases, it is. And, at first glance, FastTrack ScheduleVersion 7.0 from AEC Softwarelooks as if it could require more effort than you bargained for.However, this project-management tool offers many features that canmake monitoring projects less of a headache.

Version 7.0, the latest upgrade to the software, is availablefor $299 (street). It adds more customization options and new waysto view your project's timeline. It also features a compatibleversion for your Palm handheld computer, available for $99(street). The Palm version offers a limited number of the featuresavailable in the desktop version, but it does allow you to createand edit schedules.

The desktop version is indeed far more robust. The interface isbusy-it can be overwhelming at first-but once you spend some timenavigating through the application and its many features, you learnjust what FastTrack can do. For instance, you can track progress ona project by entering different tasks and assigning timelines. Youcan also track the hours and the amount of money spent on eachproject. New in Version 7.0: a calendar view that allows you to seeyour project's timeline on a traditional calendar rather thanjust on a Gantt chart. The tracking function also features acritical path highlighter, which highlights the trail of tasks withthe least flexibility for change.

FastTrack 7.0 also adds resource tracking, which allows you totrack all the people, equipment and resources necessary forprojects. With the Resource Work Calendar, users can set individualwork calendars for each person or each piece of equipment involvedin a project. Each individual or piece of equipment can be assignedto a specific task (issues such as vacation time or equipmentmaintenance can be accounted for), and the information can bedisplayed in a bar chart. Also among the new features in Version7.0 are the QuickLook Balloons, the QuickRange Palette, a Web helpsection and a Microsoft Project 2000 Exchange Wizard. A fullyfunctional version is available as a free download, but users willbe unable to save files. Registered users of Version 6.0 canupgrade for $129.


Liane Gouthro, a former technology reporter at PCWorld.com, freelances from herhome in Brookline, Massachusetts.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Business News

AI Is Going to 'Replace Everybody' in Several Fields, According to the 'Godfather of AI.' Here's Who He Says Should Be 'Terrified.'

Geoffrey Hinton, called the "Godfather of AI" due to his pioneering work on AI, says some fields face a heavier risk of replacement due to automation.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Meta Is Reportedly Planning to Release New AI Smart Glasses With Oakley and Prada

The Oakley Meta AI glasses are expected to cost more than the Ray-Ban Metas.

Taxes

Why New Tax Rules Could Be a Game Changer for Your Business

With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act making its way through Congress, entrepreneurs need to be ready for significant tax policy changes.

Science & Technology

Turn Your Professional Expertise into a Book—You Don't Even Have to Write It Yourself

All you need is Youbooks AI to generate publish-ready non-fiction manuscripts of your ideas.

Leadership

The CEO's Guide to Thriving as a First-Time Parent

The unexpected ways parenthood makes you a better leader.