Discussions
-
Setting and tracking Sprint Goals in Jira
Each Sprint in Scrum starts with Sprint Planning. The main purpose is to decide on a Sprint Goal (what the team will deliver) and what items from a Sprint Backlog they will take to achieve it. But while preparing and deciding on a Sprint Backlog can be relatively easy, deciding on a Sprint Goal that not only introduces…
-
Jira Issue Links and dependencies management
Dependencies indicate the relationship of one task to another in a logical sequence. They help to visualize the order in which you need to proceed with the issues and estimate the timeframe for them. Identifying and estimating dependencies can be challenging but so can be finding the tool that will help you scale your…
-
BigPicture Tutorial - Getting started
Hello everyone,I am often asked how to start work with BigPicture/BigGantt in the most efficient way. Below you will find the answer. We've prepared for you 9-minute video tutorial to get you started with the plugin smoothly. BigPicture Tutorial - Getting started with BigPicture and BigGantt I hope you find it useful.
-
BigPicture Tutorial - How to manage Scope
Hello, Today I would like to share with you a tutorial regarding How to start work with BigPicture and manage Scope. In the 7-minutes video, you will find useful tips on, among others: * Box configuration * Scope definition in Box configuration * Defining the scope using filters, boards, projects * Scope definition and Box…
-
BigPicture Tutorial - How to use "What-if" scenario mode
Hello everyone, Do you wonder how to optimize project planning? Then, I would like to present to you how BigPicture/BigGantt can safely plan your project using the “Scenario” mode. The mode lets you explore and compare various plans, schedule alternatives based on changing conditions, and find the best solution. The…
-
Iteration vs Sprint vs cadence in Agile
Iteration vs Sprint, and cadence. While these terms have a lot in common, each of them has a slightly different flavor to it. They all have to do with Agile project management frameworks and contribute to the predictable delivery of digital products and services. But how do they differ? What is an iteration in Agile? In…
-
Work breakdown structure (WBS) in project management
Divide et impera. The divide and conquer strategy was applied by Julius Caesar to conquer the divided Gaul twenty-two centuries ago. Today, it is still used in various fields such as politics, sociology, algorithmics, and project management. Only project managers do not use divide et impera to conquer people, but their…
-
BigPicture 8.3 is here❗️🎉
We’re happy to present the new version of our flagship product BigPicture, loaded with powerful features! BigPicture 8.3 version's main theme is usability. We focused on improving users' experience and intuitive navigation in different areas. Therefore, from the newest version, you can expect greater ease of use and better…
-
Jira time tracking: How to do it (better)?
Time tracking plays an essential role in driving the success of project planning and delivery. Time tracking applications may greatly facilitate this process by providing necessary insights which replace guesswork with math. This allows project managers to estimate project completion while, at the same time, maintaining a…
-
BigPicture 8.5 is here❗️Customize BigPicture to work in your in your favor
BigPicture 8.5 is now online. This version continues our efforts to make the user experience even smoother, as well as improve accessibility and user onboarding. It also enhances the whole portfolio management process with deeper customization in the modules. Hop on board with an improved onboarding experience New to…
-
Jira Components. How BigPicture handles them?
Components are subsections of Jira projects. What makes a great real-life component? A plug-in for a bigger software solution, a bus route, a marketing campaign, or perhaps a country market in a multinational company – are all examples of industry-specific components. How to make the most of Jira components in BigPicture?…
-
The final showdown: Iteration vs Increment
Iteration and Increment - the closer you look, the more you see how much these two terms differ. Although the Agile world binds both terms, there is a significant difference between those two approaches, which will be explained further in this article. Iterative and Incremental – definitions The brief and on-point…
-
🎈PM72MeetTheSpeaker: Effective Workload Management
Hello, community! Today I want to introduce you to Marta Pastor’s talk at The PM72. In case you aren’t familiar with PM72, it’s a charity event focused on Project Management best practices. And, It’s happening this June 13-16th, you can attend completely free – Registrations are open here. 👋 About Marta Pastor Marta is a…
-
Everything you need to know about Agile Program Management
For around two decades, many companies have tried to adopt an Agile approach into their management style. One of the keywords of this transformation is Program - a set of various, interconnected projects that are part of grander business strategy. But what actually is Agile Program Management? Let’s have a look and even…
-
Gantt chart in Agile – how to make it work?
