| FastTrack Schedule | |
| Developer: | AEC Software, Inc. |
| Released: | 1987 |
| Latest Release Version: | FastTrack Schedule 2024 (Build 2664)[1] |
| Operating System: | Microsoft Windows, macOS |
| Genre: | Project management software |
| License: | Proprietary |
FastTrack Schedule is a Project Management Software app (PMS) for Mac and Windows. It helps teams plan, track, analyze, organize, manage resources, develop resource estimates, and report their projects.[2] It can manage planning, scheduling, cost control, budget management, resource allocation, and Project Portfolio Management (PPM).
It was first released in 1987 for Microsoft Windows and macOS, and is used for planning, tracking, and reporting project goals.[3] [4] [5] [6]
It also supports cross-platform compatibility between Mac and Windows users of FastTrack Schedule. FastTrack Schedule is fully cross-platform compatible, so Windows, Mac, and mixed-platform teams can all use the software collaboratively. The program is available as a local installation or a server-based version that acts as a "floating license" for larger teams.
It is designed to run on the latest operating systems, such as macOS 15 Sequoia, macOS 14 Sonoma, macOS 13 Ventura, macOS 12 Monterey, Mac OS Big Sur, macOS Catalina, macOS Mojave, Windows 11, Windows 11 ARM64 and Windows 10. It is also fully native on Intel and Apple silicone M1, M2, M3, and M4 processor Macs.
The developer, AEC Software, Inc., is headquartered in the Dulles Technology Corridor of Northern Virginia.[7]
FastTrack Schedule[8] [9] [10] allows users to organize tasks into project plans, assign resources to tasks, use effort driven scheduling, and view project details in many forms, such as Gantt charts, monthly calendars, and resource histograms.[11] [12]
It includes a range of intuitive graphical tools to help effectively plan and manage Gantt chart schedules, and track project resources. Over two hundred fifty (250) unique, colorful bar styles are included, or one can create their own.
Included are over fifty (50) free Project Management Templates and Project Management Example files.
The app's capabilities are suited for 'accidental' project managers as well as experienced project managers[13] working in small to mid-sized project teams. Versions are available for Microsoft Windows and macOS[14] and files are cross-platform compatible,[15] enabling team members on PCs and Macs to collaborate on projects. Also, available are Concurrent User versions for installation on a server.
FastTrack Schedule also exchanges data with spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel, databases, organizers such as Microsoft Outlook, Google Calendar, and Apple Calendar, and other project management software, including Microsoft Project.[16]
It has a global customer base and has been localized into five languages (English, Japanese, French, German, and Italian). Some of their well-known users include: NASA, Nike, Amazon.com, Honda, Pixar, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and The Olympic Games.
In 2012, FastTrack Schedule Go for the iPad was released. A productivity app sold on Apple iTunes, it allowed the user to analyze, present, and take their schedule with them. It worked with FastTrack Schedule Mac/Win files, XML, and Microsoft Project files. FastTrack Schedule Go is no longer distributed.
FastTrack Schedule 2024 files are cross-platform between Windows and Mac. Schedules can easily be passed back and forth between Mac and Windows users of FastTrack Schedule 2024, now with improved cross-platform font management.
macOS unique features:
Windows unique features:
New features for both Mac and Windows versions:
Intuitive Interface
The Mac product has a Format Bar that was modeled after the iWork suite, while the Windows product uses the Ribbon. The Format Bar and Ribbon are both context-sensitive and contain key scheduling tools. In addition, they can be customized by dragging and dropping features one uses the most.
Base and Work Calendars
Choose built-in Base Calendars such as standard, 24 hour, night shift, 7 Day, 6 Day, 4 Day, 2 Day (weekend) calendars, or customize your own. These calendars can be assigned per-task, so projects can have an unlimited number of Work Calendars.
Effort-Driven Scheduling
For tasks that can be completed faster by adding more resources, use Effort-Driven Scheduling for simple schedule compression. Automatically adjust task durations as resources are added or subtracted, while keeping the total work for a task constant.
Image Columns
Use Image Columns to add pictures of task items, staff, resources, designs, progress photos, etc, directly into column cells. Images automatically scale as thumbnails to match row heights and display as larger images when one hovers over them.
Assignment Contouring
Choose from eight built-in work contours or customize your own for the ultimate ease and flexibility in resource scheduling. Assignment contouring enables one to quickly re-distribute their resources' efforts on a task for those special cases and must-meet deadlines.
Work Usage Inspector
Monitor resource workloads while making assignments in the Schedule View. The Work Usage Inspector displays Resource Usage Graphs at the base of the Gantt chart to provide a detailed snapshot of a resource's free and busy time, enabling one to make precise assignments and effectively manage resource costs.
Resource Information Form
The Resource Information Form organizes work schedules, rates, and all contact information into a single comprehensive form.
Images, Text Boxes and Legends
Add textboxes, legends, graphics, photos, logos, sketches, and other images to enhance the visuals of projects.
Etc.
Resource Management: Collect, organize, and track a resource's Details, Skill Sets, Materials/Supplies, Costs, Groups, by creating from scratch or importingCollaboration: Work with others using Team Calendars, Timeline, Issue Tracking, Email Integration, and Dashboard.
Project Management: Includes tools for Task Management, Mind Maps, Task Feedback, Scheduling, Calendars, Timelines, Gantt Charts, Interactive Gantt Charts, Reporting, Statistics, Work Load, Financials, Document Management, Privacy Settings, Budgeting, Critical Path Method, Project Templates, Baseline, Custom Baseline, Milestones.
Help & Support: A support system is provided which includes: Training Courses, FAQ's, Tutorials, User Manual, Email Support, Online Form Support, Telephone Support, and an online forum.