How to create a WBS diagram for project management

In a project management cycle, a work breakdown structure (WBS) is a visual deconstruction related to the deliverables of any project.

When a team takes on a new project, they work on a WBS diagram because it helps project managers break down the entire scope of the project and visualize all the different tasks needed to deliver the project to their client or parties. stakeholders.

In a detailed WBS diagram, a project manager outlines all the steps needed to complete the task correctly, effortlessly and most importantly deliver the project on time because we will learn here today that when a project manager creates a WBS diagram, it puts all important tasks and work packages associated with them at the top of the WBS diagram, followed by different levels that indicate the tasks, deliverables and work packages of the project scope that are mandatory to complete to successfully complete this project from start to finish.

In this guide to understanding WBS diagrams and the importance of project management tools, we will help you understand how easily a project manager can create a WBS diagram using EdrawMax – a highly recommended free WBS diagram software currently in use. by more than 25 million professionals.

Why is project management important?

Before learning the steps of creating a WBS diagram for project management, let’s understand why project management is important in the first place.

When different team members come together to complete a given task for their project, they need leadership or direction. Without a proper guide or someone who can provide them with the right course of action, chances are they won’t be able to deliver what is expected of them.

As you see, project management is extremely crucial as it helps in integrating leadership and direction of complex projects. Several studies have shown that team members tend to perform better with the right leadership and realize their true caliber. Some of the other benefits of project management are:

• With project management, the whole team gets clarity on responsibility.

• Every project has risks and challenges, and by creating project management, a team can implement effective solutions to address those risks.

• By working on project management, a team can properly optimize allocated resources.

• Project management, like the WBS diagram, improves collaboration and communication among team members.

• With project management, it becomes extremely easier and more efficient for team members to share important documents as and when required.

How to create a WBS diagram for project management?

EdrawMax is a highly recommended tool to create and share WBS diagram for project management. If you are also looking for ways to create a WBS diagram for project management, check out the following steps:

• Launch and Save: The first thing you need to do is download EdrawMax on your computer. Unlike other WBS diagram software, EdrawMax is readily available for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Web versions. As per your current need, launch the tool in your system and register using your email address.

• Access Templates: Once in EdrawMax dashboard, head to “Business” diagram type and click “Project Management”. It will open different types of project management charts, such as Gantt charts, Kanban charts, project timelines, etc. By clicking on “WBS Diagram”, you will see several built-in templates. Additionally, you can access the template community and view free user-generated WBS templates.

• Create from scratch: If you want to create a WBS diagram for project management from scratch, click “+”. This will take you to the WBS diagram software dashboard, where you will see items you can add to your diagram.

• Add Elements: EdrawMax has a library of predefined symbols that helps project managers create WBS diagrams easily. In EdrawMax, you will find different WBS shapes, like task board, main board, right angle connector, etc. Use them as you go to create the WBS diagram.

• Export and Share: After creating a WBS diagram for project management, you can export it in multiple formats or even share it on social media platforms like Facebook, Pinterest, Line, etc.

Free project management software

EdrawMax is a project management software that offers several features to its free and paid subscribers. Some of the most accessible features of this free project management software are:

• Built-in Templates: EdrawMax offers free built-in WBS templates which help beginners easily work on WBS diagrams for project management. Some free WBS diagram templates that you can easily use are house construction WBS diagram, information system WBS diagram, customer data protection WBS diagram, etc. You can duplicate these templates and customize them 100%.

• Industry Standard Symbols: EdrawMax has an extensive symbol library that helps both beginners and experts to work on various project management diagrams. The free project management software currently has over 26,000 vector symbols, which you can use in any of your diagrams.

• Connectivity tools: In order to create complex WBS diagrams for project management, a project manager must have access to different connectivity tools. With this free project management software, a project manager will find dynamic connector, line connector and right angle connector which connect different task boards with main boards.

• Export the way you want: Project managers need different file formats when working with a large team. This free project management software allows a project manager to export the WBS diagram to multiple formats, such as JPEG, PNG, SVG, PDF, HTML, Docs, Excel, PPTX, etc. Additionally, WBS diagrams can also be exported to Visio file formats.

Final Thoughts

A WBS diagram is one of the first steps a project management team develops to ensure the project is delivered on time. A good WBS diagram for project management includes goals, objectives, timelines, etc. of the project. By creating a WBS diagram, a project manager can easily visualize the whole project in order to understand the scope, work on bottlenecks, optimize the process, utilize all resources, etc. EdrawMax is a widely used and reviewed free WBS diagram software with multiple features. This free WBS diagram software allows a project management team to work on free templates and export diagrams in multiple formats.