Networking: an example. Model of the production process

Planning work always begins with the definition of the number of tasks responsible for their execution of persons and the time required for complete completion. When managing projects, such schemes are simply necessary. First, in order to understand what total time will be spent, and secondly, to know how to plan resources. This is what project managers are doing, they primarily build a network graph. An example of a possible situation will be considered below.

Initial data

The management of the advertising agency decided to publish a new advertising product for its customers. The employees of the company were asked to consider the ideas of advertising brochures, give arguments in favor of one or another option, create a layout, prepare a draft agreement for clients and send all the information to the management for consideration. To inform customers, it is necessary to post, post the posters and call all the firms available in the database.

In addition, the chief executive made a detailed plan of all the necessary actions, appointed responsible employees and determined the time.

Let's start building a network graph. The example has the data shown in the following figure:

Constructing the matrix

Before you create a network graph, you must create a matrix. The construction of graphs begins at this stage. Imagine a coordinate system in which the vertical values correspond to i (the initial event), and the horizontal lines to j (the final event).

We begin to fill the matrix, focusing on the data in Figure 1. The first work does not have time, therefore it can be neglected. Let's consider more in detail the second.

The starting event starts with the number 1 and ends at the second event. The duration of the action is 30 days. This number is entered in the cell at the intersection of 1 row and 2 columns. In a similar way, we display all the data shown in the figure below.

The main elements used for network graphics

The construction of graphs begins with a designation of theoretical foundations. Let's consider the basic elements required for compiling the model:

1. Any event is indicated by a circle, in the middle of which there is a figure corresponding to the order of actions.
2. The work itself is an arrow leading from one event to another. Above the arrow write the time necessary for its commission, and under the arrow designate the responsible person.

Work can be performed in three states:

- The acting is an ordinary action, the fulfillment of which requires time and resources.

- Waiting is a process during which nothing happens, but it takes time to transition from one event to another.

- Fictitious work is a logical connection between events. It requires neither time nor resources, but to not interrupt the network schedule, it is indicated by a dotted line. For example, preparing grain and preparing bags for it are two separate processes, they are not sequentially linked, but their connection is necessary for the next event - packing. Therefore, select one more circle, which is connected by a dotted line.

Basic principles of construction

The rules for building network graphs are as follows:

1. All events have a beginning and an end.
2. Only the first event can not go arrows, and only from the last they do not exit.
3. All events without exception must be connected by successive works.
4. The graph is built strictly from left to right in a sequential order.
5. Two events can connect only one work. You can not put two hands; If you need to do two jobs, then enter a fictitious with a new event.
6. There must be no dead ends in the network. You can not allow the situation shown in Figure 3.
7. You can not allow the formation of cycles and closed circuits.

Building a network graph. Example

Let's return to the original example and try to draw a network graph using all the data specified earlier.

We begin with the first event. From it come two - the second and the third, which are connected in the fourth. Then everything goes consistently until the seventh event. Three works come out of it: the eighth, the ninth and the tenth. We will try to display everything:

Critical values

It's not all about building a network. The example continues. Next, you need to calculate the critical moments.

The critical path is the maximum time taken to complete the task. In order to calculate it, you need to add all the largest values of sequential actions. In our case, these are works 1-2, 2-4, 4-5, 5-6, 6-7, 7-8, 8-11. Summarize:

30 + 2 + 2 + 5 + 7 + 20 + 1 = 67 days

Thus, the critical path is 67 days.

If such time for the project does not suit management, it needs to be optimized according to the requirements.

Automation of the process

To date, few project managers manually draw diagrams. The program for constructing network graphs is a simple and convenient way to quickly calculate the time costs, determine the order of work and assign performers.

Let's briefly review the most common programs:

1. Microsoft Project 2002 is an office product in which it's very convenient to draw diagrams. But to make calculations is a little inconvenient. In order to perform even the most simple action, you need a lot of knowledge. Downloading the program, take care of acquiring instructions for use to it.
2. SPU v2.2. Very common free software. Rather, not even a program, but a file in an archive, for the use of which no installation is needed. Initially it was designed for the final work of one student, but it turned out to be so useful that the author put it on the net.
3. NetGraf is another development of a domestic specialist from Krasnodar. Very easy, easy to use, does not require installation and huge knowledge of how to handle it. The plus is that it supports the import of information from other text editors.
4. Often you can find here such a copy - Borghiz . About the developer little is known, as well as how to use the program. But according to the primitive method of "tyke" it can be mastered. The main thing is that it works.