Gantt diagrams in the context of Agile are a widely discussed topic. Gantt charts date back to the mid-1890s and are deeply rooted in Classic (Waterfall) project management. This roadmap is a staple of linear project planning. However, as times change, so does the Gantt chart – it can be a highly useful tool within the…
-
Program vs. Portfolio vs. Project in BigPicture
What is the exact difference between portfolio management and project management? What is their application in classic and hybrid environments? How often should an organization evaluate the progress of a project, program, or portfolio? Are all three items relevant to agile? Before we proceed to BigPicture-specific…
-
BigPicture 8.4 is here! Deeper integration with Jira and improved clarity of information
We’re happy to present the newest version of BigPicture and BigGantt - 8.4. We were focused on creating an easier, more intuitive tool that requires even less time to master and unleash its full potential. We have further improved the usability, and accessibility, followed by significant improvements in the Portfolio…
-
From Flawed Issue Tracking to Poor Communication. Main Project/Product Portfolio Management Mistakes
Some things are inevitable, like making mistakes. However, there is a way to think of them differently and see their benefits instead of counting losses. Let's have a closer look at the most common mistakes in PPM and learn a lesson on how to prevent them. The PPM abbreviation can refer to both Product Portfolio Management…
-
BigPicture and BigGantt Roadmap is here!
The BigPicture suite of management apps is constantly evolving. Starting from 8.1, each version hits the market quicker and responds to the vital needs of our customers and users with new features and enhancements. Our primary goal is to bring users a more intuitive, user-friendly, and data-driven experience. We also plan…
-
Managing Resources with BigPicture
Project management is way more complicated than just having a plan to follow through. Namely, you ought to take the human factor into account. How to manage limited resources to ensure your project will reach set goals? BigPicture, with its powerful Resources module, can significantly support resources' planning and…
-
5 steps to getting started with BigPicture
I am often asked how to start work with BigPicture/BigGantt in the most efficient way. Below you will find the answer. I prepared for your convenience a Quick Start Guide based on video tutorials. I hope you find it useful :) 5 steps to getting started with BigPicture * Get familiar with Boxes - flexible management spaces.…
-
Agile schedule in BigPicture. How to set it up?
Why are agile schedules so effective and increasingly favored? They provide a clear outcome in an incremental way, boost team productivity, and monitor velocity. Some agile schedules, those using story points instead of time units, also encourage “acceleration”. But unlike road traffic, “putting the pedal to the metal” is…
-
How to build an executable backlog?
Products and Agile agile teams have (living) backlogs. They are constantly changing and adapting, therefore some items may never hit the market. That's because an executable backlog works well in pushing the most value-adding items up as more information appears, resulting in blind alley items elimination. How to maintain…
-
BigPicture modules explained. A “sequence” of modules matches your workflow
In order to deliver the projects on time, it is necessary to organize and manage the whole project management process in the right way. BigPicture has nine modules plus the Overview “umbrella” module on top of them to support project management in every phase and every aspect. Let’s have a closer look at all 10…
-
Change Management in BigPicture
Change management software may greatly support organizational change making the process smooth. However, corporate transitions do not happen overnight, though the world is changing at an astounding pace. So, what change management software could stand the test of time? Before we try to answer that question, let’s mark that…
-
How to effectively use basic tasks in BigPicture?
In BigPicture, apart from the Jira issue, you have the possibility to create a basic task. It's easy to create, simply by clicking the “+” button in the top-left corner of the Gantt module. The 'Basic' label helps to distinguish BigPicture native tasks from Jira tasks. When do basic tasks work well? In the context of…
-
We are changing for you - SoftwarePlant is now BigPicture!
Big news! We are excited to announce that replacing the SoftwarePlant brand with all-new BigPicture commercial brand originating from our flagship application BigPicture - the leading Portfolio, Product, and Project Management system for Jira. The change applies to all products from Appfire’s PPM category - BigPicture,…
-
BigPicture tutorial - Dates synchronization
So, you’re planning a project… According to many project managers, the first phase of the project management life cycle -planning -determines whether a project is successful. Also, it is one of the most challenging phases, any mistake at this stage may significantly delay the achievement of your goals. Tandem, created by…
-
BigPicture 8.2 is here!
We’re excited to introduce the newest version of BigPicture! BigPicture 8.2 delivers better performance as well as improved user experience and more actionable insights. No more page reloading when switching between different modules and views of BigPicture. You can now navigate the app faster and way more smoothly. What…